The Bankruptcy Code dictates the priority of distributions to the holders of allowed secured and unsecured claims in accordance with various statutory priority schemes. However, the Bankruptcy Code also provides that consensual pre-bankruptcy agreements between or among creditors that prioritize the right to receive payments from an obligor will generally be enforced in a bankruptcy case subsequently filed by the obligor.

The government's response to the recent Insolvency and Corporate Governance Consultation has increased the emphasis on flexibility and the restructure and rescue of businesses. However, along with the recent October Budget, there are proposed reforms which are set to increase the focus and accountability for directors of companies.

Preliminary Moratorium

One of the key new proposals to be introduced with the aim of rescuing companies is a "Preliminary Moratorium".

(E.D. Ky. Oct. 6, 2017)

The district court affirms the bankruptcy court’s order granting the trustee’s motion to dismiss the complaint. The trustee has the exclusive right to pursue claims asserted in the complaint. The appellant’s arguments that the lawsuits were distinct are rejected. If the appellant and trustee could both pursue the claims there would be a significant chance of a double recovery. Opinion below.

Judge: Wilhoit

(Bankr. W.D. Ky. Aug. 10, 2017)

The bankruptcy court denies the U.S. Trustee’s motion to enter an order for sanctions and requiring disgorgement of fees. The attorney had provided advice to the debtor about the petition and schedules that the debtor had drafted. The attorney was not aware that a bankruptcy was filed until he received the U.S. Trustee’s motion. The court declines to grant the relief requested under these circumstances. Opinion below.

Judge: Lloyd

(Bankr. E.D. Ky. June 21, 2017)

The bankruptcy court grants the defendant’s motion to dismiss the trustee’s complaint, which sought to avoid transfers from debtors to the defendant. The complaint failed to state a claim, in part because the defendant could not be deemed an “insider” of the debtor. The court additionally finds that the complaint contains insufficient facts to support various other claims. Opinion below.

Judge: Wise

Attorneys for Trustee: Bingham Greenbaum Doll LLP, Claude R. Bowles, Jr., Daniel J. Donnellon, James R. Irving, April A. Wimberg

(Bankr. W.D. Ky. Apr. 11, 2017)

(Bankr. S.D. Ind. Feb. 15, 2017)

(Bankr. W.D. Ky. Dec. 22, 2016)

(Bankr. W.D. Ky. Oct. 28, 2016)

The bankruptcy court enters an order holding in abeyance the motion to dismiss the Chapter 13 case. The court also denies confirmation of the proposed plan but holds the case open for further filings. The required maintenance payment could not be satisfied by the monthly payments in the proposed plan. Opinion below.

Judge: Lloyd

Attorneys for Debtor: Naber & Joyner, J. Gregory Joyner

Attorney for Creditor: Joseph S. Elder II

(Bankr. W.D. Ky. Sep. 12, 2016)

The bankruptcy court grants the motion to terminate the automatic stay. The creditor and the debtor entered into a sale contract prepetition for sale of the debtor’s real property. The debtor argued that the sale contract terminated prepetition, and the creditor argued that it should be permitted to pursue its claims on the contract in state court. The court finds that the debtor has no equity in the property and that it is not necessary to an effective reorganization. Thus, stay relief is appropriate. Opinion below.

Judge: Lloyd