Passing of Memphis’ Beloved Judge Kennedy

The Honorable David S. Kennedy, retired Chief U. S. Bankruptcy Judge, Western District of Tennessee, passed away on November 26, 2023. Judge Kennedy held a BBA from the University of Memphis and a J.D. from University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. In 1970, upon graduating from law school, Judge Kennedy served a year as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert M. McRae, U. S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee (1970-1971); general practice of law and served as a Bankruptcy Receiver and Trustee (1971-1973); Bankruptcy Court Clerk, U. S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee (1974-1975); private practice and bankruptcy Panel Trustee (1976-1980); Adjunct Professor, University of Memphis School of Law (1981-2019); U. S. Bankruptcy Judge, Western District of Tennessee (1980-1988); and Chief U. S. Bankruptcy Judge, Western District of Tennessee (1988-2022). He was a member of the Memphis and Shelby County Bar Association and Tennessee Bar Association.

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Consumer Bankruptcy Education

The NACTT Academy offers a comprehensive community for bankruptcy professionals seeking to advance their education in consumer bankruptcy.

Interest Starts at Confirmation

Henry E. Hildebrand, III

February 2, 2025

The present value “interest” that must be paid on a secured claim in accordance with § 1325(a)(5)(B), as determined by Till, is to be paid from the effective date of the plan – confirmation – and not calculated from the date the plan was filed.

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Upwardly Mobile: An Analysis of the Telecommunications Deduction Line on the Means Test

Kara K. Gendron

September 17, 2023

“Perhaps the most obvious problem with this instructional language is that it refers to outdated services.”

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Can Good Facts Also Make Bad Law? Finality of Orders in Bankruptcy Revisited after Ritzen Group

Lawrence R. Ahern, III

March 20, 2022

"Finality" in Bankruptcy When is an order within a bankruptcy case "final"? When must a party to the proceeding appeal within 14 days? When may a party either seek interlocutory review or sit back and wait until something more occurs to make the order final? Final orders are appealable. In civil actions, this is a relatively easy proposition to apply...

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An Open Thank You Letter to NACTT – Reflections from a New(er) Trustee: My First Two Years

March 7, 2021

By Dynele Schinker-Kuharich, Chapter 13 Standing Trustee (Canton, OH) I vividly remember getting the call that I was to be appointed as a Standing Chapter 13 Trustee (effective October 1, 2018). I was so honored, and humbled, and excited. At the time I was a panel Chapter 7 Trustee, but my heart had always been in Chapter 13. As corny...

Critical Case Comment – Listing a Debt “Just in Case”

Henry E. Hildebrand, III

October 29, 2023

An interesting decision – one we would like for you to weigh in on. Did the Judge get it right? Is this a win for Creditors? Is this yet another case that requires more work from Debtors’ Counsel? Let us hear from you.

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From the Editor

September 27, 2020

By The Honorable William Houston Brown (Retired) Disgorgement of fees for nondisclosure. The Tenth Circuit held that the “default sanction” for an attorney’s failure to satisfy disclosure obligation is full disgorgement of fees paid. While full disgorgement may not be required in particular circumstances, the “default sanction” principle required reversal and remand. The bankruptcy court, affirmed by the BAP, had...

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In the Trenches: Secrets to Settlement – Competency in the Courtroom Part 3 of 3

June 23, 2019

By Jan Hamilton, Chapter 13 Trustee (Topeka, KS) Click here for Part 1 of 3 Click here for Part 2 of 3 19. In the Courtroom ― Leading Questions Learning how to conduct a direct examination of your witnesses is the cornerstone to your case. Early . . . It looks like you are not signed in or registered! This...

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What Else Does the Code Say About Interest and Unsecured Debts?

Ken Siomos

March 31, 2024

While some circuits differ, statutory interpretation suggests similar treatment for secured and unsecured claims regarding interest disallowance, unless context dictates otherwise. Attorney Siomos brings subscribers a follow-up to last week’s article.

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Cui Pro Bono?

The Honorable John P. Gustafson

April 17, 2022

Judge Gustafson and Daniel Tavera explore “Who Benefits” from work done in a Chapter 13 case, and they suggest that the title of this piece comes from an old-time radio show – “Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar” – one of the most popular radio shows in its day. It was a five-part show called “The Cui Bono Matter.” To hear a...

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Pay Down Debt or Save – Which Should Come First?

Cathy Moran

August 25, 2024

Pay off debt first or start saving now? A question you, as a debtor attorney, are often asked. It’s a debate almost as convoluted as which came first, the chicken or the egg?

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