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NACBA Amicus Briefs

This page contains NACBA Amicus Briefs. They are sorted by the Court in which they were filed. Click on the court to go to the briefs. Each brief is summarized; you can download the brief in text or pdf format by clicking next to the name of the case.

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Supreme Court
First Circuit
Second Circuit
Third Circuit
Fourth Circuit
Fifth Circuit
Sixth Circuit
Seventh Circuit
Eighth Circuit
Ninth Circuit
Tenth Circuit
Eleventh Circuit
Supreme Court
2010
Ransom v. MBNA 09-907
Vehicle expense deduction.

Debtor's Attorney: Christopher Burke
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Pending.
2009
Hamilton v. Lanning, No. (08-998)
Whether a court should apply the “mechanical” or the “forward-looking” approach to projected disposable income for purposes of a Chapter 13 plan.

Debtor's Attorney: Michael Brunton and Tom Goldstein
NACBA's Attorney: Jonathan Marcus
Result/Case Citation: Judgment affirmed - Court held "when a bankruptcy court calculates a debtor's projected disposable income, the court may account for changes in the debtor's income or expenses that are known or virtually certain at the time of confirmation. (Click here for the decision )

Milavetz v. United States (No. 08-1225, 08-1119)
Constitutionality of sections 526 and 528 and definition of DRA.

Debtor's Attorney: Alan Scott Milavetz
NACBA's Attorney: Barry Feigenbaum & Jonathan Massey
Result/Case Citation: Judgment affirmed in part, reversed in part; Findings: attorneys are DRAs, section 526(a)(4) narrowly interpreted to prohibit advice leading to abuse of bankruptcy, and section 528 survives facial challenge. (Click here for the decision )

Schwab v. Reilly (No. 08-538)
Whether trustee who fails to object to exemption of property in its entirety may later sell such property upon learning that its value exceeds its exemption amount.

Debtor's Attorney: Eric Brunstad & Gino Andreuzzi
NACBA's Attorney: William Heuer
Result/Case Citation: Reversed and remanded. (Click here for the decision )

United Student Aid Funds v. Espinosa (No. 08-1134)
Whether student loan creditor can conduct post-discharge collection where loan was discharged in Chapter 13 without Adversary Proceeding.

Debtor's Attorney: Michael Meehan & James Robinson
NACBA's Attorney: Henry Sommer, Geoff Walsh
Result/Case Citation: Judgment affirmed - debtor won (Click here for the decision )
2006
Marrama v. Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, et al .
Whether the plain language of 11 U.S.C. § 706(a) grants the debtor an unqualified one-time right to convert a chapter 7 bankruptcy case to chapter 13?

Debtor's Attorney: David Baker
NACBA's Attorney: John Rao; Craig Goldblatt and Seth Waxman, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
Result/Case Citation: No. 05-996, 549 U.S. -- (2007); Debtor lost; Holding that a chapter 7 debtor does not have an absolute right to convert his case to chapter 13. The 5-4 majority concluded that a chapter 7 debtor whose case could be converted or dismissed for cause under 11 U.S.C. § 1307(c) had forfeited the right to proceed under chapter 13.
2003
Tennessee Student Assistance Corp. v. Hood
Whether Congress has authority to abrogate state sovereign immunity under the Bankruptcy Clause.

Debtor's Attorney: Leonard H. Gerson
Result/Case Citation: 124 S.Ct. 1905 (2004) student loan dischargeability suit brought against state does not implicate state’s Eleventh Amendment immunity from suit. Court did not decide abrogation issue.

Till v. SCS Credit Corp.
What is the proper method for calculating the discount interest rate in a Chapter 13 cramdown.

Debtor's Attorney: Annette F. Rush
Result/Case Citation: 124 S.Ct. 1951 (2004). Debtors won. Court adopted "formula approach".

Kontrick v. Ryan
Whether deadline in Bankruptcy Rules for creditor objections to discharge can be tolled on equitable grounds.

Debtor's Attorney: E. King Poor
Result/Case Citation: 124 S.Ct. 906 (2004). Objection deadlines may be waived if debtor fails to assert untimeliness as a defense.
1997
Kawaahau v. Geiger
Application of "willful and malicious injury" exception under § 523(a)(6)

Debtor's Attorney: Laura Grandy
Result/Case Citation: 118 S.Ct. 974 (1998). Debtor won; only acts itended to cause injury are subject to exception.

In re Rash
Valuation of secured claim in Chapter 13

Debtor's Attorney: John Durkey
Result/Case Citation: 117 S.Ct. 1879 (1997). Results inconclusive.
First Circuit
2000
Bessette v. Avco Financial Services, Inc.
Enforceability of discharge injunction in class action.

Debtor's Attorney: Christopher Lefebvre
Result/Case Citation: 230 F.3d 439 (1st Cir. 2000). Discharge enforceable through § 105; class action permissible.
1999
In re Mann
Whether § 1322(b)(2) prohibits stripping off lien that is wholly unsecured lien.

Debtor's Attorney: Christopher Lefebvre
Result/Case Citation: 249 B.R. 831 (B.A.P. 1st Cir. 2000). Debtor won; totally unsecured lien may be stripped off.
1998
In re Weinstein
Homestead exemption and judicial lien avoidance

Debtor's Attorney: Joseph Bernardo
Result/Case Citation: 164 F.3d 677 (1st Cir. 1999) Debtor won; state law limitationon exemption for pre-existingdebt preempted.

In re Burr
Options available under § 521(2)

Debtor's Attorney: Joel Soforenko
Result/Case Citation: 160 F.3d 843 (1st Cir.1998)Creditor won-must reaffirm to retain collateral.
Second Circuit
2009
Connecticut Bar Assn, et al v. Holder (No. 08-4797, 08-5901).
Whether certain provisions of sectoin 526, 527 and 528, relating to debt relief agecnies, are unconstitutional? NACBA is a named plaintiff in this action. (Click here for the NACBA's reply )

NACBA's Attorney: Jonathan S. Massey
Result/Case Citation: Pending.
2007
In re Peaslee (2d Cir. No. 07-3962)
Whether inclusion of negative equity in car financing limits the applicability of the hanging paragraph?

Trustee/Appellee: George Reiber
NACBA's Attorney: Lewis Seigel, Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor lost. (Click here for the decision )
2004
In re Hill
Whether bankruptcy court properly exercised discretion to retain stay violation case rather than refer to arbitration.

Debtor's Attorney: Gary Klein
Result/Case Citation: 436 F.3d 104 (2d Cir. 2006); Debtors lost; Reversing lower court and holding that bankruptcy court did not have discretion to refuse to enforce the arbitration clause because arbitration of the dispute did not inherently conflict with the Code or necessarily jeopardize the objectives of the Code.
2000
In re Taylor
Whether retirement contributions constitute a reasonably necessary expense during Chapter 13.

Result/Case Citation: 243 F.3d 124 (2nd Cir. 2001). Debtor won; whether reason-ably necessary should be decided on case-by-case basis.
1999
In re Barbieri
Whether debtors have an automatic right to dismiss Ch 13.

Debtor's Attorney: Gary Fischoff
Result/Case Citation: 199 F.3d 616 (2dCir. 1999). Debtor won.

Fisher v. New Jersey
Sovereign immunity re: discharge of state taxes.

Debtor's Attorney: William Dunnegan
Result/Case Citation: Appeal Withdrawn.
1997
In re Boodrow
Options available under § 521(2).

Debtor's Attorney: William McCarthy
Result/Case Citation: 126 F.3d 43 (2d Cir. 1997). Debtor won - may retain with continuing payments.
Third Circuit
2009
Rea v. Federated Investors, No. 10-1440
Whether 525(b) permits denial of employment to prospective employee on the basis of bankruptcy

Debtor's Attorney: Joseph H. Chivers
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Pending.
2007
In re Brady (Bankr. D.N.J.)
Whether disposable income for an above-median income debtor is calculated using Form B22 or Schedules I and J.

Debtor's Attorney: Scott Zauber
NACBA's Attorney: William Mackin, Tara Twomey, Henry Sommer
Result/Case Citation: Debtor won; 361 B.R. 765 (Bankr. D.N.J. 2007); Holding that Form B22 is controlling when projecting disposable income and that the length of a chapter 13 plan for an above-median income debtor with no disposable income can be less than 60 months. Click here for here for the decision. (Click here for the decision )
2006
In re Connors
Whether debtor who, following a sheriff's auction, still possesses a right of redemption under state law is entitled to cure a mortgage default pursuant to § 1322(c)(1)?

Debtor's Attorney: Scott Sherman
NACBA's Attorney: Scott Waterman
Result/Case Citation: Debtor lost; 497 F.3d 314 (3d Cir. 2007).

In re Scarborough
Whether a chapter 13 debtor may modify, pursuant to section 11 U.S.C. § 1322(b)(2), an undersecured mortgage claim on a multi-unit property that includes a unit in which the debtor does not reside?

NACBA's Attorney: Scott Waterman, Irwin Trauss, Kenneth West
Result/Case Citation: Debtor won; 461 F.3d 406 (3d Cir. 2006).
2003
In re Price
Options available under § 521(2).

Debtor's Attorney: Andrea G. Green
Result/Case Citation: 370 F.3d 362 (3d Cir. 2004). Debtor won -- may retain with continuing payments.
1999
In re Anes
Whether retirement loan repayments may be deducted from Ch 13 disposable income.

Debtor's Attorney: John DiBernardino
Result/Case Citation: 195 F.3d 177 (3d Cir. 1999). Debtor lost.
Fourth Circuit
2010
SunTrust v. Millard, No. 09-2266
Whether debtor could avoid junior lien on principal residence where, but for arrearage on first mortgage, appellant lien would have been secured.

Debtor's Attorney: Pro se
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Pending.
2008
In re Meadows, No 07-1968
Whether debtor may surrender a 910-car in full satisfaction of creditor's claim?

Debtor's Attorney: David Cox
NACBA's Attorney: Brett Weiss; Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor Lost. (Click here for the decision )
2007
In re White, No. 06-31611 (Bankr. W.D.N.C.)
Whether debtor may surrender a 910-car in full satisfaction of creditor's claim?

Debtor's Attorney: Geoff Planer
NACBA's Attorney: Susan Robicsek, Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor lost; No published decision; Creditor entitled to unsecured deficiency claim.

In re Bellamy (Bankr. D. Md.)
Whether chapter 13 trustee must pay debtor's counsel's fees approved under section 1326(a)(2) ahead of claims from secured and unsecured creditors?

Debtor's Attorney: Jeffrey Sirody
NACBA's Attorney: Brett Weiss
Result/Case Citation: Debtor mostly won; 379 B.R. 86 (Bankr. D. Md. 2007); holding that after confirmation, if there is any unpaid allowed administrative expenses, including attorney fees, no payment may be made to any other creditor under the plan, unless administrative expense is paid in full, either first or at the same time.

In re Price (No. 07-2185)
Whether creditor holding claim that includes payoff of negative equity for trade-in vehicle has a purchase money security interest entitled to protection of the hanging paragraph?

Debtor's Attorney: William Brewer
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor lost, Creditor has pmsi in negative equity. (Click here for the decision )
2001
In re Massey
Whether favored treatment of a codebtor claim under § 1322(b)(1) is subject to unfair discrimination test.

Debtor's Attorney: Charles Krumbein
Result/Case Citation: Appeal dismissed as interlocutory in unpublished opinion.
Fifth Circuit
2010
Burnett v. Stewart Title 10-20250
Whether 525(b) permits denial of employment to prospective employee on basis of bankruptcy.

Debtor's Attorney: Alexander Wathen
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Pending.
2009
In re Wilborn (No. 09-20415) 5th Cir.
Whether bankruptcy court could certify class to challenge Wells Fargo's charging of undisclosed professional fees during course of Chapter 13 plan.

Debtor's Attorney: Johnie Patterson
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Judgement vacated. (Click here for the decision )
2008
In re Miller (08-30601)
Whether debtors may surrender a vehicle purchased for personal use and within 910 days of filing a petition in full satisfaction of a claim?

Debtor's Attorney: Jerry Breaux
NACBA's Attorney: Carey Ebert
Result/Case Citation: Debtor lost. (Click here for the decision )
2007
In re Hersh (No. 07-10226)
Whether sections 526(a)(4) and 527, related to debt relief agencies, are unconstitutional?

Debtor's Attorney: Howard Marc Spector
NACBA's Attorney: Jonathan Massey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor lost: § 527(b), which compels that certain information regarding bankruptcy proceedings be conveyed by the “debt relief agency” to “assisted persons,” does not violate the First Amendment. § 526(a)(4), which prohibits an attorney from advising his or her client to incur debt in contemplation of filing for bankruptcy, is not facially unconstitutional. (Click here for the decision )
2000
AT&T University v. Mercer
Justifiable reliance in credit card dischargeability.

Debtor's Attorney: Kaara Liskow
Result/Case Citation: 246 F.3d 391 (5th Cir. 2001) Debtor sort of lost, rev'd and remanded.
1999
Bolin v. Sears Roebuck
FRCP 23(f) appeal of class certification involving challenges to Sears' bankruptcy collection practices.

Debtor's Attorney: Gene Clements
Result/Case Citation: Certification order based on Rule 23(b)(2) vacated and remanded for consideration under Rule 23(b)(3).

In re Rash
Valuation of secured claim in Chapter 13.

Debtor's Attorney: John Durkey
Result/Case Citation: 90 F.3d 1036 (5th Cir. 1996). Debtor won.
Sixth Circuit
2010
In re Jones, 10-8031, In re Schafer 10-8030 (BAP)
Constitutionality of Michigan bankruptcy-only exemptions.

Debtor's Attorney: Kerry Hettinger
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Pending.
2009
Gold v. Lewis, No. 09-1777
Whether Ford buy-out plan is exempt under 522(d)(11)(E)

Debtor's Attorney: Hugh Robert Pierce
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Judgment affirmed - debtor won (decision attached). (Click here for the decision )
2008
In re Shockley (No. 08-3954)
Whether creditor holding claim that includes payoff of negative equity for trade-in vehicle has a purchase money security interest entitled to protection of the hanging paragraph?

Debtor's Attorney: David Kruer
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Result: appeal dismissed as moot.
2007
In re Long
Whether debtor may surrender a 910-car in full satisfaction of creditor's claim?

Debtor's Attorney: John Newton, Brent Snyder
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor Lost. (Click here for the decision )
2006
In re Ezell (Bankr. E.D. Tenn.)
Whether debtors may surrender a vehicle purchased for personal use and within 910 days of filing a petition in full satisfaction of creditor's claim.

Debtor's Attorney: Richard Mayer
NACBA's Attorney: Cindy Lawson, Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtors won; Car may be surrendered in full satisfaction of claim under § 1325(a)(5)(C). 338 B.R. 330 (Bankr. E.D. Tenn. 2006). (Click here for the decision )

In re Gentry (Bankr. E.D. Tenn.)
Whether § 1325(a)(4) is applicable to a creditors claim where such claim is secured by a vehicle purchased for personal use and within 910 days of filing of a petition and whether debtor may satisfy such claim in full by surrendering the vehicle?

Debtor's Attorney: Robert Cave
NACBA's Attorney: Alan Lee, Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: 2006 WL 3392947 (Bankr. E.D. Tenn. 2006); Debtors won; 910-car may be surrendered in full satisfaction of creditor's claim. (Click here for the decision )
1999
Bolin v. Sears Roebuck
FRCP 23(f) appeal of class certification involving challenges to Sears' bankruptcy collection practices

Debtor's Attorney: Gene Clements
Result/Case Citation: Certification order based on Rule 23(b)(2) vacated and remanded for consideration under Rule 23(b)(3).

In re Rash
Valuation of secured claim in Chapter 13.

Debtor's Attorney: John Durkey
Result/Case Citation: 90 F.3d 1036 (5th Cir. 1996). Debtor won.
Seventh Circuit
2007
In re Wright
Whether debtors may surrender a vehicle purchased for personal use and within 910 days of filing a petition in full satisfaction of a claim?

Debtor's Attorney: Xioaming Wu
NACBA's Attorney: JIm Haller, Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: 2007 WL 1892592 (7th Cir. July 3, 2007). Debtor lost; Holding debtors may not surrender 910-car in full satisfaction of allowed secured claims.

Cardinal Stritch Univ. v. Kuehn (No. 07-3954)
Whether private college can withhold transcripts from a debtor whose debt for tuition has been discharged in Chapter 7?

Debtor's Attorney: Patricia Hammel
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor won. Withholding college transcript due to failure to pay pre-petition loans violates the automatic stay and discharge injunction provisions of the Code. (Click here for the decision )

Neary v. Ross-Tousey (No. 07-2503)
Whether debtor is entitled to claim car ownership expense under the IRS Local Standards where the vehicle is not leased or encumbered by a loan?

Debtor's Attorney: George Goyke
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor won: Debtor is entitled to claim car ownership expense under 707(b) regardless of whether debtor currently making payments on loan. (Click here for the decision )
1997
In re Hoskins
Valuation of secured property in Chapter 13.

Debtor's Attorney: Lloyd Koehler
Result/Case Citation: Debtor won.
Eighth Circuit
2009
In re Mierkowski, No. 08-3866
Negative equity.

Debtor's Attorney: Kimber Baro
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor lost. 2009 WL 2857998 (8th Cir., Sept. 8, 2009) (Click here for the decision )
2007
Brown v. Pyatt
Whether debtor must reimburse the estate where pre-petition checks are cashed post-petition?

Debtor's Attorney: Gary Bollinger
NACBA's Attorney: Wendell Sherk, Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor won; 486 F.3d 423 (8th Cir. 2007); Debtor not subject to turnover motion where funds removed from checking account post-petition, on account of pre-petition checks, were no longer under debtor's control.

In re Suggs (BAP)
Whether creditor violates the automatic stay by seizing debtor's vehicle pursuant to local rule without filing a motion for relief from the stay.

Debtor's Attorney: Todd Wilhelmus
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor won; 377 B.R. 198 (B.A.P. 8th Cir. 2007); Holding that local rule permitting self-help repossession followed by a motion for relief from stay is contrary to the provisions of § 362 and FRBP 4001(a) and therefore invalid. In re Suggs, 2007 WL 3242721 (8th Cir. BAP Nov. 5, 2007)

In re Frederickson (No. 07-3391)
Whether ACP is multiplier or temporal requirement and whether disposable income is projected using schedules I and J?;

Debtor's Attorney: Rusty Sparks
NACBA's Attorney: Wendell Sherk
Result/Case Citation: Judgment reversed and remanded. Court found that under the forward-looking approach the debtor had "projected disposable income" and that the applicable commitment period was, therefore, a temporal requirement rather than a multiplier. (Click here for the decision )
Ninth Circuit
2010
In re Mwangi (No 09-1408) 9th Cir. BAP
Whether Wells Fargo's practice of placing administrative holds on depositor's accounts upon the filing of bankruptcy petition violates turnover provision of 542 or automatic stay provision of 362.

Debtor's Attorney: Christopher Burke
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey, Lisa Sharon
Result/Case Citation: Judgment for Debtor. (Click here for the decision )
2009
Olsen v. Gonzales, No. 07-35616
Constitutionality of 11 U.S.C. 526-528

Debtor's Attorney: Keith Karnes
NACBA's Attorney: Henry Sommer & Jonathan Massey
Result/Case Citation: Pending

In re Ransom, 9th Cir. (No. 08-15066)
Whether above-median chapter 13 debtor may take vehicle ownership expense deduction on wholly owned vehicle.

Debtor's Attorney: Christopher Burke
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Motion for reconsideration denied, petition for cert. filed. Petition for cert. filed in U.S. Sup. Ct. No. 09-907. (Click here for the decision )

MERS v. Chong, No. 09-661, (D.Nev.)
Whether MERS has standing to seek lift of stay in its own name.

NACBA's Attorney: Christopher Burke
Result/Case Citation: Result: judgment for debtor. (Click here for the decision )
2008
Olsen v. Mukasey, Nos. 07-35616, 07-35762
Whether provisions related to debt relief agencies contained in sections 526(a)(4), 528(a)(3), (a)(4) and (b)(2) are unconstitutional?

NACBA's Attorney: Henry Sommer, Jonathan Massey
Result/Case Citation: Pending
2007
In re Kagenveama
Is the projection of “disposable income” for purposes of 1325(b)(1)(B) based Form B22C or the difference between Schedules I and J and whether an above-median debtor with zero or negative disposable income is required to propose a 60 month plan?

Debtor's Attorney: Andrew Nemeth
NACBA's Attorney: M. Johnathan Hayes, Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor won, 541 F.3d 868 (9th Cir. 2008).

In re Rodriguez (9th Cir. BAP)
Whether debtors may surrender a vehicle purchased for personal use and within 910 days of filing a petition in full satisfaction of a claim?

Debtor's Attorney: Robert Russell
NACBA's Attorney: Leonard Pena, Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor lost; 375 B.R. 535 (B.A.P. 9th Cir. 2007).

Chappell v. Klein (No. 07-35704)
Whether value attributable to appreciation in home is property of the estate where the property was claimed as fully exempt and no objection receive?

Debtor's Attorney: Marc Stern
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Pending.
2002
In re Lopez
Whether post-discharge property retention agreement is disguised reaffirmation agreement that violates § 524(c) and (d).

Debtor's Attorney: John Roberts
Result/Case Citation: 345 F.3d 701 (9th Cir. 2002). Debtors won - agreement which required debtors to pay discharged debt was void reaffirmation.
2001
In re Su
Whether Geiger requires application of an objective substantial certainty test for "willful and malicious injury" exception.

Debtor's Attorney: Stanley Zlotoff
Result/Case Citation: 290 F.3d 1140 (9th Cir. 2002). Debtor won; discharge exception requires proof of subjective intent.
1999
Contractor's State Licensing Board v. Dunbar
Preclusive effect of state admin agency's decision.

Debtor's Attorney: David Boone
Result/Case Citation: 245 F.3d 1058 (9th Cir. 2001)Debtor won; bankr cts havefinal authority on core proceedings.

In re Gruntz
Application of stay to criminal prosecution to collect child support debt; state court authority to decide stay/discharge violations.

Debtor's Attorney: Fritz Furman, Joseph Weber
Result/Case Citation: 202 F.3d 1074 (9th Cir. 1999)Criminal prosecution re: child support within exception to § 362; bankr cts have sole authority to determine stay/discharge violations and are not bound by state ct modifications of stay.
1997
In re Been
§ 522(f)(2(C)-avoidance of mortgage deficiency judicial lien.

Debtor's Attorney: Ivan Trahan
Result/Case Citation: 153 F.3d 1034 (9th Cir. 1998) Debtor won; lien could be avoided since not based on judgment arising out of foreclosure.

In re Taffi
Secured claim valuation; Chapter 11 costs of sale.

Debtor's Attorney: Lavar Taylor
Result/Case Citation: Creditor won.
Tenth Circuit
2007
In re Jones (10th Cir. No. 07-3256)
Whether 910-car creditor is entitled to interest on its claim.

Debtor's Attorney: Kenneth Gay
NACBA's Attorney: Jill MIchaux, Cynthia Grimes, Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor lost. (Click here for the decision )
1998
In re Montgomery
Earned income tax credit property of the estate.

Debtor's Attorney: Jill Michaux
Result/Case Citation: 2000 US App LEXIS. Debtor Lost.
Eleventh Circuit
2010
In re Hoffman (No. 09-18839) (Bankr. M.D. Fla)
Whether 506(a) and (d) allow strip off of wholly unsecured lien in Chapter 7.

Debtor's Attorney: James Harper
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey, Norman Hull
Result/Case Citation: Debtor lost. (Click here for the decision )
2009
Tennyson v. Whaley (No. 09-14628) 11th Cir.
Whether debtor with negative disposable income on Form 22C must file chapter 13 plan with 60 month applicable commitment period.

Debtor's Attorney: Alex Dolhancyk
NACBA's Attorney: Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Reversed and remanded - debtor lost. (Click here for the decision )

Washington v. Reding, No. 09-0579 (M.D.Ala)
Whether unemployment compensation is excluded from CMI as social security benefit under 101(10A)(B).

Debtor's Attorney: Richard D. Shinbaum
NACBA's Attorney: Lisa J. Sharon, Robert D. Segall
Result/Case Citation: Pending.
2008
In re Barrett, No. 07-14796
Whether debtor may surrender a 910-car in full satisfaction of creditor's claim?

Debtor's Attorney: Earl Gillian
NACBA's Attorney: David Poston, Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor lost.
2007
In re Graupner (Bankr. M.D. Fla.)
Whether inclusion of negative equity in car financing limits the applicability of the hanging paragraph?

Debtor's Attorney: Brace Luquire
NACBA's Attorney: John K. James, Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: 2007 WL 1858291 (M.D. Ga. June 26, 2007); Debtor lost; Holding negative equity constitutes part of purchase money obligation under Georgia law and therefore hanging paragraph requires payment in full.
2006
In re Sainlar (Bankr. M.D. Fla.)
Whether appreciation in value is an interest acquired for purposes of the homestead cap in § 522(p).

Debtor's Attorney: Robert F. Pflueger
NACBA's Attorney: Doug Neway, Tara Twomey
Result/Case Citation: Debtor won; appreciation is not an interest acquired in property for purposes of 522(p); 344 B.R. 669 (Bankr. M.D. Fla. 2006). (Click here for the decision )
2002
Great American Financial v. Paschen
Whether § 1322(c)(2) permits the stripdown of short-term mortgages.

Debtor's Attorney: William Edwards
Result/Case Citation: 296 F.3d 1203 (11th Cir. 2002). Debtor won; mortgages having final payment that comes due during Chapter 13 plan may be modified.
1999
Tanner v. Firstplus
Whether § 1322(b)(2) prohibit stripping off lien that is wholly unsecured.

Debtor's Attorney: Douglas Neway
Result/Case Citation: 217 F.3d 1357 (11th Cir. 2000) Debtor won; totally unsecured lien may be stripped off.
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