Bankruptcy Law Commons^™

Equitable Subordination Of A Claim Depends On Insider Status, Conduct Of The Claimant, And If There Was Harm, Nicholas Smargiassi

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

Equitable subordination is a remedial doctrine pursuant to which a creditor’s claim may be subordinated to other claims. The doctrine is designed to “undo or to offset any inequality in the claim position of a creditor that will produce injustice or unfairness to other creditors in terms of the bankruptcy results.” Equitable subordination is codified in section 510(c) of Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”). Section 510(c) of the Bankruptcy Code “authorizes a bankruptcy court to ‘subordinate for purposes of distribution all or part of an allowed claim to all or part of another allowed …

The Barton Doctrine's Applicability To Suits Against Bankruptcy Trustees When The Bankruptcy Court Lacks Jurisdiction Over The Matter, Chelsea Frankel

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

In Barton v. Barbour, the Supreme Court established the general rule that a lawsuit cannot be brought against a receiver for acts done within their authority without leave of the court that appointed such receiver. The Court precluded a personal injury suit against a company's receiver without leave of the appointing court, finding that if the plaintiff were permitted to recover on his personal injury claim against the receiver, he would be recovering from the receivership property "without regard to the rights of other creditors or the orders of the court which is administering the trust property." The …

Ownership Status Of Inherited Retirement Accounts In Bankruptcy, Aron Kaplan

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

Immediately upon filing a petition for relief under title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”), a bankruptcy estate is created by operation of law that consists of the debtor’s assets from which the creditors will be repaid. The Bankruptcy Code states that the estate includes “all legal or equitable interests of the debtor in property as of the commencement of the case.” This broad language reflects Congress’s intent that there be sufficient assets in the estate to protect the interests of creditors.

Despite this broad legislative language, there are certain categories of property that the debtor …

Fdcpa Claims: Are Intangible Injuries “Concrete” Injuries?, Kimberly Moyal

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) was passed to prohibit a debt collector from engaging in abusive debt collection practices. The FDCPA serves to protect a consumer by giving a consumer a statutory claim against an abusive debt collector. In 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Spokeo, Inc. v. Robins, ruled that a party pursuing a statutory claim, like an FDCPA claim, must meet the Article III standing requirements of the U.S. Constitution. To establish the first element of the Article III standing analysis, the plaintiff must prove that they suffered a “concrete and particularized” injury.

After …

A Hotel Does Not Meet The Definition Of "Single Asset Real Estate" And May Reorganize Under Subchapter V Of Chapter 11 Of The Bankruptcy Code, Patrick Canavan

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

Enacted via the Small Business Reorganization Act ("SBRA") in 2019, Subchapter V streamlines the reorganization process, allowing small business debtors to file bankruptcy in a timely and cost-effective manner. The goal behind the legislation is to encourage reorganizations, which will generally result in creditors receiving a higher distribution than in a liquidation and more small businesses surviving. Section 1182(1) of title 11 of the United States Code (the "Bankruptcy Code") limits those who can file a Subchapter V case to a "small business debtor" who does not own a "single asset real estate" project ("SARE"). Thus, if the debtor …

The Effect Of Insider Status On The Court's Approval Of A Key Employee Retention Plan, Perry Chresomales

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

When a company that has filed for relief under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the "Bankruptcy Code") seeks to retain essential employees through the course of its bankruptcy, the payments made with the goal of retaining key employees are subject to the requirements of section 503(c) of the Bankruptcy Code. These payment plans, also known as Key Employee Retention Plans or "KERPs", are designed to "provide certain Key Employees with a financial incentive to forgo seeking alternative employment during the Debtors' bankruptcy proceeding as well as after confirmation of a chapter 11 plan." In …

Courts Apply A Case-By-Case Analysis In Distinguishing A Meritorious Motion To Disqualify From A Delaying Litigation Tactic, Cathrena Collins

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

It is becoming increasingly rare for an attorney to remain at the same firm for an entire career. Lateral movements of lawyers coupled with large firms employing hundreds of attorneys creates ample opportunity for conflicts of interest to arise. The American Bar Association explains a conflict of interest is present when "there is a significant risk that a lawyer's ability to consider, recommend or carry out an appropriate course of action for the client will be materially limited as a result of the other lawyer's responsibilities or interest." Furthermore, Rule 1.10(b) dictates that a lawyer joining a new firm …

The Various Methods Circuit Courts Use To Define "Initial Transferee" In Fraudulent Transfers, Anthony J. Crasto

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

Transfers of a debtor's interest or obligation in property to a third party, made to prevent creditors from reaching assets in a bankruptcy case, are known as fraudulent transfers. Under current law, there are two types of fraudulent transfers: actual fraud and constructive fraud. Actual fraud requires findings of a debtor's "intent to hinder, delay, or defraud any entity to which the debtor was or became, on or after the date that such transfer was made or such obligation was incurred, indebted." Constructive fraud does not require a finding of intent and occurs when a debtor receives "less than …

Erisa Withdrawal Liability Claims Unlikely To Receive Administrative Expense Priority Status In A Chapter 11 Reorganization, Bridget Golden

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

An employer who withdraws their participation in a multi-employer defined benefits plan is statutorily required to pay the plan a withdrawal liability. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), as amended by the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980 ("MPPAA"), provides a number of formulas to assist a multi-employer defined benefits plan's actuary with calculating the withdrawal liability amount. Congress imposed withdrawal liability on withdrawing employers "(1) to protect the interests of participants and beneficiaries in financially distressed multiemployer plans, and (2) ... to ensure benefit security to plan participants." An employer's ability-and willingness-to pay withdrawal liability …

Enforceability Of Third-Party Releases In Foreign Proceedings Under Chapter 15, Anastasia Greer

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

In our increasingly globalized world, cross-border insolvency proceedings brought under chapter 15 (herein "Chapter 15") of title 11 of the United States Code (the "Bankruptcy Code") are on the rise - with over 100 additional filings in 2020 alone. Third-party releases are provisions in bankruptcy plans intended to release non-debtors (including shareholders, directors, officers, and affiliates) from claims creditors hold against other members of their class. A third­ party release can "act as a complete release, waiver, and discharge of that party ... arising out of or in connection with the debtor and its plan of reorganization." While the …

A Debtor's Eligibility For Relief Under Subchapter V Of Chapter 11, Nicholas Hasbún

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

In February of 2020, the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 ("SBRA") became effective and added a new subchapter ("Subchapter V") to title 11 of the United States Code (the "Bankruptcy Code"). Subchapter V, which is incorporated into chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, was established to create an efficient process for small business debtors to "reorganize quickly, inexpensively, and efficiently." To proceed under Subchapter V, a debtor must meet the definition of a debtor under section 1182(1) of the Bankruptcy Code and must elect its application pursuant to section 103(i) of the Bankruptcy Code. Under Subchapter V, an …

The Approval Of Retirement Contributions In Chapter 13 Payment Plans, Jennifer Hepner

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

In the United States, employees often contribute a portion of their annual income to their 401(k) retirement plans. These contributions may fluctuate based on age, income, or additional contributions by employers. At the same time, chapter 13 debtors are often required to pay at least a portion of what is owed to creditors as part of their court-approved payment plans. A court will only approve a debtor's chapter 13 payment plan if a debtor contributes all of his "projected disposable income" to pay creditors over the "applicable commitment period." While disposable income is defined as the "current monthly income …

Assessing The Two Tests Courts Use To Determine Dischargeability Of Student Loan Debt, Sean B. King

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

The purpose of bankruptcy is to give honest debtors a “fresh start.” For debtors with student loans this purpose is not automatic, rather, the viability of the student loan programs takes precedence. For student loans, the default rule is they are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) spells this out. Under section 523(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code, student loans must create an “undue hardship” to be discharged.

The issue is how courts determine undue hardship under section 523(a)(8). The term “undue hardship” is not defined in the Bankruptcy Code, rather, it …

The Split In The Application Of Section 109(A) Requirements To Chapter 15 Cases, Kate Long

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

Chapter 15 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) governs recognition of foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, and debt-restructuring proceedings. Section 1517 of the Bankruptcy Code generally sets forth the requirements for recognition. In addition to those requirements, some courts have held that a foreign debtor must satisfy traditional debtor eligibility requirements for a debtor’s foreign proceeding to be recognized under Chapter 15. Other courts disagree and hold that a foreign debtor does not need to meet the traditional requirements for its foreign proceeding to be recognized under Chapter 15.

This memorandum explores the applicability of the …

Age As A Factor In Determining Discharge Of A Debtor’S Student Loan Debt, Julia Merani

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) provides for debtors a “fresh start” by allowing the discharge of most debt. To obtain a discharge of student loan debt, a debtor must demonstrate “undue hardship.” If the debt is not discharged, it must still be paid. The phrase “undue hardship” is not defined in the “Bankruptcy Code and congressional record provides little guidance as to what constitutes undue hardship . . . .” Even though Congress created a single standard for discharging student loan debt; the circuit courts have adopted different tests to determine if the undue …

Quitclaim Deeds, Divorce Decrees: Homestead Exemptions For Transferred Marital Property Across “Tenancy By The Entirety” And “Community Property” Jurisdictions, Elijah Newcomb

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

The quit claim deed is an instrument that transfers a property interest from a grantor to a grantee, without making any other representations. Quit claim deeds are common among spouses and divorcing couples as concerns regarding title defects are mitigated. These transfers have resulted in bankruptcy cases where a recipient-spouse receives a property interest encumbered by a lien, and tries to evade liability. A debtor can attempt to avoid a lien through an exemption. Exemptions are statutory provisions which can protect qualified property in a bankruptcy action. Section 522 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy …

Are Nonconsensual Third-Party Releases Acceptable In United States Courts, Megan O’Connor

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

Under Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”), a debtor will generally be released or discharged from certain liabilities. In addition, a plan confirmed under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code may provide for a “third-party release,” pursuant to which a non-debtor, like a senior officer or shareholder, may be released from certain liabilities by creditors. There is currently a split between United States Courts of Appeals regarding the scope of who can be bound by a release by creditors: some courts permit such a release in the plan where each creditor has affirmatively consented to …

A Non-Party’S Ability To Assert A Cure Claim Under 365(B)(1)(A) In New York, Brendan Shaw

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

Under section 365 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”), “[a] trustee [or debtor], subject to the court's approval, may assume or reject any executory contract or unexpired lease of the debtor.” Before assumption, a debtor must promptly cure or provide adequate assurance that it will promptly cure any defaults that existed at the time of assumption. Under New York law, an intended third-party beneficiary of a contract can enforce the terms of that contract.

This Article discusses how the Southern District of New York dealt with the issue of whether an intended third-party beneficiary …

The Prospect Of A Debtor’S Future Employment Is A Factor Courts Consider When Discharging Student Loan Debt, Joe Pizzingrillo

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

Under title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”), a debtor’s student loan debt is not dischargeable unless “excepting such debt from discharge . . . would impose an undue hardship on the debtor.” A majority of courts apply a three-prong test, known as the Brunner test, to determine if student loan debt may be discharged. Under this analysis, courts will generally consider a debtor’s prospects for future employment in deciding whether a student loan debt should be discharged. In connection therewith, courts will often take into account a debtor’s educational background and possession of a professional …

Subsequent Transferee’S Good Faith For Value Defense: The Second And Ninth Circuit’S Perspective, Alexa Schimp

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

Under section 548(a)(1) of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”), a trustee may “avoid any transfer . . . incurred by the debtor, that was made or incurred on or within 2 years before the date of the filing of the petition” if there is either an “actual intent” fraudulent transfer or a “constructive” fraudulent transfer. The trustee, however, may not recover if a subsequent transferee can satisfy the good faith for value defense and demonstrate that it “t[ook] for value . . . in good faith, and without knowledge of the voidability of the …

The Role A Debtor’S Age Plays When Determining Whether To Discharge Student Loan Debt, Joseph Wales

Bankruptcy Research Library

(Excerpt)

Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) generally provides for a broad discharge of pre-petition debts, resulting in a “fresh start” for debtors post-bankruptcy. However, section 523 of the Bankruptcy Code provides that a debtor may not be discharged from student loans unless there is a showing of “undue hardship.”

“Undue hardship” is a term of art largely dependent on the circumstances of the debtor. One common circumstance is the age of the debtor. The effect of a debtor’s age on their ability to pay can vary, so the role age plays in undue hardship analyses …

Portraits Of Bankruptcy Filers, Pamela Foohey, Robert M. Lawless, Deborah Thorne

Scholarly Works

One in ten adult Americans have turned to the consumer bankruptcy system for help. For the past almost forty years, the only systematic data collection about the people who file bankruptcy comes from the Consumer Bankruptcy Project (CBP), for which we serve as co-principal investigators. In this Article, we use CBP data from 2013 to 2019 to describe who is using the bankruptcy system, providing the first comprehensive overview of bankruptcy filers in thirty years. We use principal component analysis to leverage these data to identify distinct groups of people who file bankruptcy. This technique allows us to situate the …

Brief Of Amica Curiae Deborah A. Demott In Support Of Petitioner, Deborah A. Demott

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Broken Promesa: Why The United States Should Abandon Its Use Of The Territories Clause To Control The Local Affairs Of Puerto Rico, Julia R. Cummings

Brooklyn Law Review

Puerto Rico’s sovereignty status is an anomaly. Since the United States acquired the island in 1898, the federal government has treated Puerto Ricans differently compared to residents of its other acquired territories. The United States also exerts significant control over Puerto Rico’s local affairs, most recently through the enactment and enforcement of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) in response to the current debt crisis in Puerto Rico. This note assesses the validity of the federal government’s use of the territories clause to control local Puerto Rican affairs, examining the complex history between the United States …

Rekonstruksi Undang-Undang Perbankan Untuk Mewujudkan Perlindungan Nasabah Penyimpan Yang Integratif Dan Berkepastian Hukum, Danu Febrianto, Joni Emirzon, Febrian Febrian

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

Banks have an important role in economic development through their function by collecting funds from the public in the form of deposits and channeling them to the public in the form of credit in order to improve the standard of living of the people at large. Currently the banking business is regulated in Act Number 7 of 1992 concerning Banking as amended by Act Number 10 of 1998 (abbreviated as "Banking Act”). In a period of 20 years from 1998 to 2018, there have been developments in regulations relating to the depositors protection which are scattered in various laws and …

Hostile Restructurings, Diane L. Dick

Washington Law Review

The conventional wisdom holds that out-of-court loan restructurings are mostly consensual and collaborative. But this is no longer accurate. Highly aggressive, nonconsensual restructuring transactions—what I call “hostile restructurings”—are becoming a common feature of the capital markets. Relying on hypertechnical interpretations of loan agreements, one increasingly popular hostile restructuring method involves issuing new debt that enjoys higher priority than the existing debt; another involves transferring the most valuable collateral away from existing lenders to secure new borrowing.

These transactions are distinguishable from normal out-of-court restructurings by their use of coercive tactics to overcome not only the traditional minority lender holdout problem, …

Health Insurance And Bankruptcy Risk: Examining The Impact Of The Affordable Care Act, Philip M. Pendergast, Michael D. Sousa, Tim Wadsworth

Brooklyn Law Review

The passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) in 2010 represented a watershed moment for healthcare in the United States. As is well-noted, the federal courts are still wrangling over the constitutionality of the law, and there is significant uncertainty regarding the extent to which the ACA will survive these legal battles. Unquestionably, the ACA has expanded access to health insurance for many millions of Americans. Prior to the advent of the ACA, Medicaid income eligibility for adults without dependents was approximately 61 percent of the Federal Poverty Line. Empirical studies since the advent of the ACA …

Personal Insolvency In China: Necessities, Difficulties, And Possibilities, Rebecca Parry, Haizheng Zhang, Jiahui Fu

Brooklyn Journal of International Law

There has long been demand for personal insolvency laws in China, yet such laws have hitherto been unavailable, in part due to ideological resistance. In more recent years there has been an increase in borrowing by individuals, which has led to increased calls for honest but unfortunate debtors to be able to obtain a fresh start. Yet there is significant public mistrust of defaulting debtors and in particular there is a shadow cast by those termed the Lao Lai that has led many to question the desirability of such a reform. There has also been a need for change in …

Looking Forward: Professor Roberta Karmel’S Prescient Views On The Transformation Of Self-Regulatory Organizations And Of The Securities Market Structure At The Turn Of The Last Century, James A. Fanto

Brooklyn Journal of Corporate, Financial & Commercial Law

This essay examines Professor Roberta Karmel’s scholarship on the transformation of self-regulatory organizations (SROs) and the securities market structure, a transformation that occurred at the turn of the last century. It explains how she examined the events from the perspective of a lawyer who had a rich knowledge of the history of the SROs, the securities markets, and their regulation and how she provided a practical understanding of the way these markets worked. It points out that, rather than offering an overarching theory that would explain all of these developments and that would guide regulators and legislators in SRO and …

Lending A Hand Instead Of Breaking The Bank: The Imperative Need To Resolve The Circuit Split For Determining Undue Hardship For Section 523(A)(8) Student Loan Discharges, Rucha Pandit

William & Mary Business Law Review

The Bankruptcy Code permits petitioners to discharge their student debts if they are able to demonstrate that their loans impose an undue hardship. Somewhat frustratingly, the Code does not define what exactly constitutes undue hardship in the context of student loan discharges. Moreover, neither Congress nor the Supreme Court has broken its silence to offer guidance on the issue. As a result, the rest of the federal judiciary has been once again, left to its own devices.

Over the past few decades, the Brunner and totality-of-the-circumstances tests have emerged as the standards that federal circuits choose between to assess whether …