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June 1, 2020
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From the NACTT
NACTT ANNUAL CONFERENCE – SAN DIEGO July 8-11, 2020
SO, the registration form attached requires that you mark whether or not you would likely attend in person or only participate online.
All late registration fees have been waived so REGISTER NOW!!
Zoom, Zoom and More Zoom
- Why Zoom Meetings Are So Dissatisfying – Internet Chats Disrupt the Automatic, Split-Second Cues on Which Conversation Relies. . . “Adding these pauses to work calls can make speakers seem less convincing.” (You will have to register for a free account in order to read this article but it is worth it. It discusses how delays in our normal patterns of speech experienced in all online video communication platforms affect credibility – this could mean between an attorney and a potential client, a debtor and a trustee/staff attorney at a 341, a witness and a judge, an attorney and a judge, etc.)
- Preparing to Participate in a Zoom Video Hearing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Western District of Wisconsin (The Best Practices contained in this link are applicable for all courts.)
Other helpful hints:
- Use a good ol’ ethernet cable instead of wi-fi whenever possible
- Test your internet speed – type the phrase “speed test” into a Google search; the first search result will help you determine your connection speed
- Make sure you instruct your client to be dressed – and properly – no shirtless 341 attendance – male or female
- Make sure your client is awake before your case is called
Congress, It’s Time to Get Rid of That Stupid Means Test
From the Editor – Discharge Injunction
Judge Parsons to Retire
From the IRS
Forbearance Guidelines
- Fees for Bankruptcy Notices of Forbearance – May 6, 2020
- Fannie Mae Lender Letter to Servicers (LL-2020-02) Updated 4/29/20
- Freddie Mac Lump Sum Repayment is Not Required in Forbearance – April 27, 2020
From the National Consumer Law Center
Job Posting
- Columbus, Ohio – Chapter 13 Trustee Vacancy – June 12 is deadline to apply
- Western District of Michigan – IT Specialist Posting
From the Courts
- Bankruptcy Court, District of North Dakota upgrading to NextGen on June 22
- Bankruptcy Court, District of Maryland – New Administrative Order Authorizing Certain Fees in Chapter 13 Cases for COVID-19 Related Work (The first order we’ve seen granting additional flat fee attorney fees.)
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Illinois – Model Pretrial Order for Video Trial or Hearing
Paycheck Protection Program
Coronavirus Eviction and Utility Shutoff Rules for Your State
- Princeton University’s Eviction Lab has created a directory of municipal and state policy changes for evictions.
- Columbia University’s detailed database of legal orders pertaining to the COVID-19 epidemic
For Your Blog
Car Payment Relief
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May 25, 2020
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NATIONWIDE DAY OF COMMEMORATION Far More Than Cookouts and Mattress Sales
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In order to give the staff of ConsiderChapter13.org the weekend off, we bring you a ‘catch up’ edition.
One of the most popular resources in the past few months.
The Dangers of Extending a Plan Too Long – Or Alternatively, Why Take as Little Time as Possible
Apparently, many of you were ready for a non-COVID, non-CARES Act article because Attorney Brown’s article was very popular!
Reasonable Fees and/or Questionable Attorney
Is a CARES Act Stimulus Payment Exempt?
Is an Unemployment Compensation Payment Exempt?
The Hunt for Deductible Interest – Money Too Often Left on the Table
From Harvard Law School – Bankruptcy Roundtable
From the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada
No Recording Hearings
Forbearance Guidelines
Fees for Bankruptcy Notices of Forbearance – May 6, 2020 – Fannie Mae will pay services $100 per Notice of ForbearanceFANNIE LETTER – May 13, 2020
While COVID-19 payment deferral is similar to the recently announced payment deferral, we have made several enhancements to assist borrowers who have a COVID-19 related hardship.
Key differences include:
- The borrower has experienced a financial hardship resulting from COVID-19 that impacted their ability to make their monthly mortgage loan payment, which has been resolved.
- The mortgage loan must have been current or less than 31 days delinquent as of Mar. 1, 2020, the effective date of the National Emergency declaration related to COVID-19.
- The mortgage loan must be 31 or more days delinquent but less than or equal to 360 days delinquent as of the date of evaluation.
- Certain eligibility criteria are not applicable, such as time from mortgage loan origination and rolling delinquency parameters.
- The servicer must defer the delinquent principal and interest payments (P&I) together with any allowable servicing advances paid to third parties as a result of the delinquency into the non-interest bearing balance.
- Fannie Mae Lender Letter to Servicers (LL-2020-02) Updated 4/29/20
- Freddie Mac Servicing for COVID-19 Related Hardships – Reference Guide – April 2020
- Freddie Mac Forbearance Plan Chart
- Freddie Mac Lump Sum Repayment is Not Required in Forbearance – April 27, 2020
Job Posting
Farmers in the News
- Tough Times on the Farm: Why Midwest agriculture was on the ropes before coronavirus
CARES Act/COVID Webinar Series – AVAILABLE
While we offer live webinars FREE, access to recordings is a benefit of subscription. Not a subscriber? SUBSCRIBE NOW
From the Courts
- From the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas – CM/ECF will be unavailable starting Wednesday, May 27 at 5pm until Monday, June 1 for a scheduled upgrade to NextGen CM/ECF
Student Loan Chronicles
- Interest Rate on Federal College Loans Is About to Hit a Record Low – It will drop to 2.75 percent for new loans for undergraduates. That’s a “silver lining” of the current economic turmoil, an advocate said.
- Emergency Relief Screw-Up Hits 5 Million Student Loan Borrowers – Great Lakes, because of a “coding error,” erroneously reported to the credit bureaus that borrowers’ accounts were “deferred.”
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
IN THE TECH DEPARTMENT (Not password protected)
SUBCHAPTER V (Not password protected)
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May 18, 2020
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Reasonable Fees and/or Questionable Attorney
Is an Unemployment Compensation Payment Exempt?
From the Editor – Debtor’s Attorney
This week, Judge Brown stole a few minutes to look at 2 cases:
From the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada
Forbearance Guidelines
All in one place! Thank you, Max Gardner.NEW Fees for Bankruptcy Notices of Forbearance – May 6, 2020 – Fannie Mae will pay services $100 per Notice of ForbearanceNEW Fannie Letter – May 13, 2020
While COVID-19 payment deferral is similar to the recently announced payment deferral, we have made several enhancements to assist borrowers who have a COVID-19 related hardship.
Key differences include:
- The borrower has experienced a financial hardship resulting from COVID-19 that impacted their ability to make their monthly mortgage loan payment, which has been resolved.
- The mortgage loan must have been current or less than 31 days delinquent as of Mar. 1, 2020, the effective date of the National Emergency declaration related to COVID-19.
- The mortgage loan must be 31 or more days delinquent but less than or equal to 360 days delinquent as of the date of evaluation.
- Certain eligibility criteria are not applicable, such as time from mortgage loan origination and rolling delinquency parameters.
- The servicer must defer the delinquent principal and interest payments (P&I) together with any allowable servicing advances paid to third parties as a result of the delinquency into the non-interest bearing balance.
- Fannie Mae Lender Letter to Servicers (LL-2020-02) Updated 4/29/20
- Freddie Mac Servicing for COVID-19 Related Hardships – Reference Guide – April 2020
- Freddie Mac Forbearance Plan Chart
- Freddie Mac Lump Sum Repayment is Not Required in Forbearance – April 27, 2020
Passing of Judge David F. Snow
Job Posting
Farmers in the News
Farm Bankruptcies on the Rise Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
CARES Act/COVID Webinar Series – AVAILABLE
While we offer live webinars FREE, access to recordings is a benefit of subscription. Not a subscriber? SUBSCRIBE NOW
From the CFPB
From the Courts
- From the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas – CM/ECF will be unavailable starting Wednesday, May 27 at 5pm until Monday, June 1 for a scheduled upgrade to NextGen CM/ECF
- As courthouses begin to open, we are seeing more and more orders that masks will be mandatory. See example from the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland
- Invitation for Comment on Emergency Rulemaking – Request for Input on Possible Emergency Procedures – The Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure and its five advisory committees invite public input on possible rule amendments that could ameliorate future national emergencies’ effects on court operations
Post Office Needs Assistance
Sanctions and Irony and Fraud, Oh My!
- Virginia Man Faked His Own Death in Ridiculously Elaborate Plot to Avoid Bankruptcy – Wild plot involved stealing the identify of a Florida attorney, using an app to disguise his voice, and fleecing his own wife.
Coronavirus Eviction and Utility Shutoff Rules for Your State
- Princeton University’s Eviction Lab has created a directory of municipal and state policy changes for evictions.
- Columbia University’s detailed database of legal orders pertaining to the COVID-19 epidemic
Car Payment Relief
In case you missed it…
CARES Act Rebates and Domestic Support Arrears
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
IN THE TECH DEPARTMENT (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
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May 11, 2020
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Ask Ms. Ps & Qs
CARES Act Rebates and Domestic Support Arrears
Bankruptcy’s Eternal Struggle
Forbearance Guidelines
All in one place! Thank you, Max Gardner.
CARES Act/COVID Webinar Series – AVAILABLE
While we offer live webinars FREE, access to recordings is a benefit of subscription. Not a subscriber? SUBSCRIBE NOW
Above the Law Free Webinar
From the Courts
- Invitation for Comment on Emergency Rulemaking – Request for Input on Possible Emergency Procedures – The Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure and its five advisory committees invite public input on possible rule amendments that could ameliorate future national emergencies’ effects on court operations
- District of South Carolina Bankruptcy – Sunset of standard language in stay relief orders
Coronavirus Eviction and Utility Shutoff Rules for Your State
- Princeton University’s Eviction Lab has created a directory of municipal and state policy changes for evictions.
- Columbia University’s detailed database of legal orders pertaining to the COVID-19 epidemic
Car Payment Relief
For Your Blog
Did You Know? Bankruptcy Video Series
In case you missed it…
United Student Aid Funds, Inc. v. Espinosa Ten Years After
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
BY THE NUMBERS (Not password protected)
IN THE TECH DEPARTMENT (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
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May 4, 2020
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Archives |
United Student Aid Funds, Inc. v. Espinosa Ten Years After
Analyzing Troubled Chapter 13s During COVID19
After the pandemic, when the economy lurches back into motion, bankruptcy lawyers will confront a clutch of troubled Chapter 13 cases. In the face of disruption, distress, and the unknown, we’ll be called on to guide clients forward, in one direction or another.
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Register NOW
FREE WEBINAR – Analyzing the Troubled Chapter 13 During COVID19
Attorney Moran’s article is a prelude to this week’s webinar. With a combined 79 years of experience representing individual and small business debtors, Certified Specialists Cathy Moran and Jill Michaux will review questions you will need to answer in order to provide the sharpest analysis for your clients.
This webinar is Part 2 and will focus on conversion and hardship discharge. Click here for Part 1 which looked primarily at plan modification.
Click here to register – Wednesday May 6th – 1:00 eastern/12:00 central/11:00 mtn/10:00 pacific
A Fond Farewell to 007 – Frank M. Pees
Federal Housing Finance Agency 4/27/20 Press Release
- Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac: Mortgages in forbearance do not need to be paid back all at once
Eastern District of Michigan
Daniel S. Opperman New Chief Judge
Forbearance Guidelines
April 27 Fannie Mae Press Release
A very popular item from last week . . .
Zoom
From the National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center
Trustee May Modify Plan to Capture Proceeds from Sale of Employee Stock Options
CARES Act Webinars – AVAILABLE
From the Courts
- District of South Carolina Bankruptcy – Sunset of standard language in stay relief orders
Coronavirus Eviction and Utility Shutoff Rules for Your State
- Princeton University’s Eviction Lab has created a directory of municipal and state policy changes for evictions.
- Columbia University’s detailed database of legal orders pertaining to the COVID-19 epidemic
Car Payment Relief
For Your Blog
- Use IRS Non-Filers Tool to Get Economic Impact Payment; many low-income, homeless qualify
In case you missed it…
The Dangers of Extending a Plan Too Long – Or Alternatively, Why Take as Little Time as Possible
IN THE “THIS IS COOL DEPARTMENT” (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
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April 27, 2020
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The Dangers of Extending a Plan Too Long – Or Alternatively, Why Take as Little Time as Possible
Is a CARES Act Stimulus Payment Exempt?
Zoom
From the National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center
Court Relies on, then Discusses Problems with, Dewsnup (Chapter 7 case)
From the UST
- Means Test Numbers Change Effective for Cases Filed May 1 – YES, they have changed again . . .
CARES Act Webinars – AVAILABLE
From Credit Slips
A Coming Consumer Bankruptcy Tsunami, Wave, or Ripple?
From the Courts
- We are seeing more and more Courts offering a CM/ECF event for filing Notices of Forbearance. A few examples:
- Eastern District of Missouri offers 2 options: i. bankruptcy events – claims actions; or bankruptcy events – notices.
- Eastern District of Oklahoma: Notice of Mortgage Forbearance – will appear in Claim Actions and Notices categories
- Middle District of Georgia – Filer should select “Bankruptcy>Notices>Notice of Mortgage Forbearance Under the CARES Act.” Filer will be prompted to attach a .pdf of the forbearance agreement.
- Per the District of Minnesota Bankruptcy: “The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts is in the process of developing a national event in CM/ECF for the filing of these notices*, but it is not yet ready. We will advise you as soon as it is available and where to find it.” *Notices of Forbearance
- Western District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy – Standing Order 20-211 provides that Visitors to the Court, including vendors, contractors, litigants, attorneys, and other members of the public, shall be required to wear a face mask or face covering when entering, and throughout the duration of their stay at, the Court.
- District of Arizona Bankruptcy – NextGen Go-Live Date Postponed – Date to be Determined
Coronavirus Eviction and Utility Shutoff Rules for Your State
- Princeton University’s Eviction Lab has created a directory of municipal and state policy changes for evictions.
- Columbia University’s detailed database of legal orders pertaining to the COVID-19 epidemic
Car Payment Relief
Small Business Matters
For Your Blog
- Debt Collectors Are Going After Millions of Stimulus Checks — 5 Ways to Stop Them (May contain information that could be considered ‘legal advice’)
Remote Online Notary (RON)
In case you missed it.
Impact of COVID-19 and the CARES ACT on Mortgages
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
MILITARY MATTERS (Not password protected) 
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April 20, 2020
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Impact of COVID-19 and the CARES ACT on Mortgages
Will Getting Home Mortgage Forbearance Save Your Client’s Home?
What Section of the Bill Refers to the Definition of Indirectly Impacted?
A Free CARES Act Short
How Will Notices in Bankruptcy be Received if the USPS Goes Belly-up?
From the UST
- Means Test Numbers Change Effective for Cases Filed May 1 – YES, they have changed again . . .
- Important repeat from last week . . . April 7, 2020, Notice to Chapter 7 and 13 Trustees Regarding Recovery Rebates Paid to Consumer Bankruptcy Debtors Under the CARES Act of 2020
COVID-19 Claims Former Bankruptcy Judge
CARES Act Webinars – AVAILABLE
From Credit Slips
Corona Cash and Refund Anticipation Checks
Coronavirus Eviction and Utility Shutoff Rules for Your State
- Princeton University’s Eviction Lab has created a directory of municipal and state policy changes for evictions.
- Columbia University’s detailed database of legal orders pertaining to the COVID-19 epidemic
Car Payment Relief
From the CFPB on Student Loans
What You Need to Know About Student Loans and the Coronavirus Pandemic
Small Business Matters
For Your Blog
- One of the most important messages you can share on your blog and/or social media is: “PAY YOUR BILLS.” Make sure the folks within your sphere of influence understand that a forbearance of rent, mortgage payment, car payment, electric bill, etc. does not make the bill go away, it merely pushes it down the road.
- COVID-19 Consumer Resource Center – This is a one-stop resource center for consumers developed by bankruptcy attorneys
Sanctions and Irony and Fraud, Oh My!
- Evicting Tenants Is Illegal Right Now. This company tried it anyway — and got caught
- Bankrupt CEO Accused of Fraud Is Selling Massive, $31 Million Collection of Some of the Most Desirable Cars in the World — Take a Tour of the Collection
In case you missed it. A VERY popular article from last week.
The Irony of Filing a Motion to Dismiss with Prejudice
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
A SIGN OF THE TIMES (Not password protected)
MILITARY MATTERS (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
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April 13, 2020
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Archives |
The Irony of Filing a Motion to Dismiss with Prejudice
Small Business Reorganization Act Postscript #2 – Technical Amendment of CARES Act Recommended to Repair Flawed Attempt to Increase Small Business Eligibility under SBRA
Passing of Retired Bankruptcy Judge
The CARES Act – Impacts on Chapter 13 Webinar
Recording NOW AVAILABLE
Free to Academy Subscribers or pay per view option
The CARES Act – Mortgage Issues
Recording NOW AVAILABLE Free to Academy Subscribers
From Credit Slips
Treasury Must Act Now to Protect Relief Payments from Debt Collectors
From the National Consumer Law Center
Really good comprehensive information you need on consumer protection in one place:Free access to Appendix G from NCLC’s Collection Actions, a state-by-state summary of protections from judgment creditors
Major Consumer Protections Announced in Response to COVID-19 – Updated on April 9th and regularly thereafter
COVID-19 & Consumer Protections Re: eviction of renters and homeowners; utilities shutoffs; student loan borrowers; etc. This page is being updated regularly with new resources for attorneys, advocates, and consumers.
Coronavirus Eviction and Utility Shutoff Rules for Your State
- Princeton University’s Eviction Lab has created a directory of municipal and state policy changes for evictions.
- Columbia University’s detailed database of legal orders pertaining to the COVID-19 epidemic
- Millions in US at Risk of ‘Water Shutoffs’ Amid Layoffs Triggered by Pandemic – Two-fifths of Americans rely on water utilities which have not suspended the policy of shutoffs for non-payment
Car Payment Relief
From Edmunds.com – this information is being updated regularly.Car Payment Relief During Coronavirus – Links to Resources and Advice from Experts
Foreclosure Actions Suspended
More “Fine Print”April 3, 2020, the CFPB, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, National Credit Union Administration, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors issued a “Joint Statement on Supervisory and Enforcement Practices Regarding the Mortgage Servicing Rules in Response to the COVID-19 Emergency and the CARES Act”, and the CFPB published corresponding “Mortgage Servicing Rules FAQs related to the COVID-19 Emergency”
Eviction Action Suspended
From the IRS
IRS Unveils New People First Initiative; COVID-19 Effort Temporarily Adjusts, Suspends Key Compliance Program
From the Courts
- Non-Covid – Middle District of North Carolina – Beginning Monday, April 13, 2020, will be live on NextGen
- Non-Covid – District of Arizona Bankruptcy Court: NextGen Go-Live Date Postponed to June 15, 2020
Small Business Matters
- Assistance for Small Businesses – “Paycheck Protection Program”
- Small Business Loan Program Stumbles as SBA System Crashes – This week will be the biggest test yet for the so-called Paycheck Protection Program.
In case you missed it. A VERY popular article . . .
CARES Act Financial Hardship ‘Laundry List’
The bankruptcy section of the CARES Act does not detail what constitutes a coronavirus related financial hardship. The statute only says: debtor is or has experienced a material financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the coronavirus pandemic.So, what is ‘financial hardship’ in this context?
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
IN THE TECH DEPARTMENT (Not password protected)
A SIGN OF THE TIMES (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
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April 6, 2020
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Archives |
CARES Act Financial Hardship ‘Laundry List’
The bankruptcy section of the CARES Act does not detail what constitutes a coronavirus related financial hardship. The statute only says: debtor is or has experienced a material financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the coronavirus pandemic.So, what is ‘financial hardship’ in this context?
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The CARES Act – Impacts on Chapter 13 Webinar |
Comments regarding the webinar:
“It was very informative, presented efficiently, effectively, and clearly. I have downloaded the PowerPoint slides and will refer to them in the future to remain familiar with the Act as I advise clients.”
“I really enjoyed it. Very well done and the topics were concise and understandable.”
“Good program well put together on such short notice.”
Click here to become a subscriber and enjoy free access to all of the resources including the entire webinar library.
Mortgage Matters in Times of COVID-19
With everything else going on, be sure to not miss the increased means test numbers.
From the UST – Means Test Numbers Change April 1st – No Fooling
From the National Consumer Law Center
Really good comprehensive information you need on consumer protection in one place:
Major Consumer Protections Announced in Response to COVID-19 – Updated on April 1st and regularly thereafterCOVID-19 & Consumer Protections Re: eviction of renters and homeowners; utilities shutoffs; student loan borrowers; etc. This page is being updated regularly with new resources for attorneys, advocates, and consumers.
Where to Find Coronavirus Eviction and Utility Shutoff Rules for Your State
Car Payment Relief
Foreclosure Actions Suspended
The ‘fine print’ so far (although there are still unanswered questions):Foreclosure and Eviction Moratorium in Connection with the Presidentially-Declared COVID-19 National Emergency – The purpose of this Mortgagee Letter is to inform mortgagees of a foreclosure and eviction moratorium for all FHA-insured Single Family mortgages for a period of 60 days (effective until May 18, 2020)
- Click here for the Servicer version of the above letter.
Fannie Mae Letter to Servicers – “Servicers must suspend all foreclosure sales for the next 60 days. . . . does not apply to mortgage loans on properties that have been determined to be vacant or abandoned.”
Impact of COVID-19 on Originating & Underwriting – These resources provide policy information for originators related to COVID-19.
- Lender Letter LL-2020-03, Impact of COVID-19 on Originations (March 31, 2020) provides reminders and temporary flexibilities to support mortgage originations.
- Lender Letter LL-2020-04, Impact of COVID-19 on Appraisals (March 31, 2020) provides temporary flexibilities to our appraisal requirements.
- FAQs (updated March 31, 2020)
- View Fannie Mae’s COVID-19 update page for additional information
Freddie Mac Announces Enhanced Relief for Borrowers Impacted by COVID-19 – “Forbearance plans provide borrowers with payment relief for up to 12-months and suspend borrower late charges and penalties. It also suspends reporting to credit bureaus of past due payments of borrowers who are in a forbearance plan as a result of hardships attributable to this national emergency.”
From the VA and the USDA – VA and USDA ‘strongly encourages’ its servicers . . .
Maryland Court of Appeals – Administrative Order on Foreclosures, Evictions, and Other Ejectments Involving Residences
New York Waives Mortgage Payments for 90 Days Based on Hardship
Eviction Action Suspended
From the IRS
IRS Unveils New People First Initiative; COVID-19 Effort Temporarily Adjusts, Suspends Key Compliance Program
From the Courts
- District of New Mexico – . . . attorneys may file a scanned original or copy of a document that reflects the client’s actual signature, . . .the Court is not willing to authorize use of digital signature software programs for the purpose of filing documents that require a person’s signature, nor is /s/ or the person’s name in cursive font sufficient.
- The United States Courts has created this web page which may be a site you check on a regular basis.
- Non-Covid – Middle District of North Carolina – Beginning Monday, April 13, 2020, will be live on NextGen
- District of Arizona Bankruptcy Court: NextGen Go-Live Date Postponed to June 15, 2020
Small Business Matters
- Assistance for Small Businesses – Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.
For Your Blog
Even more so today: Probably the most important thing you can share on your blog is that struggling consumers need to contact their creditors and/or you – sooner rather than later.
In case you missed it. A VERY popular article . . .
Covid-19 and the 7 Year Plan
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
BY THE NUMBERS (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE (Not password protected)
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March 30, 2020
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In these trying times, this week’s update is offered with NO passwords. Every attempt has been made to provide you with the most accurate, up to date, COVID-19 information regarding consumer bankruptcy. |
Covid-19 and the 7 Year Plan
A small part of the “Cares Act” is the ability of Chapter 13 debtors experiencing a “material financial hardship” as a result of the covid-19 pandemic to modify their plan to 84 months.(Attention non-Academy subscribers: this is an excellent example of the type of password protected information you will have access to EVERY SINGLE WEEK with your subscription. Click here to subscribe.
Bulletin: SBRA Postscript, the Definition of Income, and Changes to Section 1113(b)(1)(B) and (C)
CARES Act Increases Eligibility to Small Business Debtors with Aggregate Debts Up to $7,500,000 and Other Changes(Another example of a normally password protected item)
From the UST – Means Test Numbers Change April 1st – No Fooling
From the National Consumer Law Center
Really good comprehensive information you need on consumer protection in one place:
Major Consumer Protections Announced in Response to COVID-19 – NCLC is updating this page on a regular basis.
COVID-19 & Consumer Protections Re: eviction of renters and homeowners; utilities shutoffs; student loan borrowers; etc. This page is being updated regularly with new resources for attorneys, advocates, and consumers.
NCLC is also offering free access to the digital edition of Surviving Debt: Expert Advice For Getting Out of Financial Trouble, NCLC’s most comprehensive guide to navigating debt for consumers and consumer advocates. ***When you click the link, look at the Table of Contents on the left – continue to click on the chapter you want and it will open.***
Where to Find Coronavirus Eviction and Utility Shutoff Rules for Your State
Car Payment Relief
Foreclosure Actions Suspended
The ‘fine print’ so far (although there are still unanswered questions):Foreclosure and Eviction Moratorium in Connection with the Presidentially-Declared COVID-19 National Emergency – The purpose of this Mortgagee Letter is to inform mortgagees of a foreclosure and eviction moratorium for all FHA-insured Single Family mortgages for a period of 60 days (effective until May 18, 2020)
- Click here for the Servicer version of the above letter.
Fannie Mae Letter to Servicers – “Servicers must suspend all foreclosure sales for the next 60 days. . . . does not apply to mortgage loans on properties that have been determined to be vacant or abandoned.”
Freddie Mac Announces Enhanced Relief for Borrowers Impacted by COVID-19 – “Forbearance plans provide borrowers with payment relief for up to 12-months and suspend borrower late charges and penalties. It also suspends reporting to credit bureaus of past due payments of borrowers who are in a forbearance plan as a result of hardships attributable to this national emergency.”
From the VA and the USDA – VA and USDA ‘strongly encourages’ its servicers . . .
Maryland Court of Appeals – Administrative Order on Foreclosures, Evictions, and Other Ejectments Involving Residences
New York Waives Mortgage Payments for 90 Days Based on Hardship
Eviction Action Suspended
From the IRS
IRS Unveils New People First Initiative; COVID-19 Effort Temporarily Adjusts, Suspends Key Compliance Program
The article is fairly long so here are a few highlights:Existing Installment Agreements – Payments due between April 1 and July 15, 2020 are suspended. . . . , the IRS will not default any Installment Agreements during this period. Interest will continue to accrue.
Offers in Compromise (OIC) –
- Pending OIC applications – Taxpayers have until July 15 to provide requested additional information to support a pending OIC. In addition, the IRS will not close any pending OIC request before July 15, 2020, without the taxpayer’s consent.
- OIC Payments – Taxpayers have the option of suspending all payments until July 15, 2020 – interest will continue to accrue.
- Delinquent Return Filings – IRS will not default an OIC for those who are delinquent in filing their tax return for 2018. However, taxpayers should file any delinquent 2018 return (and their 2019 return) on or before July 15, 2020.
Field Collection Activities – Liens and levies (including any seizures of a personal residence) initiated by field revenue officers will be suspended during this period. However, field revenue officers will continue to pursue high-income non-filers….
Automated Liens and Levies – New automatic, systemic liens and levies will be suspended during this period.
Private Debt Collection – New delinquent accounts will not be forwarded to private collection agencies during this period.
Click here for more on: Independent Office of Appeals and Statute of Limitations
Practitioner Priority Service – . . . there may be more significant wait times for the PPS.
From the Courts
- The United States Courts has created this web page which may be a site you check on a regular basis.
- …“TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF THE RECORD, THE USE OF SPEAKERPHONES, BLUETOOTH DEVICES, AND CELL PHONES ARE PROHIBITED – although we only saw this on one Court’s website, it is an excellent best practices guide.
- District of Arizona Bankruptcy Court: NextGen Go-Live Date Postponed to June 15, 2020
- District of New Jersey Bankruptcy Court – Notice Implementing Electronic Proof of Claim Filings Through ePOC Module – Parties using this module can file proofs of claim without a PACER login and without creating a PDF proof of claim form.
- Western District of Virginia NON-CORONAVIRUS – NextGen – Are you ready? CM/ECF will be unavailable from noon on Friday, March 27th through Sunday, March 29th
NACTT SAN DIEGO
Registration Deadline ExtendedIn light of the current national pandemic the NACTT is extending the early registration deadline for the NACTT Annual Seminar to be held in July in Sunny San Diego to May 1st.While we are hopeful the pandemic will be resolved and life returns to normal soon with the Annual Seminar proceeding, we will continue to monitor the situation and will advise our members, sponsors and exhibitors if there is a change as soon as possible. In the meantime, on behalf of the NACTT please stay safe and healthy.Mary Viegelahn, NACTT Vice President & Program Chair
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REGISTER NOW to attend the NACTT annual conference in San Diego, CA, July 9-11.
Check out this great program!!!!
Registration Form – After NACTT processes your registration, you will receive a link to make your hotel reservation.
From the CFPB
5th Cir. Holds CFPB Structure is Constitutional
For Your Blog
Probably the most important thing you can share on your blog is that struggling consumers need to contact their creditors and/or you – sooner rather than later.
FOR THE TECH UNSAVVY (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
OCCUPYING TEENS AND TWEENS (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
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March 23, 2020
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Archives |
Chapter 13 Practice in the Time of COVID-19
No Room for Error? Determining Whether Your “Secured” Creditor Has a Fatally Deficient UCC-1
There’s Always A Car
Foreclosure Actions Suspended
(As of “press time” we at the Academy could not locate any official rules or ‘fine print’ regarding the below. We will continue to watch for that information. However, see From the Courts below.)
- Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD Suspending All Foreclosures and Evictions – Foreclosure moratorium will last for 60 days
- HUD, Fannie, Freddie Suspend Foreclosures, Evictions During Outbreak – FHFA Director Mark Calabria said the suspension “allows homeowners with an enterprise-backed mortgage to stay in their homes during this national emergency.”
- Mortgage Lenders Consider Plan to Suspend Payments Amid Crisis – Officials in the industry are forming a plan to let Americans hurt by the coronavirus temporarily stop making loan payments.
- Some Homeowners and Renters Will Get a Financial Break During Coronavirus Pandemic – Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have suspended evictions to curb the financial impact of coronavirus pandemic
From the National Consumer Law Center
From the Courts
(We have not attempted to list every notice from every bankruptcy district; however, we have tried to list those that may be of interest to national creditors, any notice that seems ‘out of the norm’ from what most courts are doing, and notices that apply to the entire country.)
- The United States Courts has created this web page which may be a site you check on a regular basis.
- District of New Jersey Bankruptcy Court – Notice Implementing Electronic Proof of Claim Filings Through ePOC Module – Parties using this module can file proofs of claim without a PACER login and without creating a PDF proof of claim form.
- We draw your attention to this Notice as a reminder that not all courts are doing things the same way. In the District of South Carolina for hearings you must request to appear by telephone/video conference . . . District of South Carolina Bankruptcy Court
- Northern District of Georgia and perhaps other districts – Public Notice Regarding Telephonic Hearing Disclaimer – Applies to Courts using AT&T for teleconferencing
- Similar notices were on several court’s websites. This is posted as an example: Suspension of Attorney Requirement to Obtain Debtor’s Original Signature
- Southern District of Florida – Establishment of Procedures for Admission of Direct Evidence Through Declarations or Affidavits
- District of Nevada – Extension of Certain Deadlines
- Southern District of Florida – Order Regarding Certain Deadlines
- Western District of Virginia NON-CORONAVIRUS – NextGen – Are you ready? CM/ECF will be unavailable from noon on Friday, March 27th through Sunday, March 29th
NACTT SAN DIEGO
REGISTER NOW (March 30th is the discount deadline) to attend the NACTT annual conference in San Diego, CA, July 9-11.No doubt, this will be one of, if not THE BEST NACTT conference EVER! Something for everybody . . . trustees, trustee staff, debtor attorneys, creditors and creditor attorneys, and attorneys who represent trustees.
Check out this great program!!!!
Click here for Registration Form – After NACTT processes your registration, you will receive a link to make your hotel reservation.
Student Loan Chronicles
- Should Feds Make Students’ Loan Payments During Crisis? As Congress considers giving many Americans a $2,000 payment to stimulate the economy, advocates are pushing for more help for those with student loans.
Sanctions and Irony and Fraud, Oh My!
Debtor Attorney Sanctioned for Inadequate Investigation Prior to Emergency Filing
For Your Blog
Coronavirus Stockpiling: Don’t waste your money on these items, according to a pandemic planner
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .
Ask Ms. Ps & Qs
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
NON-CORONAVIRUS HEALTHCARE IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
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March 16, 2020
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Archives |
In re Evans: Disgorging Chapter 13 Trustee Fees in Cases Dismissed Prior to Confirmation
Ask Ms. Ps & Qs
Federal District Court Affirms Decision that Residential Loan Modification Does Not Alter Lien Priority in Pennsylvania
From the National Consumer Law Center
NCLC Sues Over Illegal Debt Collection Activity
From the UST
Vacancy Announcement of Chapter 13 Standing Trustee
Application due date: March 27, 2020
NACTT SAN DIEGO
REGISTER NOW (March 30th is the discount deadline) to attend the NACTT annual conference in San Diego, CA, July 9-11.No doubt, this will be one of, if not THE BEST NACTT conference EVER! Something for everybody . . . trustees, trustee staff, debtor attorneys, creditors and creditor attorneys, and attorneys who represent trustees.
Check out this great program!!!!
Click here for Registration Form – After NACTT processes your registration, you will receive a link to make your hotel reservation.
Student Loan Chronicles
- Popular from last week: Rosenberg . . .Student Loan Servicer Appeals Bankruptcy Court’s Decision to Discharge Student Loan Debt
Sanctions and Irony and Fraud, Oh My!
For Your Blog
- Taxpayers should be aware that aggressive criminals pose as IRS agents in hopes of stealing money or personal information in phone scams. Here are some tell-tale signs of a tax scam. The IRS will never:
- Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer.
- Threaten to immediately bring in local police to have taxpayer arrested for not paying.
- Demand taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
- Call out of the blue about an unexpected tax refund.
- Taxpayers who receive these phone calls should: Hang up the phone immediately.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .
Meet Another New Trustee
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
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March 9, 2020
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Archives |
Engaging a Non-Profit to Solve the Chapter 13 Trustees PSLF Conundrum
Whenever staff attorneys or other staff members for Chapter 13 trustees learn about the (moderately) affordable Income Driven Repayment plans for student loans the first thing they ask is whether their job qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. And in general, the answer is no. But could it?
From the Editor – Confirmation
This week, Judge Brown examines three cases related to confirmation.
Meet Another New Trustee
Rebecca A. (Becky) Herr was appointed Chapter 13 Standing Trustee for the District of Maryland on October 1, 2019 and maintains her offices in Annapolis.
But Ms. Herr is no stranger to the Chapter 13 world.
Farewell Reception for Bankruptcy Judge
Marci B. McIvor, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan Retired
From the UST
Vacancy Announcement of Chapter 13 Standing Trustee
Region 21 has posted a vacancy announcement for the Chapter 13 Standing Trustee for the Middle District of Georgia in the Columbus, Albany, and Valdosta divisions.
Ms. Kristin Hurst, the current Standing Trustee, has communicated her intention to retire at the end of September, 2020.
Middle District of Florida Has New Judge
Judge Lori V. Vaughan Sworn in as Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Judge
From the CFPB
Supreme Court Seems Inclined to Curb CFPB’s Independence
NACTT SAN DIEGO
REGISTER NOW (March 30th is the discount deadline) to attend the NACTT annual conference in San Diego, CA, July 9-11.
No doubt, this will be one of, if not THE BEST NACTT conference EVER! Something for everybody . . . trustees, trustee staff, debtor attorneys, creditors and creditor attorneys, and attorneys who represent trustees.
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ABI Editor at Large, Bill Rochelle will host an extra special, |
Check out this great program!!!!
Click here for Registration Form – After NACTT processes your registration, you will receive a link to make your hotel reservation.
Farmers in the News
- Seeds of Despair – Saddled with near-record debt, unpredictable climate change and a trade war, Midwest farmers find themselves in a pressure cooker. Isolated, and with limited access to mental-health care, hundreds are dying by suicide.
Judicial Position Posting
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judgeship Middle District of Pennsylvania (Wilkes-Barre) Notice of Vacancy (App. due by 3/25/20)
Job Postings
District of Oregon – Term Law Clerk
Northern District of Ohio – Term Law Clerk
Eastern District of Pennsylvania – Term Law Clerk
Western District of Washington – Term Law Clerk
Western District of Oklahoma – Chief Deputy Clerk
District of Arizona – Case Administrator
Northern District of Florida – Bankruptcy Generalist Clerk
Southern District of Georgia – Case Administrator
District of New Hampshire – Case Administrator and Administrative Support Clerk
Eastern District of Tennessee – Case Administrator
Western District of Virginia – Case Administrator
Eastern District of Washington – Application Administrator and Case Administrator
Student Loan Chronicles
- Rosenberg . . .Student Loan Servicer Appeals Bankruptcy Court’s Decision to Discharge Student Loan Debt
- The Real Story on the $1.6 Trillion Student Loan Debt Crisis – Over half of student loan borrowers (around 25 million people) owe less than $20,000 but have higher default rates than the borrowers who owe more.
For Your Blog
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .
Two Supreme Court Decisions with Effects on Bankruptcy Practice
In two February opinions, the Supreme Court addressed issues that appear in bankruptcy cases, one dealing with a common practice of entering nunc pro tunc orders and the other affecting determination of property rights under state law.IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
MILITARY MATTERS (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
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March 2, 2020
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Archives |
Obtaining Credit in Chapter 13 – Did the Amendment to FRBP 4001(c) Eliminate Motions to Incur Additional Credit?
Two Supreme Court Decisions with Effects on Bankruptcy Practice
In two February opinions, the Supreme Court addressed issues that appear in bankruptcy cases, one dealing with a common practice of entering nunc pro tunc orders and the other affecting determination of property rights under state law.From the UST
Vacancy Announcement of Chapter 13 Standing Trustee
The United States Trustee for Region 21 has published the attached vacancy announcement. The trustee will administer cases filed under Chapter 13 in the Columbus, Albany, and Valdosta divisions of Georgia.Ms. Kristin Hurst, the current Chapter 13 Standing Trustee in Columbus, has communicated her intention to retire at the end of September, 2020, after serving with distinction for 27 years in the Middle District of Georgia.
In the ‘This Is Way Cool’ Department
The Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington now offers an interactive statistics dashboard showing real-time filing/closing data in chapters 7, 11, 13 and adversary proceedings.The statistics webpage has been updated to include judge activity, a 20-year history of case flings to date and a link to U.S. Courts website for national statistics. The new filing statistics page can be found by selecting the Court Information tab on our website.
Previously published SBRA library:
- Two Final Observations about the SBRA
- Five More Things Debtors Should Know About the SBRA Part II By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Five More Things Debtors Should Know About the SBRA of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Two Things Debtors Should Know About SBRA, Including a Primer on Chapter 11 Confirmation By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Three Last Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 – Part V By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Two More Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- The First Thing a Chapter 13 Debtor’s Attorney Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Small Business Reorganization Act By The Honorable Hannah Blumenstiel
- Small Business Reorganization Act By Jan Hamilton – Part One, Part Two and Part Three
- 2019 Legislation Affecting Bankruptcy Practice – Overview
- Five Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- H.R. 3311
- Appendix A to Part I –The HAVEN Act
- Appendix B to Part I The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019(SBRA), H.R. 3311
- Appendix C House Judiciary Committee Report, H.R. Rep. No. 116-171 (2019)
- Appendix E Side-by-Side Comparison of a SBRA Small Business Debtor Reorganization under Subchapter V of Chapter 11 with a Small Business Plan Confirmation under Section 1129 and Related Provisions
- A Guide to the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (not password protected) By The Honorable Paul W. Bonapfel
- SBRA Official Forms
NACTT SAN DIEGO
REGISTER NOW to attend the NACTT annual conference in San Diego, CA, July 9-11.No doubt, this will be one of, if not THE BEST NACTT conference EVER! Something for everybody . . . trustees, trustee staff, debtor attorneys, creditors and creditor attorneys, and attorneys who represent trustees.
Check out this great program!!!!
Click here for Registration Form – After NACTT processes your registration, you will receive a link to make your hotel reservation
Farmers in the News
Trump Signals He’s Prepared to Give Farmers More Federal Aid
Job Posting
From the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota
Amendments to Local Rules 3015-2 and 9006-1 and Local Forms 2016-1 and 4001-1 will take effect March 1, 2020 and will govern in all bankruptcy cases commenced on or after March 1st.A red-lined copy of the amendments is available here.
May be of interest to National Mortgage Creditors: What may be of most interest is Local Form 4001-1 which is a revised Loan History payment Chart.
For Your Blog
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .
Thoughts on the Law: Stay at the Crossroads – The Code of the Wild, Wild West?
There are two legal battles going on that may end up being dysfunctionally related: (1) what happens if the automatic stay is not extended in a “second case pending within one year”? And (2) what happens if there is no stay and § 542(a) is not self executing?Also from this author:
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
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February 24, 2020
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Archives |
Thoughts on the Law: Stay at the Crossroads – The Code of the Wild, Wild West?
There are two legal battles going on that may end up being dysfunctionally related: (1) what happens if the automatic stay is not extended in a “second case pending within one year”? And (2) what happens if there is no stay and § 542(a) is not self executing?Also from this author:
Two Final Observations about the SBRA
This final installment from Larry Ahern winds up his review with observations about the challenges for new Chapter 11 counsel and some speculation about the scope of this new law for Chapter 13 practitioners.Easy access to the previously published SBRA library:
- Five More Things Debtors Should Know About the SBRA Part II By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Five More Things Debtors Should Know About the SBRA of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Two Things Debtors Should Know About SBRA, Including a Primer on Chapter 11 Confirmation By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Three Last Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 – Part V By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Two More Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- The First Thing a Chapter 13 Debtor’s Attorney Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Small Business Reorganization Act By The Honorable Hannah Blumenstiel
- Small Business Reorganization Act By Jan Hamilton – Part One, Part Two and Part Three
- 2019 Legislation Affecting Bankruptcy Practice – Overview
- Five Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- H.R. 3311
- Appendix A to Part I –The HAVEN Act
- Appendix B to Part I The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019(SBRA), H.R. 3311
- Appendix C House Judiciary Committee Report, H.R. Rep. No. 116-171 (2019)
- Appendix E Side-by-Side Comparison of a SBRA Small Business Debtor Reorganization under Subchapter V of Chapter 11 with a Small Business Plan Confirmation under Section 1129 and Related Provisions
- A Guide to the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (not password protected) By The Honorable Paul W. Bonapfel
- SBRA Official Forms
Black History Month
Constance Baker Motley: Judiciary’s Unsung Rights Hero
NACTT SAN DIEGO
REGISTER NOW to attend the NACTT annual conference in San Diego, CA, July 9-11.No doubt, this will be one of, if not THE BEST NACTT conference EVER! Something for everybody . . . trustees, trustee staff, debtor attorneys, creditors and creditor attorneys, and attorneys who represent trustees.
Check out this great program!!!!
Judgeship Position Postings
United States Bankruptcy Judgeship Eastern District of Michigan Notice of Vacancy (App. due by 3/10/20)Announcement of Judgeship Openings (App. due by 3/6/20)
- Southern District of New York in Manhattan
- Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn
From the National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center
First Circuit BAP Applies “Gavel Rule” to Foreclosure Sale
For Your Blog
- Why Is It So Expensive to Be Overweight? You could be paying 25% more for jeans and twice the price for airline flights.
Sanctions and Irony and Fraud, Oh My!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .
The Hunt for Deductible Interest – Money Too Often Left on the Table
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
MILITARY MATTERS (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
HEALTHCARE IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
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February 17, 2020
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Archives |
Well, it’s here: SBRA goes into effect 2/19. Be sure to check your local court for interim rules implementing SBRA.
Five More Things Debtors Should Know About the SBRA
This week, Larry Ahern continues his review of issues of particular interest to small-business debtors and their counsel.
See also:
Click here for SBRA Official Forms
Click here for a 3-paged visual of changes to forms – although this was made available by the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, it would appear to be applicable to all districts.
Easy access to the previously published SBRA library:
- Five More Things Debtors Should Know About the SBRA of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Two Things Debtors Should Know About SBRA, Including a Primer on Chapter 11 Confirmation By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Three Last Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 – Part V By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Two More Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- The First Thing a Chapter 13 Debtor’s Attorney Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Small Business Reorganization Act By The Honorable Hannah Blumenstiel
- Small Business Reorganization Act By Jan Hamilton – Part One, Part Two and Part Three
- 2019 Legislation Affecting Bankruptcy Practice – Overview
- Five Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- H.R. 3311
- Appendix A to Part I –The HAVEN Act
- Appendix B to Part I The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019(SBRA), H.R. 3311
- Appendix C House Judiciary Committee Report, H.R. Rep. No. 116-171 (2019)
- Appendix E Side-by-Side Comparison of a SBRA Small Business Debtor Reorganization under Subchapter V of Chapter 11 with a Small Business Plan Confirmation under Section 1129 and Related Provisions
- A Guide to the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (not password protected) By The Honorable Paul W. Bonapfel
The Hunt for Deductible Interest – Money Too Often Left on the Table
NACTT SAN DIEGO
Make your plans now to attend the NACTT annual conference in San Diego, CA, July 9-11.
Debtor Attorneys make special note that there are sessions especially for YOU – advanced level talks on getting paid and how to be the best!
Meet the Newest Trustee
SCOTUSblog
Passing of a Bankruptcy Pioneer
Honorable George S. Wright, 94, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Updated Consent Order Guidelines – Middle District of Louisiana
Farmers in the News
Over-Hyped Hemp? Amid Price Drop and a Big Bankruptcy, Some Farmers Feel Burned
Judgeship Position Postings
New United States Bankruptcy Judgeship Eastern District of Michigan Notice of Vacancy (App. due by 3/10/20)
Announcement of Judgeship Openings (App. due by 3/6/20)
- Southern District of New York in Manhattan
- Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn
From the National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center
Tax Debt from Late-Filed Tax Return Dischargeable
Epiq Webinar
For Your Blog
- This is pretty cool for all of us (READ – DO NOT JUST COPY/PASTE THIS ONE) . . . One Defensive Strategy Against Surprise Medical Bills: Set Your Own Terms
- Mortgage Rates May Be Low, But You’ll Still Need to Shop Around — Especially in These Cities
Sanctions and Irony and Fraud, Oh My!
- Kansas Farmer Sentenced for Crop Insurance Fraud – Also pleaded guilty to bankruptcy/fraud . . . falsely answered “no” to question about whether he had recently transferred property to anyone in his bankruptcy filing. He actually made two large transfers
- Bankruptcy Courts Punished Synergy Law Again and Again – Its customers kept losing their homes anyway
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .
Thoughts on the Law: “None of My Business” Or “CU Later”? – Does Refusing to Do Business with a Debtor Violate the Automatic Stay?
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
HEALTHCARE IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
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February 10, 2020
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Archives |
Thoughts on the Law: “None of My Business” Or “CU Later”? – Does Refusing to Do Business with a Debtor Violate the Automatic Stay?
Supreme Court Revisits Finality of Orders in Bankruptcy: Comment on Ritzen and Review of “Finality”
From the Editor – Claims
This week Judge Brown took a look at 2 cases involving claims issues:
Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 “A Guide to the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019”
Judge Paul W. Bonapfel of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia has published “A Guide to the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019.”Click here to read the summary.As a reminder, the new Section V of Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code goes into effect on February 19, 2020.
Judgeship Postings
United States Bankruptcy Judge, District of Maryland at Greenbelt (App. due by 2/19/20)Announcement of Judgeship Openings (App. due by 3/6/20)
- Southern District of New York in Manhattan
- Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn
Term Law Clerk Posting
Judge Duncan, District of South Carolina is accepting applications for a term law clerk
Magistrate Judge Posting
United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi is receiving applications for the position of Magistrate Judge assigned to the District’s Southern Division in Gulfport, Mississippi (App. Due by 2/28/20)
From the National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center
Student Loan Chronicles
- Senators to CFPB: Why Are You Still Failing to Protect Student Loan Borrowers?
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .
Critical Case Comment
Chapter 7 debtor may successfully discharge student loan obligations by satisfying the basic holding of Brunner rather than satisfying the judicial gloss added by subsequent decisions.“Trustees must encourage this type of realistic approach to student loan obligations and encourage such challenges.”
Click here for Opinion
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
HEALTHCARE IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
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February 3, 2020
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Archives |
From the Editor – Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
From the Archives (originally posted 8/25/19)
Trustee Cannot Require Debtor to Treat Nondischargeable Student Loan Debts in a Separate Class
The 2019 Numbers Are Out
- Bankruptcy Filings Increase Slightly
Chpts 7 and 12 are up; Chpts 11 and 13 are down
Chief Judge Announced
United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
Judgeship Postings
United States Bankruptcy Judge, District of Maryland at Greenbelt (App. due by 2/19/20)Announcement of Judgeship Openings (App. due by 3/6/20)
- Southern District of New York in Manhattan
- Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn
Term Law Clerk Posting
Judge Duncan, District of South Carolina
Magistrate Judge Posting
New Posting United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi is receiving applications for the position of Magistrate Judge assigned to the District’s Southern Division in Gulfport, Mississippi (App. Due by 2/28/20)
From the UST
Chapter 7 Trusteeship Openings – Application Due Dates for both – 2/7/20
- Districts of Guam and Northern Mariana Islands
- Northern District of Texas (primarily in San Angelo, Abilene, Amarillo and Lubbock Divisions)
For Your Blog
Student Loan Chronicles
- As of 1/27/20, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the S.D. of NY announced it has adopted the Student Loan Mediation Before Litigation Program. Click here for more information
- Growing Student Debt Burden for Parents – With federal Parent PLUS loans accounting for a quarter of borrowing for undergraduates, new data reinforce concern about parents’ ability to repay the loans.
- A popular link from last week . . . Court Cites Student Loans as Reason to Deny Bar Admission to New Lawyer
- Same basic story as above . . . 59-Year-Old Law School Graduate Not Allowed to Become a Lawyer While She and Her Husband Owe $900,000 in Student Loans
Sanctions and Irony and Fraud, Oh My!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .
Vesting of Property in the Debtor Cuts Off Creditor’s Rights, Ninth Circuit Says
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
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January 27, 2020
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Archives |
Vesting of Property in the Debtor Cuts Off Creditor’s Rights, Ninth Circuit Says
Critical Case Comment
Farmers in the News
- ‘Too Many Negatives’: Michigan farmers continue to feel weight of financial blows
Judgeship Postings
United States Bankruptcy Judge, District of Maryland at GreenbeltAnnouncement of Judgeship Openings
- Southern District of New York in Manhattan
- Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn
Term Law Clerk Posting
New Posting Judge Duncan, District of South Carolina, is accepting applications for a term law clerk
For Your Blog
These two items are not only applicable “For Your Blog” but are also of interest to all of us.
Sanctions and Irony and Fraud, Oh My!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .
Critical Case Comment
Chapter 7 debtor may successfully discharge student loan obligations by satisfying the basic holding of Brunner rather than satisfying the judicial gloss added by subsequent decisions.“Trustees must encourage this type of realistic approach to student loan obligations and encourage such challenges.”
Click here for Opinion
You may also be interested in the “Now What” section of this article: More Clarity on What Constitutes a Final, Appealable Order in Bankruptcy After Ritzen Group Inc. v. Jackson Masonry, LLC
BUT . . . Student Loan Servicer Appeals Landmark $220,000 Bankruptcy Ruling
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
HEALTHCARE IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
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January 20, 2020
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Archives |
Critical Case Comment
Chapter 7 debtor may successfully discharge student loan obligations by satisfying the basic holding of Brunner rather than satisfying the judicial gloss added by subsequent decisions.“Trustees must encourage this type of realistic approach to student loan obligations and encourage such challenges.”Click here for Opinion
Representing Elderly Clients in Bankruptcy – Part 3 of 3
Click here for Part 2 of 3
Bulletin: Supreme Court Rules Against Creditor
The Supreme Court unanimously held that an order denying stay relief was final. Thus, the creditor should have appealed the denial instead of waiting until later in the case to seek again to pursue its pre-bankruptcy litigation against the debtor. Ritzen Group, Inc. v. Jackson Masonry, LLC, 2020 WL 201023 (U.S. Jan. 14, 2020).Justice Ginsberg added to bankruptcy terminology by declaring that a final order is one in which the bankruptcy court “unreservedly grants or denies relief” in “a discrete procedural unit within the embracive bankruptcy case.” A motion for stay relief is such a “unit.”Ritzen was reportedly Judge Keith Lundin’s last order before retirement. The Court found that in denying stay relief Judge Lundin was unreserved, so his order was final. In so holding, the Court handed a win to a friend of The Academy, Ned Hildebrand, co-counsel for Jackson Masonry.
The Academy will publish a more detailed analysis and survey of the law of finality in an upcoming article by Larry Ahern, a frequent contributor here and co-author of West’s Bankruptcy Procedure Manual.
Click here for Ahern’s comment on the case after cert was granted.
In the meantime, file those notices of appeal early and often.
From the Other Side
From the National Consumer Law Center
FDIC and OCC Proposals Threaten Expansion of Predatory Lending
Judgeship Postings
New Posting United States Bankruptcy Judge, District of Maryland at GreenbeltAnnouncement of Judgeship Openings
- Southern District of New York in Manhattan
- Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn
Term Law Clerk Posting
New Posting Judge Peter C. McKittrick – United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon
For Your Blog
Student Loan Chronicles
- This would also make a good “For Your Blog” item . . . IRS and Treasury Issue Guidance for Students with Discharged Student Loans and Their Creditors
Sanctions and Irony and Fraud, Oh My!
CFPB Announces Action Against Monster Loans, Lend Tech Loans, and Associated Student Loan Debt-Relief Companies
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .
How Guarantors Can Escape Tax on Soured Debt
Tax lawyer Bill Purdy and Cathy Moran shared a client with a small interest in a failed corporation with a huge SBA loan. Could our client escape the tax consequences should we be able to settle his liability on a million dollars in unpaid loan. Was the client looking at a million dollars of cancellation of debt income? Here’s the marvelous result that Bill’s caper through the IRS regs returned.See also: Tax Form 1099 Needs A Closer Look: Chances Are It’s WrongOF INTEREST (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
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January 13, 2020
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Archives |
Cars, Fines, and Chapter 13 in the Windy City
Representing Elderly Clients in Bankruptcy – Part 2 of 3
Pro Se Wins Motion for Summary Judgement
Puerto Rico
Judgeship Posting
Announcement of Judgeship Openings
- Southern District of New York in Manhattan
- Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn
Easy access to the previously published SBRA library.
- Five More Things Debtors Should Know About the SBRA of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Two Things Debtors Should Know About SBRA, Including a Primer on Chapter 11 Confirmation By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Three Last Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 – Part V By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Two More Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- The First Thing a Chapter 13 Debtor’s Attorney Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Small Business Reorganization Act By The Honorable Hannah Blumenstiel
- Small Business Reorganization Act By Jan Hamilton – Part One, Part Two and Part Three
- 2019 Legislation Affecting Bankruptcy Practice – Overview
- Five Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- H.R. 3311
- Appendix A to Part I –The HAVEN Act
- Appendix B to Part I The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019(SBRA), H.R. 3311
From the IRS
IRS Sets Up Online Gig Economy Tax Center
For Your Blog
- 8 Million Student Loan Borrowers Must Do This in 2020 – Income-driven repayment plans must be recertified ANNUALLY
Sanctions and Irony and Fraud, Oh My!
- New Richmond Man Pleads Guilty in Mortgage Scheme – Customers paid owner monthly mortgage payments directly; he spent the money on personal needs and travel, court records show.
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS OF TRUST (Not password protected)
BY THE NUMBERS (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
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January 6, 2020
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Archives |
Representing Elderly Clients in Bankruptcy – Part 1 of 3
NACTT 55th Annual Educational Program
– San Diego, California
BE THERE!!
Quick Tips to Make You a PowerPoint Master – Effective Use of PowerPoint
A great, short resource garnered from the written materials of the NACTT Indianapolis conference. A sample of the great information you miss if you don’t attend the NACTT annual conference.
Two Districts Revise Plans
Effective January 1, 2020:
Easy access to the previously published SBRA library.
- Five More Things Debtors Should Know About the SBRA of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Two Things Debtors Should Know About SBRA, Including a Primer on Chapter 11 Confirmation By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Three Last Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 – Part V By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Two More Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- The First Thing a Chapter 13 Debtor’s Attorney Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- Small Business Reorganization Act By The Honorable Hannah Blumenstiel
- Small Business Reorganization Act By Jan Hamilton – Part One, Part Two and Part Three
- 2019 Legislation Affecting Bankruptcy Practice – Overview
- Five Things Trustees Should Know About the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 By Lawrence R. Ahern, III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)
- H.R. 3311
- Appendix A to Part I –The HAVEN Act
- Appendix B to Part I The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019(SBRA), H.R. 3311
Unclaimed Funds Reminder
Click below for the new Director’s Form and/or instructions or check your local rules for new forms. This is effective NOW.
From the IRS
2020 Standard Mileage Rates – Note that this is a decrease in business and medical/moving.
- 57.5 cents per mile driven for business use, down one half of a cent from the rate for 2019,
- 17 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down three cents from the rate for 2019, and
- 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
For Your Blog
- The New Payday Lender Looks a Lot Like the Old Payday Lender – Apps promising to “advance” a user’s wages say they aren’t payday lenders. So what are they?
Sanctions and Irony and Fraud, Oh My!
IN THE NEWS (Not password protected)
MILITARY MATTERS (Not password protected)
OF INTEREST (Not password protected)
DEBT AND THE ECONOMY (Not password protected)
FOR YOUR HEALTH (Not password protected)
