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Showing 9 posts in Chapter 11.

U.S. Supreme Court Rules that Order Granting or Denying Request for Relief from Automatic Stay is Final Order that is Immediately Appealable

A party who believes that a bankruptcy court erred in either granting or denying relief from the automatic stay needs to act fast to appeal such a decision. In the recently decided case of Ritzen Group, Inc. v. Jackson Masonry, LLC, the U.S. Supreme Court held that: “[A]djudication of a motion for relief from the automatic stay forms a discrete procedural unit within the embracive bankruptcy case” which “yields a final, appealable order when the bankruptcy court unreservedly grants or denies relief.” Read More ›

Categories: Chapter 11, Collections, U.S. Supreme Court

Supreme Court to Address Circuit Split Regarding Debt Re-Characterization Claims

On June 26, 2017, the Supreme Court granted certiorari in PEM Entities v. Levin to decide whether bankruptcy courts should apply a federal multi-factor test or an underlying state law when deciding whether to re-characterize a debt claim as equity. The Court’s decision to grant cert in this case should resolve a circuit split and clarify the law as it relates to re-characterizing corporate debt as equity. Read More ›

Categories: 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, Chapter 11, U.S. Supreme Court

Bankruptcy Court Denies Creditors Request for Relief from Automatic Stay to Arbitrate its Claims and Progress Setoff and Recoupment Rights

One of the primary reasons that most debtors seek bankruptcy relief is the automatic stay, which prevents creditors from pursuing collection efforts outside of the bankruptcy proceedings. Creditors can, however, seek relief from the automatic stay from the bankruptcy court under certain circumstances. Read More ›

Categories: Chapter 11, Western District of Michigan

Do People Owe You Money?

Upcoming Webinar Series: Collect Your Money in Bankruptcy

Attorneys Scott Chernich and Patricia Scott will be presenting a FREE webinar series this fall titled “Collect Your Money in Bankruptcy.” This three-part series will cover what to do as a creditor if you receive a bankruptcy notice in a Chapter 7, Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Read More ›

Categories: Chapter 11, Chapter 13, Chapter 7

Sixth Circuit Rules that Individual Chapter 11 Debtors are Subject to the Absolute Priority Rule

One of the fundamental tenets of a business bankruptcy reorganization plan under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code is the "absolute priority rule." This rule, codified in section 1129(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Bankruptcy Code, provides that every unsecured creditor must be paid in full before the debtor can retain any property under a reorganization plan. Chapter 11, however, is not solely the domain of business debtors. Individuals (who more commonly seek protection under Chapters 7 and 13) may also file for Chapter 11. So how does the absolute priority rule affect individual debtors? That issue is analyzed in a recent opinion, Ice House America, LLC v. Cardin, issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Read More ›

Categories: 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, Chapter 11

Chapter 11 Retainer is Property of Estate even if Paid by Third Party

In re Newcomb Print Communications, Inc., Case No. 12-08042 (Bankr. W.D. Mich., Sept. 6, 2013).

When a debtor files a case under Chapter 11 and retains legal counsel, another person or entity may fund the debtor’s retainer. But even when the debtor is not the source of the funds, the retainer is property of the bankruptcy estate – which is particularly important if the case later converts to Chapter 7. Read More ›

Categories: Chapter 11, Chapter 7

Sixth Circuit: Rejection of Chapter 11 Plan not a “Final Appealable Order” for Purposes of Appellate Jurisdiction

Lindsey v. Pinnacle Nat’l Bank (In re Lindsey), Appeal No. 12-6362 (6th Cir., Aug. 13, 2013)

The Sixth Circuit held this week in a published opinion that a bankruptcy court’s denial of confirmation of a Chapter 11 plan is not a final appealable order. In so holding, the Sixth Circuit joins four other circuits, while three other circuits have held to the contrary. Read More ›

Categories: 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, Chapter 11

Changes to the Proof of Claim Form as of December 1, 2011

Effective December 1, 2011, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (FRBP) that govern filing a proof of claim will change dramatically. 

FRBP 3001 will be amended to increase the types of information required to be attached to a proof of claim.  While Rule 3001 has always required a claimant to produce a writing to support its claim, now a claimant must also attach information relative to the principal, interest, fees, and any other expenses incurred pre-petition - including arrearages.  Read More ›

Categories: Chapter 11, Chapter 13, Chapter 7

New Amendments to Bankruptcy Rules Take Effect

Although less sweeping than the 2009 rule amendments, which changed the time periods for many actions, bankruptcy professionals should take note of the most recent changes to the Bankruptcy Rules. 

Notably, Amended Rule 1007(c) increases the time for an individual debtor in Chapter 7 to file the statement of completion of a course concerning personal financial management from 45 days to 60 days. Read More ›

Categories: Chapter 11, Chapter 13, Chapter 7