Texas

Barton Doctrine Protected a Receiver from an Automatic Stay Violation

The district court properly reversed and dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction under Barton.

Creditor Hit with $826,000 in Sanctions for Filing a Meritless Proof of Claim

Refusing to withdraw a meritless claim with prejudice contributed to the decision by Judge Jernigan to impose high-six-figure sanctions.

Reference Withdrawal on Houston Ethics Probe Pits UST Against Bankruptcy Judge

Despite consent by the firm to withdraw the reference of motions to disgorge its fees, a bankruptcy judge in Houston recommended against withdrawal to district court and against transfer to another district.

Lender’s Attorneys Paid Twice the Debtor’s Counsel Fees

Unnecessarily holding the lender’s feet to the fire resulted in the allowance of attorneys’ fees to the lender that were twice the debtor’s counsel fees.

Bankruptcy Code Overrides Contrary Delaware Corporate Law, Judge Lopez Says

Whether a creditor violated the automatic stay is not arbitrable in bankruptcy.

Two Judges Agree: A Class with No Votes Isn’t Considered in Confirming a Sub V Plan

One month apart, two Houston bankruptcy judges held that a non-voting class is not deemed to have voted against a plan.

Issue Preclusion Saddles Alex Jones with $1.2 Billion in Nondischargeable Debt

Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez of Houston will hold trials that could result in more nondischargeable debt for Alex Jones.

In Sub V, a Class with No Votes Isn’t Considered in Confirming a Chapter 11 Plan

Former Bankruptcy Judge David R. Jones disagreed with a colleague, who had held that a non-voting class is considered as having voted against a plan.

Student Loans Consolidated After Filing Can’t Be Discharged, Even for Undue Hardship

Consolidating student loans after filing creates a post-petition debt that can’t be discharged without filing bankruptcy again.

Payments Were Preferences Even Though They Were Made with Insurance Proceeds

A preference opinion from Houston counsels creditors to be cautious when they are expecting payment from insurance.

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