One Preference Won’t Prevent Another from Being a Preference
A joint check agreement signed in the preference window is a preference, two Virginia judges say.
Fourth Circuit Eliminates a Split on Modifying Short Term Mortgages in Chapter 13
Joining two other circuits, the Fourth Circuit now permits a chapter 13 debtor to strip down a short term home mortgage to the value of the property.
Court:
Survivor in a Merger Can’t Sue for a Preference Made by a Dissolved Entity
Plain language of Section 547 defeated what could have been an easily avoided preference.
Malicious Theft of Trade Secrets Doesn’t Result in Nondischargeability, Circuit Says
Egregious behavior doesn’t always result in nondischargeability for willful and malicious injury.
Court:
‘Treasury Offset Program’ Can’t Be Used After Bankruptcy, Judge Volk Rules
Bankruptcy Judge Volk, nominated for the district court, rules in favor of the debtor on a question dividing the courts.
Refunds by Creditors After Chapter 13 Discharge Go to Creditors, Not the Debtor
The logic of Harris v. Viegelahn doesn’t mean that chapter 13 debtors receive distributions refunded by creditors.
Another Circuit Allows an Unsecured Claim for Contractual Attorneys’ Fees
The circuits agree, but the lower courts disagree, on the allowance of post-petition attorneys’ fees based on contract.
Court:
Section 1326 Preempts State Law on Levies to Collect Child Support, Fourth Circuit Says
Achieving a ‘good result’ is no reason to disregard a command in the Bankruptcy Court.
Court:
Security Interest Perfected on the Filing Date Remains Valid if It Lapses Later
The addition of Section 362(b)(3) is held not to affect the ‘freeze rule’ with regard to lapsing security interests.
Court:
Makewhole Premium Disallowed When the Debt Had Been Accelerated
Judge Flatley avoids taking sides in the Second/Third Circuit split.