The cases were filed within one year of each other. Both are still pending. Further, several unsecured creditors, including some of their larger unsecured claims, also are common. Debtors' counsel, however, indicated that creditors from whom Susan sought protection in bankruptcy are now seeking recourse against Debtor Glen Brinkman. Based on these facts, the Court concludes that the cases should be substantively consolidated into Bankr.
Debtors share a close personal, legal, and financial relationship.
Creditors will not be prejudiced because they can now consolidate their efforts to realize on the Debtors' assets in one case. That prejudice, however, does not outweigh the benefits to the Trustee and creditors if the cases are consolidated. This letter memorandum and accompanying orders will constitute findings and conclusions under F.R.Bankr. Debtors will be given fifteen days to file and notice to all creditors a joint amended schedule of property claimed exempt. Trustee Lovald's objection to Debtor Glen Brinkman's claim of exemptions will be rendered moot.