11th Circuit

Subchapter V Trustee Removed for an Undisclosed Conflict of Interest

Although disqualified and removed for an undisclosed conflict, the trustee was not removed in all other cases.

Selling Assets of a Defunct Business Is a Legitimate Activity in ‘Sub V,’ Florida Judge Says

The oversight of a distribution by a chapter 7 trustee (and the attendant expense) isn’t required when a debtor liquidates the assets in Subchapter V of chapter 11.

Who Gets Insurance Proceeds When a Car Is ‘Totaled’ in Chapter 13?

Judge Callaway explains when a debtor keeps insurance proceeds and when it goes to creditors under a chapter 13 plan.

General Default Judgment Didn’t Satisfy Requirements of Issue Preclusion, Circuit Says

If the complaint was properly plead, a general default judgment might invoke issue preclusion to bar discharge of a debt.
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Circuits Split on Finality of Rule 2004 Discovery Orders in Chapter 15 Cases

Citing Ritzen as the reason, the Eleventh Circuit disagreed with the Second Circuit regarding the finality of Rule 2004 discovery orders in chapter 15 cases.
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Standards Laid Down for Bifurcated Fee Arrangement in the Southern District of Florida

Local or state bar groups should work up standard-form retainer agreements and disclosures to facilitate bifurcated fee arrangements.

Barton Protection Ends When the Bankruptcy Case Closes, Eleventh Circuit Says

Eleventh Circuit splits with four other circuits by holding that the Barton doctrine doesn’t protect trustees once the bankruptcy is over.
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Lack of Permanent Resident Status Doesn’t Always Defeat a Homestead Exemption

Having a family member in the home who made a formal request for legal residence will suffice to permit a Florida homestead exemption, Judge Jennemann said.

Joint Tax Refund Isn’t Estate Property in Florida if Only One Spouse Files Bankruptcy

When personal property can be owned by the entireties, a tax refund isn’t estate property even if the bankrupt spouse earned all income.

PACA Violation Doesn’t Result in Nondischargeability for Defalcation, Tampa Judge Says

On an upcoming certified appeal, the Eleventh Circuit can decide whether violating a PACA trust is a ‘defalcation while acting in a fiduciary capacity’ that makes a debt nondischargeable.

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