Tag Archives: discharge of debts

Defalcation and Dischargeability: The Supreme Court Speaks

Bullock v. BankChampaign, N.A., 569 U.S. ___ (2013) – Although an individual debtor can generally obtain a discharge of debts in bankruptcy as part of a “fresh start,” there are certain exceptions.  In particular, Section 523(a)(4) of the Bankruptcy Code provides that … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Discharge Injunction Violation: Can a Lender Refuse to Foreclose, Release Its Lien, or Accept Surrender of a Property?

Canning v. Beneficial Maine, Inc. (In re Canning), 706 F.3d 64 (1st Cir. 2013) – After filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, the debtors tried to surrender their residence to the mortgage lender.  After the bankruptcy the lender refused to accept a surrender, … Continue reading

Posted in Financing, Real Estate | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Tenant Security Deposits: You May Be Closer to Defalcation Than You Think

In re Hall, 483 B.R. 281 (Bankr. D. Conn. 2012) – In Hall a residential tenant argued that the debtor landlord’s failure to return a security deposit gave rise to a non-dischargeable debt in his chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Posted in Real Estate | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Construction Trust Funds: Does Failure to Pay Give Rise to a Non-Dischargeable Debt?

Reshetar Systems, Inc. v. Thompson, 686 F.3d 940 (8th Cir. 2012) – Scott Thompson, the owner and manager of a construction company, signed a confession of judgment accepting liability for the company’s failure to pay its subcontractor sums received from … Continue reading

Posted in Real Estate | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Non-Dischargeable Debts: Some Lies Matter More Than Others

Bandi v. Becnel (In re Bandi), 683 F.3d 671 (5th Cir. 2012) – In Bandi, the debtors made false statements regarding their ownership of particular real estate.  The Fifth Circuit upheld a finding that debts incurred in reliance on those … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment