Illinois Northern District

Chicago Case May Resolve the Circuit Split on the New Value Defense

Bankruptcy judge reluctantly follows precedent where the Seventh Circuit is in the minority on the new value defense.

Circuits Split on Trustee’s Ability to Extend the Dischargeability Deadline

A motion extending the dischargeability deadline does not require personal service on the debtor, Chicago judge rules.

Chicago Judge Refuses to Confirm a ‘Step’ Chapter 13 Plan

Judge Barnes won’t allow a chapter 13 debtor’s counsel to be paid at the expense of secured creditors.

Major Automatic Stay Issue Inches Toward the Supreme Court

Chicago parking ticket cases to be resolved in the Seventh Circuit.

Chicago District Judge Reestablishes Chapter 13 Debt Limits on Student Loans

Debtors with too much student loan debt are functionally ineligible for any form of bankruptcy relief.

Chicago Must Return Impounded Cars Immediately After a Chapter 13 Filing

Judge Thorne rules that exceptions to the automatic stay do not allow the City of Chicago to retain possession of impounded cars.

Bankruptcy Judge Can Enter Final Judgment after a Fraudulent Transfer Bench Trial

The payee of a check isn’t necessarily the transferee of a fraudulent transfer, Chicago judge says.

Parties to a Civil Union Held Eligible to File a Joint Petition

Chicago judge takes stand for the equality of same-sex couples.

Bankruptcy Judge Predicts Circuit Split on Substantive Consolidation with Nondebtors

Seventh Circuit is averse to creating remedies under Section 105, Bankruptcy Judge Hollis says.

Chicago Wins One Round in Battle over Parking Tickets

The battle continues in Chicago over using chapter 13 to beat parking tickets.