Debtors Win in District Court: They Can Avoid Judicial Liens on Impounded Cars
Car owners lost in Fulton but won when a Chicago district judge affirmed and ruled that debtors may avoid judicial liens on impounded cars.
Contested Matters Aren’t ‘Civil Actions’ Under the Equal Access to Justice Act
A contested matter in bankruptcy court isn’t a ‘civil action’ allowing the debtor to recover attorneys’ fees from the U.S. Trustee under the Equal Access to Justice Act.
Defenses to Preferences Are Considered in Counting an Involuntary Debtor’s Creditors
A former bankruptcy judge, now a district judge, makes important law on involuntary petitions.
The Reason for Missing the Deadline Is Most Important in Finding ‘Excusable Neglect’
The length of time before filing a motion to extend the appeal-filing deadline isn’t dipositive under Rule 8002(d)(1)(B).
Refusal to Arbitrate the Validity of a Security Interest Is Tersely Affirmed in California
Are the lower courts out of step with the Supreme Court when it comes to enforcement of arbitration of disputes in bankruptcy court?
The Standards for a Pre-Filing Injunction Against a Vexatious Litigant
The record as a whole and the likelihood of further abuse justify a pre-filing injunction.
Sanction for Discharge Violation: $450 in Actual Damages and $10,000 for Attorneys’ Fees
When there’s ‘no fair ground of doubt’ about a discharge violation, the creditor should settle or make an offer of settlement to avoid larger damages after trial.
Even with Knowledge of Bankruptcy, Discharge Contempt Requires Notice of Discharge
The Ninth Circuit BAP says there must be knowledge of the discharge order to find contempt, even when the debtor continues the same conduct that violated the automatic stay.
Follow the Rules or Lose an Exemption in a New Home While in Chapter 13
Chapter 13 debtors lost an exemption in a new home after converting to chapter 7 because they didn’t follow the rules.
Statement of Profitability Must Be in Writing to Underpin a Nondischargeability Claim
A statement about the profitability of a corporation the debtor owns is a statement about the debtor’s own financial condition, the Fifth Circuit says.