Florida Middle District

A Claim Is Unliquidated if It Requires the Exercise of Judgment or Discretion

Tort claims are usually unliquidated, but a contract claim is liquidated if it’s precisely determinable by agreement or operation of law, Judge Lori Vaughan says.

Rooker-Feldman Only Applies to Someone Who Was a Party in State Court

Rooker-Feldman is applied narrowly these days and isn’t a substitute for collateral estoppel.

Another Court Holds that Debts of Corporate Sub V Debtors Can’t Be Nondischargeable

Contrary to the Fourth Circuit, five bankruptcy courts have now held there’s no such thing as nondischargeability for corporate Sub V debtors. The question is now before the Fifth Circuit.

Notification of Bankruptcy Requires Lifting Garnishment of Post-Petition Income

Although the automatic stay does not require turning over property garnished before bankruptcy, a creditor may not continue garnishing property after filing, Judge Burgess says.

Sub V Plan Can Require Automatic Increases Based on Actual Disposable Income

A district judge in Florida upheld a Subchapter V plan that required automatic increases in payments to unsecured creditors based on actual disposable income.

A Tax Refund from Withheld Social Security Benefits Does Not Lose the Exemption

With little authority one way or the other, lower courts are split on whether Social Security benefits lose their exemption if withheld and later paid as a tax refund.

Eleventh Circuit Again Predicted to Split with the Second Circuit on Foreign Recognition

Florida district judge explains why a foreign debtor isn’t required to have a presence in the U.S. before the debtor’s foreign representatives can win recognition under chapter 15.

Limits Placed on Rule 2004 Discovery After Chapter 11 Plan Confirmation

Although the bankruptcy court has subject matter jurisdiction after confirmation, the debtor cannot show ‘good cause’ for Rule 2004 discovery if it would confer an ‘unfair strategic advantage.’

Sometimes, a Judgment Lien from Foreclosure Can Be Avoided as Homestead Impairment

A deficiency judgment arising from foreclosure of another parcel of real estate can be avoided as an impairment of a debtor’s homestead exemption.

Eleventh Circuit Predicted to Split with the Second Circuit on Foreign Recognition

Judge Vaughan explains why a foreign debtor isn’t required to have a presence in the U.S. before the debtor’s foreign representatives can win recognition under chapter 15.

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