1st Circuit

On Conversion to ‘7,’ Admin Expenses in ‘13’ Must Be Paid, Harris Notwithstanding

When chapter 13 cases are converted to chapter 7 before confirmation, bankruptcy courts are split on whether the broad language in Harris v. Viegelahn bars chapter 13 trustees from paying administrative expenses incurred before conversion.

Chapter 11 Plan May Impair a Mortgage When the Debtor Is Not Liable on the Debt

A chapter 11 plan may not impair the rights of a mortgage lender against a co-owner who is not in bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 Debtors Keep Property that Was Unintentionally Undisclosed

Revesting allowed chapter 13 debtors to retain property that was innocently undisclosed.

Circuit Says Retaining Jurisdiction Not Required to Impose Fees Under Section 303(i)

Motions for fees must be made within 14 days of the entry of judgment.
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On a Circuit Split, First Circuit BAP Enforces Deadlines for Joining Involuntary Petitions

The circuits are split on whether a creditor has an ‘unfettered’ right to join as an involuntary petitioner.
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Recoupment of Social Security Benefit Overpayments Is Barred as a Setoff

Medicaid overpayments may be recovered as ‘recoupment’ while Social Security overpayments are attempted setoffs barred by discharge, Bankruptcy Judge Harwood says.

Another Court Holds that PACA Trusts Do Not Give Rise to Nondischargeable Debts

Violating a PACA trust does not result in ‘defalcation while acting in a fiduciary capacity’ that makes a debt nondischargeable, Bankruptcy Judge Panos says, taking sides with the Eleventh Circuit.

Substantially Equivalent Value Not Required to Defeat Equitable Disgorgement

The standard for defeating equitable disgorgement is lower than the proof required to fend off receipt of a fraudulent transfer.
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College Tuition Made a Debtor Ineligible for Chapter 7

Chapter 7 can be inaccessible for a married debtor living in the same household with a nonfiling spouse who has substantial income.

First Circuit Describes How to Value an Interest in Entireties Property

The value of a debtor’s interest in entireties property isn’t necessarily 50% of the value of the entire property.
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