6th Circuit

Sixth Circuit Splits with the Second over the Wagoner Rule on Standing

Sixth Circuit revives lawsuit against lender that allegedly aided Ponzi scheme.
Court: 

Courts Divided on Contempt Sanctions as Automatically Nondischargeable

Showing intentional violation of court order isn’t enough for nondischargeability.

Award of Attorneys’ Fees to the Government Is a Dischargeable Debt

Section 523(a)(7) interpreted narrowly in a fee-shifting dispute.

Improperly Taking $297.72 Results in $250,000 in Punitive Damages for Stay Violation

Creditor’s unrepentant attitude escalates punitive damages from $33,700 to $250,000.

Denial of Settlement Is Not Final and Not Appealable, Sixth Circuit Holds

Supreme Court’s Bullard opinion implies that denials of settlements are not appealable.
Court: 

Continuing to Farm Is Not Prerequisite for Relief in Chapter 12

Judge prescribes loose standards for eligibility as a family farmer.

Sixth Circuit Joins the Split on Whether Bankruptcy Courts Are ‘Courts of the U.S.’

The Supreme Court may have a new case to elevate or diminish the status of bankruptcy courts.
Court: 

Chapter 7 Debtors Might Benefit from Jevic by Analogy

Otherwise-valueless exemptions might get value, depending on the outcome of Jevic.

Excusable Neglect Can Never Be an Excuse for a Late Claim in Chapter 13

Rule 3002(c) has the only permissible grounds for allowing a late claim.
Court: 

Courts Split on Requiring Reaffirmation for Valid Lease Assumption in Chapter 7

Detroit judge makes auto lease assumption valid without parallel reaffirmation.