Although Interlocutory, Orders Refusing to Compel Arbitration Can Be Appealed
An appeal brewing in West Virginia may give the Fourth Circuit an opportunity to decide when or whether arbitration agreements are enforceable in bankruptcy.
Court:
Fourth Circuit Says an Insurer Has No Right to Negotiate an ‘Asbestos’ Plan
The Fourth Circuit wrote a scholarly (and dense) opinion differentiating among bankruptcy standing, bankruptcy appellate standing and constitutional standing.
Court:
Losing a Motion to Reopen a Case Can Be a Victory for the Debtor (Sometimes)
An act of Congress that waived sovereign immunity for Marines at Camp Lejeune meant that personal injury tort claims did not arise when the injury was sustained.
Stay Violator Held Liable for Debtor’s Attorneys’ Fees Incurred to Collect Damages
When a stay violator refused to reimburse debtor’s counsel for fees to stop the stay violation, Judge Rebecca Connelly awarded attorneys’ fees for time spent to collect attorneys’ fees.
Court:
Fourth and Third Circuits Give Priority to Obamacare’s Individual Mandate Penalty
The Fourth Circuit sides with the Third on the Affordable Care Act’s ‘individual mandate.’ Majority says it was a tax measured by income, thus giving the IRS a priority tax claim.
Court:
Bankruptcy Courts Disagree on Paying U.S. Trustee Fees by Liquidating Trusts
Adroitly drafting a chapter 11 plan may avoid having a liquidating trust pay quarterly fees to the U.S. Trustee.
The Best Opinion Yet Ordering Refunds for Overpayment of U.S. Trustee Fees
All three courts to confront the question have now ordered the government to refund overpayments of U.S. Trustee fees.
A Section 542(b) Turnover Action Can’t Be Used to Compel Payment of a Judgment
Writs of execution and supplemental proceedings, not turnover actions, are the methods for enforcing a money judgment, Bankruptcy Judge Warren says.
Placing Title Jointly with a Spouse May Be Avoidable if the Spouse Gave No Consideration
In South Carolina, taking title to property jointly with a spouse can be an avoidable gift under the Statute of Elizabeth.
Court:
The War Between National and Local Rates Continues in Eastern Virginia
Counsel run the risk of being paid lower local rates in ‘mega’ cases filed in the Eastern District of Virginia.