What IS a Principal Residence?

By Phil Lamos, Chief Legal Counsel, Office of the Chapter 13 Trustee Lauren A. Helbling (Cleveland, OH)

Section 1322(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code states that a Chapter 13 plan may not modify a claim that is “secured only by a security interest in real property that is the debtor’s principal residence.” But the inverse of this statute is true; if a debtor can prove that a claim is secured by something other than “the debtor’s principal residence” then the claim can be modified in a Chapter 13 plan. A debtor can bifurcate or even . . .

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What Is the Difference Between an Adversary Proceeding and a Contested Matter?

M. Jonathan Hayes

June 16, 2024

A colleague of mine recently asked “what’s the difference between an adversary proceeding and a contested matter?” My immediate response was “very little.” But I decided to take a look at the rules so I can give a little more thoughtful answer the next time I’m asked.

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Taxes & Timing: Calculating Outcomes for Bankruptcy Debtors

Cathy Moran

December 19, 2021

Bankruptcy lawyers regularly evaluate the dischargeability of taxes when deciding when to file a client’s bankruptcy case. At base, the 3 year rule, the 2 year rule, and the 240 day rule routinely drive timing of a bankruptcy. But as we approach the end of the tax year, a client’s current year tax situation becomes another moving part in the...

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Inclusion in Bankruptcy Doesn’t Equal “Discharged”

Cathy Moran

February 11, 2024

Communications Practice Pointer! Convincing clients that all of their debts must be included in bankruptcy is one of the hardest parts of being a bankruptcy lawyer. Communicating clearly with our clients, in their language, is a key part of our job. The struggle often seems Herculean.

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Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’ – Whether a Motor Home Qualifies for the Homestead Exemption as a Mobile Home?

Tiaon Michele Lynch

April 28, 2024

“Although exemptions are meant to be interpreted liberally; this issue may become increasingly complex with the rise of remote work such as traveling nurses.”

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From the Editor – Lien Issues

September 15, 2019

By The Honorable William Houston Brown (Retired) Legal rate of interest applies after foreclosure judgment. Applying New Jersey common law on merger, the mortgage was merged into a final order of judgment of foreclosure; therefore, the mortgage was no longer the basis for determining post- judgment interest. The debtor obtained a sale from which the mortgage creditor would be paid,...

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Escrow 101 – Part 2 of 3

September 12, 2021

By Michael J. McCormick, Esq., McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC (Roswell, GA) Escrow 101 – Part 1 Escrow 101 – Part 3 Escrow 102 – Part 1 Escrow 102 – Part 2

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The Brunner Student Loan Hardship Test: Alive and Well in The Big Apple

June 23, 2019

By Herbert L. Beskin, Chapter 13 Trustee for the Western District of Virginia (Charlottesville) Let’s take the following set of facts and see how it plays out in the labyrinthian world of hardship discharge of student loan debt. The case is In re Lozada (Lozada v. Educational Credit Management Corporation), 594 B.R. 212 (Bankr. S.D. N.Y. 2018). Years ago (30...

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Critical Case Comment – Relief from Stay, Check; But Better Act Fast

Henry E. Hildebrand, III

August 27, 2023

A creditor having received relief from the automatic stay prior to confirmation of the debtor’s plan is nonetheless bound by the terms of the plan, once confirmed.

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How to Effectively Handle a Difficult Debtor

The NACTT Emeritus Trustees

June 9, 2024

This is a GREAT resource everyone should read! “Sometimes the trustee’s office must deal with a difficult debtor. . . . All trustees know — or should know — that skilled debtors’ lawyers are our best allies.”

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Millions of ITINs Set to Expire in 2019; IRS Says Renew Early to Prevent Refund Delays

June 23, 2019

Nearly 2 million Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) are set to expire at the end of 2019 as the IRS continues to urge affected taxpayers to submit their renewal applications early to avoid refund delays next year. “We urge taxpayers with expiring ITINs to take action and renew the number as soon as possible. Renewing before the end of the...