Michigan

Noncompete and Confidentiality Agreements Can’t Be Rejected as Executory Contracts

If a breach results only in a right to equitable relief, there is no ‘claim’ and thus no executory contract.

Evidence of Intent to ‘Hinder’ Wasn’t Sufficient to Deny Discharge, District Judge Says

The bankruptcy court’s inference of intent to hinder the trustee wasn’t supported by the evidence, the district judge says in reversing a denial discharge.

Discharge Isn’t an Automatic Bar to Conversion from ‘7’ to ‘13’

A district court opinion from Michigan raises the question of whether the Supreme Court’s decision in Marrama is still good law after Law v. Siegel.

Rising Home Values and Chapter 13: A Deepening Split

When, post-confirmation, a chapter 13 debtor sells his or her home, who gets the benefit of the appreciation: the debtor, or his or her creditors? Judge Randon in Michigan adopted the so-called “estate replenishment approach” and held that sale proceeds derived from post-confirmation appreciation of a home belong to the debtor.

The Refund of an Early Withdrawal Penalty from an IRA Was Held Exempt

Although not held in an IRA, a refund by the IRS of a withdrawal penalty was exempt because state law permits tracing proceeds of exemptions, Judge Opperman says.

Aggressive Bankruptcy Planning Results in Loss of Discharge

An election for having a tax refund applied to the following year’s taxes can result in the loss of discharge.

It’s Virtually Impossible to Waive Discharge as an Affirmative Defense, Judge Tucker Says

Waiting four years to raise discharge as a defense does not invoke equitable estoppel or laches.

A Payment to a Death Beneficiary Under an IRA Is Not Estate Property

Even though received within 180 days of filing, a distribution from an IRA to a death beneficiary does not become estate property.

Detroit Judge Criticizes the Second Circuit’s Tribune Decision on the Safe Harbor

The Supreme Court is considering whether to review another case defining the safe harbor in Section 546(e).

Substituting a Trustee as the Party in Interest Isn’t Amending the Complaint

Even after the statute of limitations has run, a trustee may be substituted for the debtor as the real party in interest, Michigan district judge says.

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