Source: http://www.iasb.uscourts.gov/v2_judges/decisions_als.shtm
Timestamp: 2017-01-22 18:17:50
Document Index: 564786312

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 627', '§ 523', '§ 523', '§ 707', '§ 707', '§ 1129', '§ 523', '§ 523', '§ 523', '§ 365', '§ 365', '§ 523', '§ 523', '§554']

Judge Shodeen - Decision Index
als-20150914-14-30059.pdf
Rolling Hills Bank and Trust v. Nelson (In re Nelson), (No. 13-00801-als7, Adv. No. 14-30059)
To secure indebtedness on several loans made by the bank, the Debtors assigned two life insurance policies as collateral. The life insurance policies were not disclosed as an asset on the Debtors’ bankruptcy petition. The bank filed an adversary proceeding seeking declaratory judgment regarding the status of its interest in Debtors’ assignment of the life insurance policies. The Court held that the life insurance policies qualify as property of the bankruptcy estate and failure to disclose them on the schedules did not change this outcome. The Court also held that because the right to payment under the assignments is contingent on future events, the determination of the extent to which the assignments may be enforced is premature. The Court held that the assignments were valid and continued to be effective and the bank held a security interest in the life insurance policies.
als-20150817-14-02831.pdf
In re Gretter Autoland, Inc. (No. 14-02831-als11)
The Debtor filed motions to assume and assign its dealership agreements with Ford Motor Company (“Ford”) and GM Motors, LLC (“GM”). Both of these manufacturers filed objections. The Debtor is a dealership that is operated as a dual facility, selling both GM and Ford lines. Ford objected to the assumption because Debtor had moved the dealership to a new location. GM objected because Ford vehicles are being sold at an exclusive GM location and the dealership has inadequate space to sell and service both Ford and GM products. Debtor argued that any defaults have been waived. The Court held that Ford and GM had not waived their right to object to the defaults. In addition, the Court held that Debtor failed to show that it could promptly cure the defaults. Further, Debtor stated that it intended to continue to operate a dual facility, and therefore, could not provide adequate assurance of future performance of the terms of the executory contracts. The Court declined to apply Iowa Code Chapter 322A.
als-20150430-14-02461.pdf
In re Lovan (No. 14-02461-als7)
The Court considered the chapter trustee’s motion to vacate the court’s order granting Debtor’s application to proceed in forma pauperis. The Debtor’s original application to proceed in forma pauperis was granted based on the income and expenses shown on her schedules. The trustee moved to vacate the order based on the Debtor’s anticipated tax refund. The Debtor stated that her schedules included an “unknown” value for her anticipated tax refund because she was unaware of the amount of any refund she might receive. The Court held that the trustee was diligent in attempting to obtain the details of the amount of the anticipated refunds and did not delay in filing this motion. The Court granted the trustee’s motion and the Debtor was required to pay the filing fee.
als-20150415-14-01165.pdf
In re Bottger (No. 14-01165-als7)
Prior to his bankruptcy, Debtor took out a loan against his homestead to purchase a house for his daughter to live in. His daughter did not remain in the home, and Debtor sold the property on contract. Attorney 1 filed a bankruptcy petition for Debtor, after which, the trustee filed a motion to compromise and settle Debtor’s interest in the real estate being sold on contract for the amount of $25,000. No objection was filed, and this action was approved. U.S. Bank filed a motion for relief from stay to proceed with foreclosure on Bottger’s homestead, which was approved. Attorney 1 then withdrew as counsel. Attorney 2 filed an amended schedule B which added a legal malpractice claim against Attorney 1 which was claimed as exempt as a personal injury claim. The trustee objected to the exemption claim and Debtor objected. The trustee agreed to sell the cause of action to Debtor, so Attorney 2 withdrew Debtor’s objection. The objection to exemption was sustained by the Court. Attorney 1 objected to the trustee’s notice of intent to sell the legal malpractice claim and offered a higher amount. Attorney 2 filed an objection to the higher bid and filed another amendment to Schedules B and C claiming a “Personal Injury from Legal Malpractice Claim” exempt in the amount of $60,000. The trustee objected to this exemption. The Court held that res judicata and claim preclusion did not apply to the Court’s prior order sustaining the objection to exemption because entry of that order did not arise from a contested exemption issue that was actually considered by the Court. The Court further held that because the legal malpractice claim does not qualify as a personal injury under Iowa law it cannot be exempt under 11 U.S.C. section 627.6(16). The Court held that the trustee could sell whatever interest the bankruptcy estate holds in the legal malpractice claim.
als-20150402-14-30043.pdf
United Service Credit Union v. Goodrich (In re Goodrich), (No. 14-01022-als7, Adv. No. 14-30043-als)
The credit union filed an adversary proceeding seeking dischargeability of debt pursuant to 11 U.S.C. section 523(a)(2)(A), (B) and (C) because the Debtor used some of his loan proceeds for gambling. The Court held that the credit union did not meet its burden to show that there was a misrepresentation upon which it relied. Debtor represented that he needed to pay his propane bill and make two mortgage payments, and these payments were actually made. The credit union also failed to prove that it justifiably relied on Debtor’s representation that he was able to pay the loan back because the credit union knew Debtor was unemployed when making the loan. The credit union also failed to prove that Debtor made a written misrepresentation to satisfy section 523(a)(2)(B). Finally, the Court held that section 523(a)(2)(C) is inapplicable to Debtor’s situation because the credit union’s loan was made outside the 90 days before filing bankruptcy.
als-20150318-12-30098.pdf
Natural Pork Production II, LLP v. IC Committee, et al. (In re Natural Pork Production II, LLP)(No. 12-02872-als11, Adv. No. 12-30098-als)
Debtor was organized as a Limited Liability Partnership under Iowa law. Among the governing documents for this entity were a Partnership Agreement (“PSA”) and a Buy-Sell Agreement. The PSA required all partners to make a capital contribution to the partnership, and in some instances, required partners to loan Debtor money, which resulted in a subordinated debt under a form promissory note. After Debtor began experiencing financial difficulties a number of partners submitted notice of their dissociation from Debtor which, according to the BSA, triggered Debtor’s obligation to purchase and pay for the partnership units held by these partners. Shortly after receiving these notices Debtor declared an Impairment Circumstance which would relieve Debtor of the immediate obligation to purchase the units from the dissociated partners. At subsequent partnership meetings a resolution was passed that authorized the Managing Partners to undertake restructuring transactions on behalf of Debtor and gave dissociated partners the right to continue voting on partnership business. A state court determined that Debtor was required to issue notes to the partners who dissociated before the Impairment Circumstance was declared. The many partners that dissociated after the Impairment Circumstance were not subject to this same treatment. Eventually, Debtor through its Managing Partners entered into a Settlement and Inter creditor Agreement (“SIA”) which provided for identical treatment of all dissociated partners. Approximately ten million dollars was distributed under the SIA when Debtor received proceeds from the sale of an asset in which it held an interest. Debtor sought declaratory relief regarding the enforceability of the SIA and a determination of the priority of payment among dissociated partners notes and subordinated notes held by both partners and investors. The Court held that the SIA was invalid and unenforceable because it effectively amended portions of the PSA and BSA without the required notice and partner vote. Applying the principles of contract interpretation the Court held that bank debt, trade creditors, operating notes, distribution notes and company notes are senior liabilities that have priority over payment of sub-debt notes and notes issued under the BSA to dissociated partners. The court additionally held that notes issued under the BSA to dissociated partners and the sub-debt notes were of equal priority for payment.
als-20141003-13-03342.pdf
In re Hatch (No. 13-03342-als7)
The chapter trustee objected to the debtor's claim of exemption in the Additional Child Tax Credit ("ACTC") as a public assistance benefit pursuant to Iowa Code section 627.6(8)(a). The trustee argued that Hardy v. Fink was dispositive, but the debtor presented a great deal of evidence as to the effect of the ACTC as a public assistance benefit. The debtor argued that the amendments to the federal statute after its enactment indicated an intent to assist low income individuals and presented evidence that the ACTC is rarely received by tax payers with higher or moderate income levels. The court focused on the distinction between the non-refundable and refundable components of the statute and concluded that the amendment to the statute which created the ACTC was intended to benefit low income families. The Court held that the ACTC is exempt as a public assistance benefit under Iowa Code section 627.6(8)(a).
als-20140805-14-00008.pdf
In re Tedford (No. 14-00008-als7)
The Court granted the U.S. Trustee's motion to dismiss based on 11 U.S.C. section 707(b)(2). The debtors objected to the motion and attempted to prove special circumstances. The debtors claimed the following special circumstances: a decrease in income and a 30 mile commute due to a job change, car repair expenses, storm damage to their home, and two vehicle accidents involving deer. The Court found that the post-filing change to income did not result in a substantially different result from the CMI calculated upon the prior six months of earnings. The debtors failed to provide details as to why the car repair expenses were beyond what was provided for under the IRS Standards, and the home repair expenses and vehicle accidents were isolated circumstances which would not continue on an ongoing monthly basis. The Court held that the U.S. Trustee met his burden of proof in establishing a presumption of abuse based on the means test in Form 22A and the debtors failed to prove any special circumstances that would allow for a deviation from the IRS Standards in the calculation of their monthly expenses.
als-20140703-14-30009.pdf
Petersen v. Hoffman, et al (In re G & R Feed and Grain Co., Inc.) (No. 13-00001-als7, Adv. No. 14-30009-als)
The chapter trustee filed an adversary proceeding against certain defendants and their minor children. The adult defendants requested that they be designated as the guardians ad litem for their respective children while the trustee urged the appointment of an independent advocate. The Court found that a potential conflict of interest existed because the parents were named defendants and appointed an independent third party to serve as guardian ad litem for the minor children.
als-20140529-13-30066.pdf
Ellertson v. Slauson (No. 13-01775-als7, Adv. No. 13-30066-als)
The plaintiff filed an adversary proceeding requesting that the debt owed to her based on a money judgment obtained against the debtor be declared non-dischargeable pursuant to 11 U.S.C. section 523(a)(2)(A). The debtor operated DaPlumberGuy Mechanical LLC and entered into a contract with the plaintiff to install a furnace, air purifier and air conditioner in her home. Approximately a year after the installation, the plaintiff believed her air conditioning was not working properly and contacted other contractors to take a look at her systems. That inquiry led her to discover that the installation was not done correctly, that it posed a safety threat, that no permits were obtained for the work performed and that a HEPA air purifier had not been installed. After attempting to resolve the issue with the debtor and receiving no response, the plaintiff filed suit and obtained a default judgment against the debtor and his company in the amount of $5,000. The Court held that failure to fulfill contract terms does not automatically result in a finding of fraudulent conduct, and the plaintiff must establish that the debtor entered into the contract with the intent of never complying with its terms. The Court concluded that there was no evidence indicating that the debtor entered into the contract with the intent not to perform the work according to industry standards and dismissed the complaint.
als-20140318-12-30052.pdf
Clarke County State Bank v. Scott (Adversary No. 12-30052, Case No. 10-05725-als7)
Plaintiffs filed a complaint to revoke the Debtors' discharge under 11 U.S.C. section 727(d)(1). The defendant argues that the plaintiff's complaint was barred by the time limitations under 11 U.S.C. section 727(e)(1). The Court dismissed the complaint holding that the complaint was not brought within the one-year time limit and the bank's motion to reopen did not suffice as a request to revoke the debtor's discharge.
als-20140214-13-01872.pdf
In re: Martin (Case No. 13-01872)
In an action under 707(b) to dismiss the debtors' case, the Court held that the debtors' student loan debt was not a priority claim that could properly be included in the Means Test calculation. In addition, the Court held that the debtors failed to meet the procedural burden under 11 U.S.C. section 707(b)(2)(B) to rebut the presumption of abuse by special circumstance.
als-20130903-12-30047.pdf
Farmers State Bank v. Pille (Adv. Pro. 12-30047-als, Case No. 12-01008-als7)
Debt was excepted from discharge under section 523(a)(6) because the Plaintiff met its burden of proving that the Defendant's conduct was willful and malicious. To determine whether these elements are met, courts look at whether the debtor attempted to conceal the disposition of collateral. Here, the Defendant did attempt to conceal the disposition of collateral when he breached the Plaintiff's security agreement and offered various and contradictory explanations for the missing collateral. Also, the Defendant's sale of livestock, which the Plaintiff had a security interest in, was conducted with an intentional disregard of the Plaintiff's rights. The Court held this conduct equated to willful and malicious conduct.
als-20130730-13-30024.pdf
Petersen v. Cargill Incorporated (Adv. Pro. 13-30024-als, Case No. 13-00001-als7)
The Defendant brought a Motion to Dismiss the complaint by the Trustee for turnover of grain proceeds, injunctive relief, and violation of automatic stay. The Court granted the Motion to Dismiss as to the injunctive relief as moot in a telephonic hearing. The Court denied the Motion to Dismiss the complaint by the Trustee for turnover of grain proceeds and violation of automatic stay. The Defendant argued that its interpretation of the statutory provisions is equivalent to an affirmative defense that requires dismissal of the Trustee's complaint under Rule 12(b)(6). The Court disagreed and did not find the Defendant's arguments to rise to the level of dismissal. The Trustee is required to plead only enough facts to state a claim for relief that is plausible on its face and the Court found that the Trustee met this standard. The Defendant did not make a showing that the Trustee failed to allege a claim upon which relief can be granted. 07/25/2013
als-20130725-11-04871.pdf
In re: Auxier (Case No. 11-04871-als7)
The Debtor was listed as the sole beneficiary on his mother's IPERS account and received a lump sum death payment upon the death of his mother. The Debtor claimed as exempt the benefit paid under the IPERS account pursuant to Iowa Code section 97B.39 and the Trustee objected to the Debtor's claim of exemption. Based on statutory interpretation, the Court held Iowa Code section 97B.39 protects the IPERS retirement payments from attachment, execution, garnishment, or administration in bankruptcy. The statutory language of the section does not identify similar protection for a death benefit payable to a beneficiary. Therefore, the Trustee's objection to exemption was sustained and the Debtor's claim of exemption was denied.
als-20130723-12-30058.pdf
Peoples State Bank v. Robinson (Adv. Pro. 12-30058-als, Case No. 12-01523-als7)
The Plaintiff claimed that a debt the Debtors owed the Plaintiff was non-dischargeable pursuant to section 11 U.S.C. section 523(a)(2). The Court held that the Plaintiff's objection to the Debtors' motion for summary judgment raised an entirely new set of facts and was an attempt to amend its complaint after the pleadings closed and after the expiration of the complaint deadline, deeming it untimely. The Court held that granting leave to amend the original complaint is not justified. The Plaintiff bears the burden of proving the elements of section 523(a)(2), which could not be accomplished under the Plaintiff's original complaint. Therefore, the Plaintiff's objection was overruled and the Defendant's motion for summary judgment was granted.
als-20130716-12-00424.pdf
In re: Diwan, L.L.C. (Case No. 12-00424-als11)
The Debtor entered into a contract with the Claimant to purchase the Claimant's motel, with the Debtor's real estate used as collateral under the contract. The motel had previous damage, which was stated in the contract, but the Debtor chose not to read the contract fully nor obtain an attorney. After the Debtor filed his Bankruptcy Petition, the Claimant filed a proof of claim stating it was owed an amount secured by the mortgage. The Debtor requested that the claim filed by the Claimant be equitably subordinated pursuant to 11 U.S.C. section 510(c). The Court held that there was no evidence of fraudulent misrepresentation by the Claimant nor any undue influence or control in the sale and operation of the motel. However, the Court found that the Claimant had a duty to mitigate the damages caused by the Debtor's breach. The Claimant's bid at the sale of the property ignored any reasonable recognition of value for the motel and failed to demonstrate any effort to mitigate its loss.
Absent this conduct, the amount the Debtor would have been required to pay under its guarantee would have been substantially smaller. For these reasons, the Court held the Claimant's secured claim was partially subordinated.
als-20130524-09-04888.pdf
Nielsen v. ACS (Adv. Nos. 10-30016-als & 10-30018-als, Case No. 09-04888-als7)
A request made by the Debtor for discharge of her student loans based upon 11 U.S.C. section 523(8) for undue hardship was denied. The Court held that the Debtor failed to meet her burden to establish an undue hardship under a totality of her circumstances. The Court found that the Debtor had not engaged in meaningful employment for the past 17 years and had the ability to do so. She did not put forth her best efforts in attempting to find employment or in making payments to her student loans. The Court also found that, based on the Debtor's age, the possibility of future economic improvement and job opportunities would increase. Also, the Debtor's option to participate in the ICRP program and have a zero payment plan imposed no additional burden on the Debtor's current finances and afforded her an opportunity to repay the loans if her financial situation improved. For these reasons, the Court held the request for discharge was denied.
als-20130318-12-00676.pdf
In re: Gary E. Burton (Case No. 12-00676-als7)
The issue in this case was whether the Debtors tax liability was properly characterized as "consumer" debt for purposes of 11 U.S.C. section 707(b). The Court stated that if a credit transaction involves a profit motive, then it is not consumer debt. The Debtors in this case believed that business losses could be used to offset personal income tax obligations, which would result in them retaining more of their earnings. The Court held this is closer to profit motive than a consumer transaction. Therefore, the Court held the Debtors' tax debt was not consumer debt.
als-20130312-12-02872.pdf
In re: Natural Pork Production, II, LLP (Case No. 12-02872-als11)
The Court allowed $133,203.35 of the $202,405.50 fees requested in the First Interim Fee Application for employment as counsel to the Official Unsecured Creditors Committee. The Court relied on the principles stated in In re Pothoven in its evaluation of the services. It held that SFGH did not demonstrate that its services were reasonable and necessary to the extent and amount provided. The rates charged by SFGH were higher than local practitioners' rates, but the blended hourly rate after the courtesy reduction was within reasonable limits.
als-20121024-10-30138.pdf
Hackert v. De Ronde (Adv. Pro. 10-30138-als, Case No. 10-03202-als7)
The Plaintiffs objected to the Debtor's discharge based upon the Debtor's accumulation of assets during a time period not too remote from her bankruptcy filing, and then on the date she filed her petition, she no longer had the assets. The Court held that the Plaintiffs met their initial burden under 11 U.S.C. section 727(a)(5). Due to the Debtor's non-appearance at trial, the Debtor failed to meet her burden to explain her loss of assets and the Court determined the exhibits were insufficient to explain the loss. Based on these findings, the Court held the Debtor's discharge was denied.
als-20121002-12-01273.pdf
Richard J. Cobb, Celeste L. Cobb (Case No. 12-01273-als7)
The Court overruled the trustee's objection to the debtors' claim of exemption in a tractor. The debtors claimed that the tractor was exempt as a household good. The Court allowed the exemption because the tractor was not used for any commercial purpose and it allowed them to maintain their long driveway, access their property and reach their jobs. The tractor was necessary to the debtors' fresh start.
als-20120925-11-30083.pdf
Lehm's Omaha LLC v. Thomas J. Stanley (Case No. 11-30083), Thomas J. Stanley and Kristen R. Stanley (Case No. 11-02508-als7)
The defendant sold a skid loader and trailer to the plaintiff. The skid loader was subject to a purchase money lien, and the defendant did not inform the plaintiff of the lien or pay the lien off from the proceeds of the sale. The plaintiff was forced to make a payment to the lien-holder in order to keep the equipment that he purchased. The Court held that the amount that the plaintiff was forced to pay to the lien-holder was a non-dischargeable debt in the defendant's bankruptcy pursuant to 11 U.S.C. section 523(a)(2)(A). The Court held that the defendant's silence as to the existence of a lien met the element of misrepresentation under the statute, which resulted in the defendant knowing that the representation was false at the time he made it and making it with the intent to deceive. The plaintiff justifiably relied on the defendant's misrepresentation, and as a result, sustained damages.
als-20120913-12-00829.pdf
High Plains Investment, Inc. (Case No. 12-00829-als7)
The Creditors of the Debtor initiated this involuntary bankruptcy petition when the Debtor ceased operations. The Debtor asked the Court to dismiss the petition at the conclusion of the Creditors' case. The issue is whether the requisite amount of creditors - three - holds claims that are not the subject of a bona fide dispute. The petition creditors bear the initial burden that no bona fide dispute exists, then the burden shifts to the debtor to prove that a bona fide dispute does exist. The Court found that the minimum number of three creditors did not exist as required under section 303(b)(1). Therefore, the Court held that the involuntary petition was dismissed without prejudice.
als-20120718-10-30170.pdf
Julilath Kouangvan, Minh Kouangvan (Case No. 10-05009-als), United States Trustee v. Julilath Kouangvan (Case No. 10-30170-als)
The debtor's discharge was denied pursuant to 11 U.S.C. section 727(a)(3) and 727(a)(5) for her failure to keep records and failure to explain the dissipation of substantial amounts of money. She took out many sizable loans, dealt primarily in cash and kept minimal records. Her insufficient records were not justified under the circumstances. Additionally, the debtor offered only vague explanations about how she used the loan amounts that she received from her lenders.
als-20120615-10-30073.pdf
Julie O. Waterman (Case No. 10-01849-als), Waterman v. IRS (Case No. 10-30073-als)
Debtor's tax debt was discharged because the IRS failed to prove that the Debtor willfully evaded paying her taxes. While Debtor was aware that she had the obligation to pay the taxes, she did not have the wherewithal to pay them and her use of divorce settlement funds on discretionary expenses was not sufficient to show that she took steps to avoid paying the taxes.
als-20120416-11-04187.pdf
Jerry R. McKeever (Case No. 11-04187-als)
The Court denied creditor's motion to reconsider the ruling denying approval of a reaffirmation agreement. The Court held that the reaffirmation agreement was made after the debtor's discharge had entered and was, therefore, untimely and could not meet the requirements of 11 U.S.C. section 524(c).
als-20120330-10-30090.pdf
Jasper vs. Hussain (Case No. 10-30090-als)
The debt owed to Plaintiff by the Debtor under a state court judgment for the intentional tort of wrongful discharge from employment in violation of public policy was held to be nondischargeable pursuant to 11 U.S.C. section 523(a)(6). The Court found that collateral estoppel applied to the Plaintiff's claim because the state court's decision had already determined that the Debtor's conduct was both willful and malicious sufficient to satisfy the requirements under the Bankruptcy Code.
als-20120309-11-03226-Gates.pdf
In re: Steven Robert Gates (Case No. 11-03226-als7)
Trustee's Objection to Debtor's claimed exemption in life insurance policies was overruled because the $10,000 limit on interest acquired within two years found in Iowa Code § 627.10 applied to the increase in the net cash value of the policies rather than the gross cash value.
als-20111103-10-30071.pdf
Bank Iowa v. Villalobos (Case No. 10-30071-als7)
Plaintiff filed an adversary proceeding objecting to the dischargeability of a debt pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 523(a)(2)(A) and (B). Defendant had ownership interests in several businesses and had signed personal guaranties for loans taken out by many of these businesses. Plaintiff argued that the Defendant was responsible for the amounts due on two separate loans and that these loans were not dischargeable because Defendant has fraudulently failed to disclose his other personal guaranties when filling out two financial statements he submitted before obtaining the loans. The Court held that the debts were not excepted from discharge because Plaintiff failed to prove that Defendant intended to deceive in making the representation and that Plaintiff reasonably relied on the representation under the reliance standard for either subsection.
als-20110914-11-00168.pdf
In re Dunkin, (Case No. 11-00168-als7)
Trustee filed an objection to Debtor's claim of exemptions of accrued wages, garnished funds and bank accounts pursuant to Iowa Code sections 642.21 and 537.5105. Debtor argued that she was entitled to a percentage of pre-petition garnished funds as disposable earnings pursuant to Iowa Code sections 642.21 and 537.5105. The Court held that this expansion of In re Irish was not permissible, and the amounts she received after her garnished wages were taken out represented the amount available to her under these Iowa Code provisions. The Court applied In re Irish to the accrued wages that were not subject to the pre-petition garnishment.
als-20110829-10-30088.pdf
In re: Brown v. Iowa Department of Revenue (Adv. Pro. 10-30088-als, Case No. 10-03083-als7)
The Court held that Debtor's tax debts were not discharged pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(1)(C) because Debtor willfully evaded his tax obligation. In so finding, the Court relied on the Debtor's consistent late filing of tax returns, which often contained inaccurate information, the Debtor's failure to keep records of his business expenses, Debtor's failure to cooperate in reducing his tax obligation, and Debtor's apparent ability to pay at least some amount to reduce his tax obligation.
als-20110829-10-03083.pdf
In re: Chay Linette Williams (Case No. 10-03620-als7, Adv. Pro. 10-30088-als)
The Court granted United States Trustee's motion to dismiss pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(3). The Court held that the totality of the circumstances demonstrated abuse and the petition was filed in bad faith because of inflated expenses listed on schedule B.
als-20110607-10-00856.pdf
In re: Chambers (Case No. 10-00856-als7)
The Court granted the United States Trustee's motion to dismiss pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 707(b) because the presumption of abuse arose under the Means Test and Debtors failed to show special circumstances. Further, the totality of the circumstances demonstrated abuse.
als-20110526-10-30106.pdf
In re: Vest v. United States Department of Education (Adv. Pro. 10-30106-als, Case No. 10-01950-als7)
The Court granted Defendant's unopposed motion for summary judgment because Defendant met its burden to show that no genuine issue of material fact existed for trial and because Plaintiff had not demonstrated any ability to sustain her burden of proof related to the discharge of her student loan obligation.
als-20110513-10-00428.pdf
In re: Riverbend Leasing LLC (Case No. 10-00428-als11)
The Court denied confirmation of Debtor's second amended plan for failure to satisfy the factors set forth at 11 U.S.C. § 1129(a).
als-20110404-10-30048.pdf
In re: Bank Iowa v. Torres (Adv. Pro. 10-30048-als, Case No. 09-06195-als7)
The Court held that part of the debt owed by Defendant to Plaintiff was excepted from discharge pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(2)(A) because Defendant intentionally misrepresented the purpose of the draw requests he made on a line of credit and because Plaintiff justifiably relied on Defendant's misrepresentations. The remainder of the amounts owed to Plaintiff were not excepted from discharge pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(2)(B) because Plaintiff failed to prove that Defendant intended to deceive and that Plaintiff reasonably relied. None of the claims were excepted from discharge pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(6) because Plaintiff did not act willfully and maliciously.
als-20101118-10-02659.pdf
In re: MP Investments, L.L.C, dba Vito's on the Plaza (Case No. 10-02659-als7)
The Court denied Debtor in Possession's Motion to Assume Executory Contract seeking to assume a lease pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 365. The Court held that notwithstanding the importance of the Lease to DIP's reorganization, because of DIP's failure to meet the standards in § 365, the Motion to Assume was denied.
als-20110211-Tritch.pdf
In re: Randy Dean Tritch, Debora Jean Tritch (Case No. 10-02695-als7), Randy and Debora Tritch vs. BAC Home Loans Servicing LP, fka Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP (Case No. 10-30097-als)
Court held that Debtor/Defendant could not strip down a fully unsecured lien on real property in a chapter 7 proceeding using 11 U.S.C. sections 506(a) and 506(d).
als-20110211-Mayfield.pdf
In re: Phillip L. Vlieger, fdba Byblos Coporation, dba PineApple Homes (Case No. 09-03290-lmj7), Louis and Peggy Mayfield vs. Phillip L. Vlieger (Case No. 09-30111-als)
The court granted Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment. Pro se Defendant did not attend the hearing nor did he file a response to Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment. Defendant filed a post-hearing response which did not raise genuine issues of material fact for trial. Based on the undisputed facts in Plaintiff's motion, summary judgment was granted for the claims asserted pursuant to 11 U.S.C. sections 523(a)(2)(A), 523(a)(4) and 523(a)(6).
als-20110112-dittmer.pdf
In re: John A. Dittmer (Case No. 09-04669-als7), Bonny K. Dittmer (Case No. 09-04862-als7)
Objection to Debtors' claims of homestead exemption was overruled. Although Debtors sold their home and the land adjacent to it on two different dates, Debtors sold their entire homestead to one purchaser and intended to apply the proceeds to a new homestead. The funds were segregated and properly used to purchase exempt homestead.
als-20101020-arthur.pdf
In re: Sharon A. Arthur (Case No. 10-00463-als7), Corey L. McKillip and Jamie L. McKillip (Case No. 09-04332-als7)
Trustee objected to Debtor's claims of exemption in tax refunds and tax credits. The Court ruled that tax refunds do not qualify for the protections afforded by the garnishment provisions identified in Iowa Code section 627.6(10). The Making Work Pay and the Hope Scholarship tax credits are not exempt as public assistance benefits under Iowa Code section 627.6(8)(a).
als-20101001-Walters.pdf
In re: Jody May Walters (Case No. 10-00003, Filed 01/03/2010)
Objection to homestead exemption by antecedent claim holder sustained. Under Iowa Code sections 561.16, 561.20 and 561.21, the debtor's current property was not acquired with proceeds of a prior homestead and is liable for those debts contracted prior to its acquisition.
als-20100430-Lobdell-vs-Rodruck.pdf
In re: Kathleen Lobdell vs. Todd A. Rodruck (Case No. 07-30134, Filed 09/21/2007)
Creditor failed to sustain its burden under 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(2)(A) and (a)(6) for damages based upon allegations of improper construction of a home. Creditor did, however, sustain its burden for payment of costs arising after the initial contract which were personally guaranteed by Debtor, and the Court found that those debts were nondischargeable pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(2)(A).
als-20100413-anderson.pdf
In re: Richard Timothy Anderson and Ethel M Anderson (Case No. 09-04486, Filed 09/16/2009)
The Court granted Debtors' Motion for Sanctions for violation of 11 U.S.C. section 362(a). The Court found that Creditor violated the automatic stay by continuing contact directly with the Debtor in an attempt to collect on a credit card account despite having received notice of Debtor's bankruptcy filing and correspondence from his counsel. In awarding punitive damages, the Court took into consideration the nature of Creditor's actions, Creditor's size and Creditor's sophistication in the credit industry.
als-20100310-larsen.pdf
In re: Michael Dean Larsen and Kimberly Kay Larsen (Case No. 09-00219, Filed 01/26/2009)
Farmers & Merchants State Bank v. Larsen, et al (Case No. 09-30054, Filed 04/24/2009)
Creditor's security interest was not superior to the interest of the chapter 7 trustee. The court found that one loan was unsecured, a second loan was not properly perfected because no financing statement was filed under the name of the borrower or the individual executing the note, and a third loan was secured, but the financing statement was seriously misleading under Iowa Code §554.9506.