Illinois

Chicago Wins One Round in Battle over Parking Tickets

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

Courts Split on Denying a Chapter 13 Discharge for Failure to Make Direct Payments

Illinois judge interprets Rule 3002.1 as being ‘debtor-friendly,’ not as creating new grounds for denial of a chapter 13 discharge.

Chicago Judge Erases Chapter 13 Debt Limits on Student Loans

Large student loans do not justify dismissal of a chapter 13 case when chapter 11 is the only alternative, Bankruptcy Judge Janet S. Baer says.

Administrative Status Given for Claims Against an Assignee for Creditors

Chicago judge finds flexibility for granting ‘protection’ claims under Section 543(c)(1).

Chicago Believes that Inaction Doesn’t Violate the Automatic Stay

Windy City plunges into the circuit split on inaction as a violation of the automatic stay.

Chicago Strikes Out on Priority Status for Post-Petition Parking Fines

Clever drafting of chapter 13 plans prevents collection of post-petition parking fines.

Courts Split on Whether Claims for Overpayments of DSOs Are Themselves DSOs

Status of claims for overpayment of domestic support obligations begs for appellate review.

The Unlimited Wedding Ring Exemption Has Some Limits, Illinois Judge Says

Opinion traces the thousand-year history of wedding and engagement rings.

Debtor Can’t Reaffirm an Auto Loan by Waiving Discharge of the Debt

Chief Judge Gorman requires strict adherence to Section 524(c) in reaffirming a debt.