7th Circuit

Plan Amendment Barred When Just a Few Claims Had Been Paid After Confirmation

Substantial consummation under Section 1193(b) was defined by the bankruptcy court to mean commencement of distributions to some but not all creditor classes.

A Receiver May Move to Dismiss an Involuntary Petition, but May Not Answer

Surprisingly, there is little authority on whether or how a receiver may respond to the filing of an involuntary petition.

Liens on Impounded Cars Are Judicial Liens that May Be Avoided, Seventh Circuit Says

The City of Chicago argued unsuccessfully that liens on cars are statutory because they arise automatically when the car is impounded.
Court: 

Constructive Notice Won’t Save a Sale Under 363(m) Absent Actual Notice, Seventh Circuit Says

To be a good faith purchaser under Section 363(m), a purchaser must be given actual notice to those with an interest in the property. Constructive notice won’t suffice.
Court: 

No Withdrawal or Jury Trial on Claims that Lawyers Violated Section 526

The district court opinion affirms the notion that bankruptcy courts have ‘core’ power without a jury to adjudicate claims of attorney misconduct.

Bankruptcy Is a Big Risk for Unmarried Couples Who Split Up

Family lawyers should be acutely aware that bankruptcy protections for former spouses don’t cover unmarried couples.
Court: 

Chapter 13 Can Shield Preferences from Recovery

So long as the debtor is paying unsecured creditors what chapter 13 requires, the debtor is not obliged to pursue preferences.

Costs of a Disciplinary Proceeding Again Held Nondischargeable Under Section 523(a)(7)

Seventh Circuit says that costs incurred by disciplinary authorities are not in compensation for ‘actual pecuniary loss.’
Court: 

Supplier Socked for $3.5 Million in Preferences Although All Bills Were Paid on Time

Hounding a debtor for payment and shortening credit terms defeated an ‘ordinary course’ defense to a preference.

Although Unusual, Postpetition Retainers Are Permissible, Chicago Judge Says

The possibility that interim compensation allowances can be disgorged means that counsel won’t have an undue advantage over other administrative creditors, Judge Cleary says.

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