California

Refusal to Arbitrate the Validity of a Security Interest Is Tersely Affirmed in California

Are the lower courts out of step with the Supreme Court when it comes to enforcement of arbitration of disputes in bankruptcy court?

Courts Are Split on the Interest Rate for Unsecured Creditors of a Solvent Debtor

California judge disagrees with a Texas judge and rules that creditors of a solvent debtor are not entitled to the higher state judgment rate or the higher contract rate.

Removing a Beneficiary of a Revocable Trust Isn’t a Fraudulent Transfer

An expectancy interest in a trust isn’t “property” to underlay a fraudulent transfer suit.

Jointly Owned Property Is Presumptively Community Property in California

Title doesn’t control: Jointly owned property is nonetheless community property in a dispute with a bankruptcy trustee, the California Supreme Court says.

‘Disposable Income’ Must Be Carefully Defined to Preserve the Debtor’s Discharge

Judge Christopher Klein parses the burdens of proof on conversion, dismissal and right to a discharge for an individual in chapter 11.

Exotic Aircraft Finance Defeats a Trustee on Recharacterization

Electing English law upheld, even though no one had any connection with the U.K.

California Judge Explains Why Acevedo Doesn’t Bar Retroactive Orders

Retroactive and nunc pro tunc orders aren’t the same thing, Judge Jaime says. Orders may be retroactive when the power is implied by statute.

Judge Christopher Klein Takes Sides on a Circuit Spilt Coming to the Supreme Court

Judge Klein’s opinion reads like an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to grant ‘cert’ and resolve a circuit split by taking sides with the majority on Section 362(c)(3)(A).

First Opinion on the SBRA Permits Conversion of an Existing Chapter 11 Case

Bankruptcy Judge Scott Clarkson of Santa Ana, Calif., issued the first reported decision on the new small business reorganization law that became effective on February 19.

Section 362(k)(1) Sanctions Apply to Automatic Stay Violation Continuing After Discharge

Almost $35,000 in actual and punitive damages was imposed on a judgment creditor and its collection law firm for failing to vacate a garnishment following notice of bankruptcy and discharge.