Court Opinion

ID: 9859858
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-09-24 22:50:14.724664+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:08:45.390502
License: Public Domain

HAL J. BONNEY, Jr., Bankruptcy Judge,
concurring.
Since this matter arose in the Norfolk Division, I feel this additional word is vital to an understanding of what is transpiring. I concur in the opinion of the Court, every word of it, but would say further:
When I came to the bench, there were less than 100 Chapter 13 cases pending. Over the years I have encouraged utilization on Chapter 13 bankruptcy by making the procedure before the Court as facile as possible and now 2,285 eases are pending. I feel these rules, this form are a positive continuation of this.
A form of some kind is obviously used in every Chapter 13 petition filed, be it that of a form publishing company or of the attorney. This standard form, with ample provision for tailoring a plan for the debtor, will initiate a familiarity with which debtors, attorneys, trustees and creditors will become accustomed, resulting in this healthier climate of which I speak. The practice in the Norfolk and Newport News Divisions will be enhanced by it.
I am particularly disturbed by the underlying motivation for the attack upon the system. It is unhealthy. The avowed concern is that it tells creditors too much and that “certain information should be withheld from them.” The Court cannot condone this form of justice^ Indeed, it has been the experience of my observations over nearly two decades that those who are honest, forthright, cooperative and who make full disclosure in such matters enjoy greater success. Over the long haul they will have served their clients better ... and more successfully. To embrace a different tack is alarming. Further, to utilize such an approach, “in the interest of clients,” alerts every creditor’s attorney to the fact he is faced with such a philosophy in these cases.
The new rules and form will, I say, work well and encourage further the wholesome system we have here enjoyed for so long: