Why the FCRA’s Dispute Machinery So Often Breaks Down – A Practical Primer for Bankruptcy Counsel

“Verified as reported.” Three words that kill your client’s dispute—and fuel your next case.

Unlock This Article

To get started, please let us know which of these best fits your current position:

Please sign in to continue reading this content.
leffler4
Consumer Litigation Associates, Newport News, VA

Mark C. Leffler is a federal civil litigator with Consumer Litigation Associates, a nationally recognized leader in consumer advocacy based in Virginia. Mark has spent most of his career litigating in Bankruptcy Court, including bringing numerous actions against debt collectors, mortgage companies, and predatory lenders in bankruptcy. He is President of the NACTT Academy for Consumer Bankruptcy Education, is a frequent author for the NACTT Academy’s webzine at ConsiderChapter13.org, and has served as a panelist at numerous annual conferences of the National Association of Chapter Thirteen Trustees (NACTT). Mark is AV® rated by Martindale Hubbell, he was selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for his work in bankruptcy and debtor rights, and he is a frequent speaker and author on bankruptcy matters for Virginia CLE programs. Mark is a native of Williamsburg, Virginia, and he received his law degree from Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates, Virginia State Bar, Bankruptcy Section, and the Richmond Bankruptcy Bar Association.

Related Articles

gustafson2
In the continually evolving field of consumer bankruptcy law, a series of Supreme Court decisions shape how cases are administered nationwide. Over the coming weeks, we will highlight key decisions that every bankruptcy practitioner should recognize—both by name and by the issues they resolve. This week’s ‘memory work’ is: Ritzen Group; Taggart; Midland Funding v. Johnson; Czyzewski v. Jevic Holding; and Husky v. Ritz
Members
January 3, 2021
By Cathy Moran, Esq., Moran Law Group (Redwood City, CA) Chapter 13 debtors got a huge “gift” among the COVID relief provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, signed December 27, 2020 by the president. Debtors may get a full -compliance discharge of dischargeable debts if they have a residential mortgage and have not made all the payments required...
Members
humphrey
February 18, 2024
Retirement of the Honorable Guy R. Humphrey
May 31, 2020
By The Honorable William Houston Brown (Retired) Only bankruptcy court issuing discharge order can enforce injunction. The Fifth Circuit held that only the bankruptcy court issuing a discharge order has authority to enforce the discharge injunction. The opinion reviews pre-2005 Code provisions and current 28 U.S.C. § 1963, citing other Circuits that “have insisted on a return to the bankruptcy...
Members
image
November 9, 2025
The Honorable Luis E. Rivera II was sworn in Oct. 2nd as the newest bankruptcy judge for the Middle District of Florida. Judge Rivera's duty station is in Tampa. He will also preside in the Court's Fort Myers Division.
November 10, 2019
By William Houston Brown, Editor and Adviser, NACTT Academy for Consumer Bankruptcy Education, Inc. Several Official and Director’s Forms related to bankruptcy filings are revised and some are new, with some already taking effect on October 1, 2019, others to take effect December 1, 2019, and others taking effect February 19, 2020. Several forms have already been updated on April...
Members
July 12, 2020
July 10, 2020, the CFPB released a report examining recent trends in debt settlement and credit counseling. Many Americans struggle with their debts, especially during times of crisis. Today’s report documents changes over time in how consumers have used these debt relief options for unsecured debt. Using the Bureau’s Consumer Credit Panel (CCP), a nationally representative sample of approximately five...
Copy of Hildebrand-2016
June 19, 2022
Congress’ enactment of differing fees for U.S. Trustee states and Bankruptcy Administrator states violated the uniformity provision of the Bankruptcy Clause of Article I of the Constitution. (Sotomayer) Siegel v. Fitzgerald, 2022 WL 1914098 (S.Ct. June 6, 2022) Case Summary In 2008, the retail chain, Circuit City Stores, filed a Chapter 11 petition. In 2010, Circuit City’sliquidating plan was confirmed...
Members
gavel
September 8, 2024
Judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit have appointed J. Barrett Marum as the next bankruptcy judge on the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of California.
Hayes Jury
February 1, 2026
Judge Jury gives a thoughtful answer to Attorney Hayes question: “My client is adamant that I appeal but I'm afraid the judge will be mad at me. Do you have a comfort blanket I might use to quell my fears?”
Members

Looking to Become a Member?

ConsiderChapter13.org offers a forum to advance continuing education of consumer bankruptcy via access to insightful articles, informative webinars, and the latest industry news. Join now to benefit from expert resources and stay informed.

Webinars

These informative sessions are led by industry experts and cover a range of consumer bankruptcy topics.

Member Articles

Written by industry experts, these articles provide in-depth analysis and practical guidance on consumer bankruptcy topics.

Industry News

The Academy is the go-to source for the latest news and analysis in the Chapter 13 bankruptcy industry.

To get started, please let us know which of these best fits your current position: