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NACBA/NCLC Call on ED to Issue Guidance Adopting Safe Harbors for Undue Hardship for Student Loan Borrowers
May 17, 2021

NACBA/NCLC Call on ED to Issue Guidance Adopting Safe Harbors for Undue Hardship for Student Loan Borrowers

On May 14, 2021 NACBA and National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients) sent a joint letter […]

NACBA Calls on SBA to Submit to the EOUST the Eligibility of Debtors for PPP
Mar 30, 2021

NACBA Calls on SBA to Submit to the EOUST the Eligibility of Debtors for PPP

On March 29, 2021, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) sent a letter to Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman […]

SIGNED: H.R. 1651 “COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021”- March 27, 2021
Mar 29, 2021

SIGNED: H.R. 1651 “COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021”- March 27, 2021

We are happy to report that on Saturday, March 27, 2021 President Biden SIGNED H.R. 1651 into law. The amended […]

Response from EOUST Regarding the Goals of the American Rescue Plan Act
Mar 29, 2021

Response from EOUST Regarding the Goals of the American Rescue Plan Act

On March 17, 2021 the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) submitted a letter to Director Clifford White at […]

PASSED: Amended COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021- Will Head to President’s Desk
Mar 26, 2021

PASSED: Amended COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021- Will Head to President’s Desk

Yesterday NACBA shared that the U.S. Senate passed an amended H.R. 1651 “COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021”. The […]

Senate Passes Amended COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021
Mar 25, 2021

Senate Passes Amended COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021

As NACBA reported, on March 17, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1651 “COVID–19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act […]

House Passes H.R. 1651, COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021
Mar 18, 2021

House Passes H.R. 1651, COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021

On March 17, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1651 "COVID–19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021". Among many […]

NACBA 29th Annual Convention will be VIRTUAL
Mar 18, 2021

NACBA 29th Annual Convention will be VIRTUAL

In light of on-going developments with COVID-19 and after thoughtful discussions with our Board of Directors and several dedicated NACBA […]

NACBA Calls on EOUST to ensure the goals of the American Rescue Plan Act are not undermined
Mar 17, 2021

NACBA Calls on EOUST to ensure the goals of the American Rescue Plan Act are not undermined

The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA)  submitted a letter, March 17, 2021, to Director Clifford White at the […]

NACBA ENCOURAGED BY SENATOR ELIZABETH WARREN’S INTRODUCTION OF THE CONSUMER BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT
Dec 09, 2020

NACBA ENCOURAGED BY SENATOR ELIZABETH WARREN’S INTRODUCTION OF THE CONSUMER BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT

The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) commends Senator Elizabeth Warren and House Judiciary Chair Jerrold Nadler for their […]

House Judiciary Markup HR 2648, HR 8366- Both Move to House Floor
Sep 30, 2020

House Judiciary Markup HR 2648, HR 8366- Both Move to House Floor

On Tuesday, September 29, 2020 the House Judiciary Committee led by Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY), held a markup hearing and […]

Opinion: Why bankruptcy must be an option for homeowners and small businesses to survive this COVID-19 recession
Sep 08, 2020

Opinion: Why bankruptcy must be an option for homeowners and small businesses to survive this COVID-19 recession

Published: Sept. 8, 2020 at 8:26 a.m. ET, MarketWatch By John C. Colwell U.S. Bankruptcy Code should be overhauled to […]

NACBA 2020 Members Only Workshop Rescheduled for December 2021
Aug 03, 2020

NACBA 2020 Members Only Workshop Rescheduled for December 2021

Due to the global COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA), has no choice but to […]

Senators Durbin & Whitehouse, Representative Lofgren, and Chief Economist Dr. Zandi Join NACBA and NCLC to Discuss the Importance of Bankruptcy Reform in the time of COVID-19 and Beyond
Jul 30, 2020

Senators Durbin & Whitehouse, Representative Lofgren, and Chief Economist Dr. Zandi Join NACBA and NCLC to Discuss the Importance of Bankruptcy Reform in the time of COVID-19 and Beyond

For Immediate Release The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) and National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) on Wednesday hosted a […]

NACBA Announcement – HEROES Act Bankruptcy Provisions
May 20, 2020

NACBA Announcement – HEROES Act Bankruptcy Provisions

As a majority continue to follow stay at home orders due to the COVID-19 crisis, NACBA’s Legislative Committee with support from NACBA’s Board of Directors have been working nonstop with House and Senate staff to ensure significant bankruptcy provisio

NACBA 2020 Board of Directors Election Results
May 07, 2020

NACBA 2020 Board of Directors Election Results

The NACBA 2020 Board of Directors Election Results are as follows: Tara Twomey, Esq., of Carmel, CA (Seat #1), Gene Melchionne, Esq., of Waterbury, CT (Seat #2), and Pamela Stewart, Esq., of Houston, TX (Seat #8).

NACBA Joins with 65 Organizations Calling for Canceling Student Debt to Tackle Economic Fallout
Apr 15, 2020

NACBA Joins with 65 Organizations Calling for Canceling Student Debt to Tackle Economic Fallout

WASHINGTON, D.C.- On April 13th, 69 community, civil rights, consumer, and student advocacy organizations, including NACBA, sent a letter to House and Senate leadership, urging them to include student debt cancellation in the next coronavirus package. 

Bankruptcy Court Allows NFS’ $600.00 Cigarette Expense on Means Test
Apr 14, 2020

Bankruptcy Court Allows NFS’ $600.00 Cigarette Expense on Means Test

The Debtor in this case was successfully represented by NACBA member Mr. David Wilkinson of Frego & Associates – The Bankruptcy Law Office, PLC in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. In this case the Debtor filed a chapter 7 bankruptcy without her spouse. 

Survey of Federal Bankruptcy Districts Regarding Coronavirus Response Including the “Wet” Signature Requirement
Mar 27, 2020

Survey of Federal Bankruptcy Districts Regarding Coronavirus Response Including the “Wet” Signature Requirement

This week NACBA performed a survey of how different courts are addressing the coronavirus pandemic.  Every district’s website was examined for published orders or policies.  All orders regarding wet signatures are linked along with other orders re

NACBA’s Update on Senate COVID-19 Legislation
Mar 26, 2020

NACBA’s Update on Senate COVID-19 Legislation

The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) has been working hard advocating behind the scenes (while maintaining a safe social distance) with House and Senate Judiciary Members and staff to get bankruptcy provisions passed in the cu

NACBA Issues Joint Statement- re: Bankruptcy relief required to address economic crisis caused by COVID-19 Virus
Mar 24, 2020

NACBA Issues Joint Statement- re: Bankruptcy relief required to address economic crisis caused by COVID-19 Virus

The unprecedented pandemic we are now experiencing will without doubt cause financial hardship to millions of Americans who had no hint that their otherwise stable economic situations would be disrupted so completely.  Even with payment moratoria and tem

The Other Shoe Drops, Bankruptcy Court Sanctions Debtor’s Attorney
Mar 18, 2020

The Other Shoe Drops, Bankruptcy Court Sanctions Debtor’s Attorney

What are the dangers in filing an emergency bankruptcy petition for a Debtor you never met and who didn’t sign the bankruptcy petition? (Bankr. N.D.TX.)

NACBA’s 28th Annual Convention Cancelled
Mar 18, 2020

NACBA’s 28th Annual Convention Cancelled

NACBA is carefully monitoring the evolving coronavirus situation. Like many, we are hopeful for an effective solution in the near future. In the meantime, we are pleased to announce that NACBA’s 2020 Members-Only Workshop, December 1 – Decembe

U.S. Trustee Program Issues Notice on Continuance of Section 341 Meetings
Mar 17, 2020

U.S. Trustee Program Issues Notice on Continuance of Section 341 Meetings

Effective immediately, all in-person chapter 7, 12, and 13 section 341 meetings scheduled through April 10, 2020, are hereby continued until a later date to be determined.

Bankruptcy Court Excludes Income Received as Charity in Brunner Test to Determine Non-Dischargeability of Student Loans
Mar 10, 2020

Bankruptcy Court Excludes Income Received as Charity in Brunner Test to Determine Non-Dischargeability of Student Loans

Please note, if you are already a member of NACBA, THANK YOU for your support of the profession. If you […]

Can a Debtor Sue a Creditor for Filing a False Claim?
Feb 24, 2020

Can a Debtor Sue a Creditor for Filing a False Claim?

Prior to the Debtor’s bankruptcy he had some serious real estate tax issues. He owned real property in Pendleton County, Kentucky (the "Rogers Property”) but failed to pay taxes for tax years 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007.  The County sold the tax certif

Bankruptcy Court Recognizes and Rewards Debtor’s Counsel for Time Spent Preparing Schedules
Feb 18, 2020

Bankruptcy Court Recognizes and Rewards Debtor’s Counsel for Time Spent Preparing Schedules

Prior to this case the Debtors had filed three chapter 13 cases in quick succession from late 2015 to early 2016 all of which were dismissed without a confirmed plan. The debtors filed this chapter 13 case in March of 2019 and were originally represented

2020 President’s Letter to Membership
Feb 09, 2020

2020 President’s Letter to Membership

NACBA continues to advance, and we visualize the upcoming year to be one of uninterrupted fortune. Looking back, the 2019 calendar for NACBA was replete with success. 2020 and 20/20 indeed!

District Court Refuses to Dismiss FCRA Class Action Lawsuit For Negligent Incorrect Credit Reporting On Discharged Student Loan Subtitle: Court finds CRA’s failure to have a procedure in place to distinguish which student loans are discharged is neglige
Jan 24, 2020

District Court Refuses to Dismiss FCRA Class Action Lawsuit For Negligent Incorrect Credit Reporting On Discharged Student Loan Subtitle: Court finds CRA’s failure to have a procedure in place to distinguish which student loans are discharged is neglige

Prior to filing for bankruptcy, the Debtor incurred a student loan (ultimately held by Navient)  to attend the Reformed Theological Seminary.  The seminary was not a Title IV accredited institution. The Debtor filed bankruptcy, listed this loan and rece

Bankruptcy Court Discharges Student Loans, Labels “Certainty of Hopelessness” Standard a “Myth” and Not Supported by In re Brunner.
Jan 09, 2020

Bankruptcy Court Discharges Student Loans, Labels “Certainty of Hopelessness” Standard a “Myth” and Not Supported by In re Brunner.

Prior to filing bankruptcy, the Debtor borrowed money to pay for his undergraduate education. After graduating and serving in the United States Navy for five years, he borrowed additional funds to attend and complete law school. After graduating from law

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases
Dec 06, 2019

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases

Does a creditor violate the automatic stay by threatening a debtor with criminal prosecution to collect a civil debt? (Bankr. W.D.VA.) In chapter 13, can an under-secured 910-car creditor tack on post-petition attorney’s fees? (Bankr. W.D.AR.) In a chap

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases
Nov 30, 2019

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases

Does a bankruptcy court have the discretion to deny an amendment of exemptions if the amendment is in bad faith or would prejudice creditors? (8th Cir.) What are the dangers in filing an emergency bankruptcy petition for a Debtor you never met and who did

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases
Nov 23, 2019

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases

Does a chapter 7 debtor have standing to object to the trustee’s proposed sale of assets? (8th B.A.P.) Can a debtor exempt a rifle as "[n]ecessary apparel, bedding, foodstuffs, household furniture and appliances?” (Bankr. D.CT.). Is failure to disclos

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases
Nov 16, 2019

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases

Does a calendaring error made by Debtor’s counsel constitute "excusable neglect” under Civ. P. 60(b)(1) and Fed. R. Bankr. P. 9024? (Bankr. E.D.MI.) Can Debtors defend against a trustee’s tuition claw back by asserting they received the economic ben

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases
Nov 08, 2019

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases

Can a state agency argue that a debt is non-dischargeable under Section 523(a)(7) if it began criminal proceedings to collect the debt post-petition?(Bankr. N.D.AL.) Does a chapter 7 debtor have standing to object to a claim? (Bankr. E.D.NY.) Can debtor

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases
Nov 01, 2019

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases

In a chapter 13, does a car creditor violate the automatic stay if the storage lot owner does not release a repossessed vehicle? (Bankr. E.D.MI.) Is a homestead refund credit received post-petition on real estate taxes paid pre-petition part of the bankru

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases
Oct 25, 2019

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases

Does a Defendant asserting judicial estoppel have standing to object to a motion to reopen a bankruptcy (11 U.S.C. § 503) to disclose the omitted claim? (D. W.D.WA.) Can a debtor pay off a car title pawn loan over the duration of a chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases
Oct 18, 2019

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases

If a bankruptcy court denies a discharge under Section 727, does it have the authority to enter a money judgment against the debtor under a non-dischargeability proceeding under Section 523? (Bankr. E.D.MI.) Can a chapter 13 debtor cram down a residence w

District Court Confirms Debtor’s Absolute Right to Dismissal under Section 1307
Oct 15, 2019

District Court Confirms Debtor’s Absolute Right to Dismissal under Section 1307

Prior to filing bankruptcy, the Debtor was sued in state court for fraudulent misrepresentation and for breaching a contract to restore a vintage automobile. A default judgment was entered against her. Ten years later she filed a chapter 13 bankruptcy. Th

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases
Oct 11, 2019

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases

Can a debtor, post-deposition, make material, contradictory changes to his deposition transcript on the Errata Sheet? (Bankr. N.D.GA.) Can the bankruptcy court allow a late claim by a creditor omitted from a timely filed creditors list? (Bankr. MD.) Can a

11th Circuit Holds Trustee’s Knowledge of Fraud Before Discharge Does Not Bar Trustee From Later Seeking Revocation of the Discharge
Oct 08, 2019

11th Circuit Holds Trustee’s Knowledge of Fraud Before Discharge Does Not Bar Trustee From Later Seeking Revocation of the Discharge

In 2011 the Debtors filed a voluntary chapter 13 bankruptcy which was converted later that year to a chapter 11. Several years later it was converted to a chapter 7 bankruptcy. At the same time of the Debtors conversion, one of Debtor’s companies Nattco

Bankruptcy Court holds a personal injury claim is not “abandoned” if disclosed on the bottom of Schedule I (possible increase of income) but not on Schedule B.
Oct 07, 2019

Bankruptcy Court holds a personal injury claim is not “abandoned” if disclosed on the bottom of Schedule I (possible increase of income) but not on Schedule B.

The Debtor was injured in a traffic accident in 2012. Later that year he filed a chapter 7 bankruptcy. He didn’t list the personal injury as an asset on Schedule B. Instead he listed it on Schedule I in response to the request to "Describe any increase

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases
Oct 04, 2019

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases

In a chapter 13, should debtor’s attorney’s fees be paid before commencing repayment to unsecured creditors? (S.D.Ind.) Can a debtor get reimbursed from estate assets for paying off a debt outside of the bankruptcy? (Bankr. N.D.Ohio) In a chapter 7 ba

Bankruptcy Court Allows Deduction of Debtor’s Attorney’s Fees in Means Test and Surveys Cases Allowing the Deduction.
Oct 02, 2019

Bankruptcy Court Allows Deduction of Debtor’s Attorney’s Fees in Means Test and Surveys Cases Allowing the Deduction.

Prior to filing bankruptcy, the Debtor hired NACBA member Jeffrey B. Kelly of the Law Office of Jeffrey B. Kelly, P.C. out of Rome, Georgia. Mr. Kelly successfully argued this case on behalf of the Debtor. The Debtor agreed to pay Mr. Kelly $4,500.00 for

DIGEST OF CASE LAW UPDATES AND CASE BITES BY CIRCUIT FOR SEPTEMBER 2019
Sep 30, 2019

DIGEST OF CASE LAW UPDATES AND CASE BITES BY CIRCUIT FOR SEPTEMBER 2019

1ST CIRCUIT 1st Circuit BAP Explains The Bankruptcy Rules Concerning Motions to Vacate Judgments In a chapter 13 confirmation context, […]

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases
Sep 27, 2019

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases

Are voluntary retirement contributions valid means test deductions in a chapter 13? (E.D.Mich.) Can a debtor claim a homestead exemption for sale proceeds received post-petition that were not reinvested timely? (D.ME.) Does the automatic stay stop a sanct

7th Circuit Explains Bankruptcy Court Jurisdiction to Address Tax Claims
Sep 24, 2019

7th Circuit Explains Bankruptcy Court Jurisdiction to Address Tax Claims

Prior to filing bankruptcy, the Debtors were involved in a tax dispute with the IRS. The IRS demanded the Debtors pay $107,000.00 in taxes plus $80,000.00 in fraud penalties for tax years 2009-2011. The Debtors petitioned the Tax Court for review. Shortly

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases
Sep 20, 2019

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases

In a student loan dischargeability proceeding, can a Debtor still demonstrate undue hardship if a student loan lender offers an IBRP of $0.00 per month? (Bankr. D.OR.) In a "Chapter 20” scenario, is it bad faith for the Debtor to file the chapter 13 if

Bankruptcy Court Discusses the Four Way Case Law Split of Interpretations of Section 109(g)(2) Affecting the Eligibility to be a Debtor Within Six Months of Voluntary Dismissal
Sep 16, 2019

Bankruptcy Court Discusses the Four Way Case Law Split of Interpretations of Section 109(g)(2) Affecting the Eligibility to be a Debtor Within Six Months of Voluntary Dismissal

The Debtor and his spouse were indebted to Standard Mortgage Corporation ("SMC”) which was secured by a mortgage on the Debtor’s real estate. The Debtor became delinquent on his mortgage payments and SMC instituted a foreclosure. Two days before sale,

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases
Sep 13, 2019

Case Bites: Interesting Issues and Decisions from This Week’s Cases

Does a default judgment entered prior to bankruptcy have preclusive effect in a dischargeability proceeding? (2nd) Can a UCC lien be avoided if it doesn’t contain a description of the collateral and instead refers to a description in another document?

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