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MMA L. Firm, PLLC, In re--MMA L. Firm, PLLC v. Morris Bart, LLC

Ruling
District court order determining what was property of the estate was not binding on the bankruptcy court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over property of the estate. (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)
Issue(s)
Bankruptcy Cases and Proceedings.

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Commercial opinion summary, case decided on August 12, 2025 , LexisNexis #1025-093

Pearl Res. LLC, In re-- Buckingham v. Pearl Res. LLC

Ruling
Issue of the application of sovereign immunity to debtor’s recovery from state general land office, combined with the significant financial impact on state taxpayers justified a direct appeal to circuit court of appeals. (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)
Issue(s)
Appeals; Jurisdiction of Courts of Appeals; Certification.

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Commercial opinion summary, case decided on July 22, 2025 , LexisNexis #0925-096

Higgins, In re

Ruling
Court awarded sanctions and reduce fees for discovery misconduct after counsel misrepresented authority and submitted vague, excessive billing entries. (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)
Issue(s)
Examination.

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Consumer opinion summary, case decided on July 09, 2025 , LexisNexis #0925-046

Pearl Res. LLC, In re

Ruling
Court modified judgment against debtor in part with regard to findings on waiver of sovereign immunity and contractual right to attorney’s fees. (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)
Issue(s)
New Trials; Amendment of Judgments.

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Commercial opinion summary, case decided on June 27, 2025 , LexisNexis #0925-025

Bortz, In re--Lavender v. Bortz

Ruling
Debt was excepted from discharge as debtor obtained funds through false representations and actual fraud in failed construction project. (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)
Issue(s)
Exceptions to Discharge; Types of Debt Excepted; Fraud; False Pretenses, False Representations or Actual Fraud.

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Consumer opinion summary, case decided on May 16, 2025 , LexisNexis #0725-062

MMA L. Firm, PLLC, In re--MMA L. Firm, PLLC v. Chehardy, Sherman, Williams, Recile & Hayes, L.L.P.

Ruling
Court held debtor’s claims over contingency fees required jury trial, mandating withdrawal of the reference. (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)
Issue(s)
Procedures.

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Commercial opinion summary, case decided on May 08, 2025 , LexisNexis #0825-070

MMA L. Firm, PLLC, In re--MMA L. Firm, PLLC v. Hair & Shunnarah Trial Attys., LLC

Ruling
Defendant law firm was entitled to a jury trial on the debtor firm’s claims for declaratory judgment and turnover of contingency fees and costs. (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)
Issue(s)
Procedures; Withdrawal of Reference by District Court.

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Commercial opinion summary, case decided on March 03, 2025 , LexisNexis #0525-098

Mahadevan, In re--Bikkina v. Mahadevan

Ruling
Defamation judgment against debtor was nondischargeable. (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)
Issue(s)
Exceptions to Discharge; Types of Debt Excepted; Willful and Malicious Injury to Another Entity or Property of Another Entity.

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Consumer opinion summary, case decided on February 21, 2025 , LexisNexis #0425-087

Turkey Leg Hut & Co. LLC, In re

Ruling
Subchapter V case ordered converted to Chapter 7 due to inadequate insurance , failure to timely file accurate financial statements, and failure to follow court orders. (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)
Issue(s)
Conversion or Dismissal; Involuntary Conversion or Dismissal; What Constitutes “Cause”.

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Commercial opinion summary, case decided on September 27, 2024 , LexisNexis #1224-046

Nelkin & Nelkin P.C., In re

Ruling
Individual lacked standing to object to a proposed Subchapter V plan as a stay of a replevin action in which she had potential claims against debtor’s principals would not affect her potential recovery or liability. (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)
Issue(s)
Confirmation of Plan; Rule of Construction; Requirements as of Effective Date of Plan; Ability to Make Payments

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Commercial opinion summary, case decided on September 20, 2024 , LexisNexis #1224-017