An ATV Is an Exempt ‘Motor Vehicle’ in Ohio, Judge Whipple Says
Judge Mary Ann Whipple declined to engraft a ‘use’ restriction onto the broad meaning of ‘motor vehicle’ in Ohio.
Debtors May Avoid Judicial Liens Under Section 522(f) Securing Nondischargeable Debts
Bankruptcy Judge Alan Koschik declined to follow cases decided before Congress amended Section 522(f) to preclude avoiding judicial liens securing domestic support obligations.
Fraudulent Transfers to Revocable Trusts May or May Not Zap Homestead Exemptions
In Ohio, the debtor won’t lose the homestead exemption by transferring a home to a revocable trust.
Judge Kendig Implies that Failure to Run a Lien Search is Tantamount to Malpractice
The debtors’ lawyer’s lack of diligence allowed the creditor to invoke laches and beat a belated motion to avoid a lien that impaired a homestead exemption.
Contested Matters Aren’t ‘Civil Actions’ Under the Equal Access to Justice Act
A contested matter in bankruptcy court isn’t a ‘civil action’ allowing the debtor to recover attorneys’ fees from the U.S. Trustee under the Equal Access to Justice Act.
Parental Support Isn’t Counted on Discharge of Student Loans, Judge Kendig Says
Private charity is not considered to be part of a debtor’s income under the first part of the Brunner test.
Another Judge Clamps Down on Third-Party Releases in a Major Reorganization
Extinguishing contingent environmental claims doesn’t comply with the Sixth Circuit’s Dow Corning test, Judge Koschik says.
FDCPA Plaintiffs Aren’t Required to Plead the Debt Collector’s Knowledge of Bankruptcy
A debtor collector’s knowledge or intent aren’t elements of a claim under the FDCPA.
Functionally Illiterate, Disabled Debtor Succeeds in Discharging Student Loans
Why must the system require a trial to discharge student loans by a debtor in hopeless circumstances?
Claim Deadline Also Applies to Secured Creditors in Chapter 13, Judge Holds
Although not required to file claims, secured creditors must comply with the deadline if they do.