Fulltext Search

In a case illustrating the effective use of a bankruptcy examiner, the examiner appointed by the court in the North General Hospital bankruptcy case has concluded that the hospital made over $3 million in unauthorized post-bankruptcy filing payments to the detriment of unsecured creditors. Prior to its bankruptcy filing, North General Hospital and certain related corporate debtors operated a hospital in the Harlem section of Manhattan.

Last year, the Liquidating Trustee (the "Trustee") in the Midway Games bankruptcy began filing avoidance actions against creditors of the bankruptcy estate. Midway Games ("Midway" or the "Debtor") filed petitions for bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on February 12, 2009. For those not familiar with this bankruptcy proceeding, Midway developed and distributed video games throughout the North America, Europe and Asia.

Introduction

In January of this year, George L Miller, the chapter 7 trustee (the "Trustee") in the WL Homes bankruptcy, began filing avoidance actions against various creditors. As alleged in the complaints, the Trustee seeks the recovery of what he deems are "preferential transfers" pursuant to 11 U.S.C. section 547(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. This post will look briefly at the WL Homes bankruptcy, as well as provide information on common issues that arise in preference litigation.

Background on the Bankruptcy Proceeding

Those not familiar with the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure are often surprised to learn that service by mail is sufficient in a bankruptcy proceeding. Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 7004(b)(3) authorizes service on a corporation (foreign or domestic) within the United States by first class mail as follows:

In November, Jeoffrey Burtch, the Chapter 7 Trustee in the AE Liquidation bankruptcy (formerly "Eclipse Aviation"), began filing preference actions against various creditors of Eclipse. Eclipse Aviation began as a New Mexico manufacturer of small jet aircraft. The company filed for bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on November 25, 2008.