Howard R. Tallman, Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court.
This matter comes before the Court on Defendant Dolores Golden's Motion to Dismiss (docket # 5) and Plaintiff Chapter 7 Trustee's Motion for Summary Judgment (docket # 7). This Court has also reviewed and considered Plaintiff's Objection to Defendant's motion (docket # 6). The Court will grant Defendant's Motion to Dismiss and deny Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment.
On August 23, 2013, John Edward Golden ("Debtor") filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. On his Schedule C, Debtor claimed as exempt $9,361.00 in equity in his homestead which was, at that time, jointly owned by Debtor and Defendant.
On March 18, 2014, Debtor's Second Amended Plan was confirmed. Section VI of the confirmed plan provided that all property of the Chapter 13 estate revested in Debtor upon confirmation. Additionally, Section VI made clear that payments would be made to creditors secured by the home outside of Debtor's plan.
Post-confirmation, Debtor and Defendant sold the real property listed as the homestead on Schedule C. Apparently, the home appreciated in value post-petition and the total net proceeds from sale were $33,169.42 after satisfaction of liens and costs of sale. After the sale, Debtor transferred his portion of the proceeds to his wife, from whom he is currently separated. The Defendant wife characterizes the transfer as being in the nature of prepaid child support. However, the Defendant is not listed on the Debtor's schedules as a child support creditor and the Defendant has not alleged the existence of a court order establishing a child support obligation. Debtor did not seek Court authorization either for the sale or the transfer of funds.
Thereafter, Debtor filed a motion to convert the case from Chapter 13 to one under Chapter 7. Without objection, this Court granted that motion and the case was subsequently converted.
Plaintiff, the Chapter 7 Trustee, filed this adversary proceeding under 11 U.S.C. § 549(a) in an attempt to avoid the post-petition, pre-conversion transfer of funds from Debtor to Defendant. Defendant subsequently moved to dismiss. In Plaintiff's Objection to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss and Motion for Summary Judgment, Plaintiff, for the first time, objected to Debtor's claim of exemption in proceeds from the sale of the homestead.
Rule 12(b)(6) allows a party to file a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.
Defendant's motion to dismiss referenced documents outside the four corners of Plaintiff's complaint. Accordingly, the Court will treat Defendant's motion as a motion for summary judgment.
A motion for summary judgment will be granted only where "the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law." Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). The movant bears the burden of proof with respect to entitlement to summary judgment. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986). The Court must construe all evidence "in the light most favorable to the party opposing summary judgment." Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 601, 106 S.Ct. 1348, 89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986).
Section 549(a) provides that a trustee may avoid a post-petition transfer of property of the estate that is not authorized by the Bankruptcy Code or by the court. 11 U.S.C. § 549(a). The question presented is whether the proceeds from the sale of Debtor's homestead constitute property of the estate. If the proceeds are property of the estate, Plaintiff is entitled to avoid the post-petition, pre-conversion transfer of such proceeds from Debtor to Defendant. The Court finds that the proceeds are not property of the bankruptcy estate and therefore grants Defendant's Motion to Dismiss.
Upon plan confirmation, all property of the estate revests in the debtor. 11 U.S.C. § 1327(b). This is so unless the plan or the order of confirmation provides otherwise. Id. The Bankruptcy Code, however, does not define what it means for property to "vest."
When statutory terms are undefined, they are to be given their common and ordinary meaning. Hamilton v. Lanning, 560 U.S. 505, 513, 130 S.Ct. 2464, 177 L.Ed.2d 23 (2010). Black's Law Dictionary defines "vest" in four ways, three of which are relevant here: "1. To confer ownership (of property) on a person. 2. To invest (a person) with the full title to property. 3. To give (a person) an immediate, fixed right of present or future enjoyment." Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed. 2014).
In accordance with the Black's Law Dictionary definition of "vest," when the homestead revested in the Debtor upon plan confirmation, ownership of the property left the estate and vested in the Debtor. See In re Jones, 420 B.R. 506, 515 (9th Cir. BAP 2009) aff'd on other grounds, 657 F.3d 921 (9th Cir.2011) ("We conclude that `vests' means absolute ownership, not mere possession."); In re Clouse, 446 B.R. 690, 699 (Bankr.E.D.Pa.2010) ("Because a Chapter 13 debtor has the right to possess property of the bankruptcy estate from the inception of the case, vesting must mean `transferring absolutely' or it means `nothing at all.'"). When property revests in the debtor under Section 1327(b), the debtor "acquires something more than possession, which he held at the inception of the
This proposition is supported by the use of the term "vesting" in other areas of the Bankruptcy Code. First, Section 349(b)(3) states that dismissal "revests the property of the estate in the entity in which such property was vested immediately before the commencement of the case under this title." 11 U.S.C. § 349(b)(3). One court concluded that "`revest' under Section 349(b)(3) must mean the absolute transfer out of the estate of whatever interests which become property of the bankruptcy estate...." In re Van Stelle, 354 B.R. 157, 167-68 (Bankr.W.D.Mich.2006). Second, Section 362(b)(9)(D) states that post-petition tax liens can attach to property of the estate when "such property or its proceeds are transferred out of the estate to, or otherwise revest in, the debtor." 11 U.S.C. § 362(b)(9)(D). Congress's specific use of the words "transfer" and "revest" therefore suggest "an absolute and unconditional conveyance of the subject property from the bankruptcy estate to the debtor." In re Van Stelle, 354 B.R. 157, 168 (Bankr. W.D.Mich.2006). See also Atl. Cleaners & Dyers v. United States, 286 U.S. 427, 433, 52 S.Ct. 607, 76 L.Ed. 1204 (1932) (presumption exists that "identical words used in different parts of the same act are intended to have the same meaning").
Over the years, the construction of Section 1327(b) has generated a good deal of discussion in the case law. Four different approaches have emerged as to what constitutes property of the estate after confirmation of a Chapter 13 plan. The approaches are: 1) estate preservation, 2) modified estate preservation, 3) estate transformation, and 4) estate termination. All but the estate preservation approach "are based on the principle that property of the estate revests in the debtor upon plan confirmation, unless the plan provides otherwise."
The estate preservation approach holds that the Chapter 13 estate continues in all estate property notwithstanding the revesting provision in Section 1327(b).
Under the present facts, only the estate preservation approach would alter the ultimate outcome of the case. That approach, however, has not been adopted by the Tenth Circuit. In the case of U.S. v. Richman (In re Talbot), the trustee sought disgorgement of funds paid to the I.R.S. to satisfy its tax lien following the post-confirmation sale of the debtor's home. 124 F.3d 1201, 1205 (10th Cir.
Section VI of the Debtor's Second Amended Plan includes a provision making clear that property of the estate revested in the Debtor upon confirmation. See Debtor's Amended Plan at 8. The plan was confirmed on March 18, 2014, without modification. See Order Confirming Amended Chapter 13 Plan. Consistent with the reasoning of In re Talbot, the home was no longer property of the Chapter 13 estate upon confirmation of the Debtor's plan. The Debtor, therefore, enjoyed full ownership and control over the property after the date of confirmation.
Plaintiff contends that 11 U.S.C. § 1306(b) required the Debtor to remain in possession of all property of the Chapter 13 estate. This is true unless the plan or order of confirmation provides otherwise. 11 U.S.C. § 1306(b). Because the revesting provision of Debtor's Second Amended Plan and Section 1327(b) provide that estate property revested in Debtor upon confirmation of the plan, the Debtor was not obligated to maintain possession of the property. Instead, the real property was owned and controlled by the Debtor and the Defendant and was no longer subject to administration by this Court.
Property of the estate vests in the debtor upon confirmation of a Chapter 13 plan. 11 U.S.C. § 1327(b). Pursuant to the revesting provision of Section 1327(b), upon confirmation, the debtor enjoys full ownership and control over such revested property. Section 1327(b), however, must be reconciled with Section 348, which mandates the effect of conversion. Section 348(f)(1)(A) provides that when a Chapter 13 case is converted to Chapter 7, property of the estate in the Chapter 7 case includes "property of the estate, as of the date of the filing of the petition, that remains in the possession or is under the control of
Based on the Black's Law definition of "revesting," the Ninth Circuit concluded that the automatic stay did not apply to property that revested in the debtor upon confirmation of the Chapter 13 plan. Cal. Franchise Tax Bd. v. Kendall (In re Jones), 657 F.3d 921, 928-29 (9th Cir. 2011). See also In re Van Stelle, 354 B.R. 157, 168 (Bankr.W.D.Mich.2006) (finding that the term vest in Section 1327(b) means "an absolute transfer of the bankruptcy estate's interest in property"). But see In re Brensing, 337 B.R. 376, 383 (Bankr.D.Kan.2006) ("Section 1327(b) does not operate to remove property of the estate from the bankruptcy estate but merely places control of this estate property in the debtor pending conclusion of the Chapter 13 proceedings."). In this Court's view, the interpretation of Section 1327(b) found in Brensing renders Section 348(f) meaningless. See 11 U.S.C. § 348(f)(1)(A). If a debtor is charged with maintaining possession of property of the Chapter 13 estate despite the revesting provision, Section 348(f) is superfluous and unnecessary because all property of the estate as of the petition date would remain estate property in the converted case due to the debtor's continued possession of such property. This Court declines to adopt an interpretation of Section 1327(b) that renders Section 348(f)(1)(A) a nullity.
There is no question that the homestead was property of the Chapter 13 estate on the date of the filing of the petition. Post-confirmation, Debtor and Defendant chose to sell the home and reap proceeds in the net amount of $33,169.42.
A claim under Section 549(a) can only survive if the property transferred is property of the bankruptcy estate. The homestead was not estate property after the date of plan confirmation. Instead, it was fully owned and controlled by the Debtor and the Defendant. Furthermore, the Debtor had no obligation to maintain possession of the property due to the effect of revesting upon confirmation. Finally, the home was not property of the Chapter 7 estate. Accordingly, Plaintiff's claim for relief under Section 549(a) must fail and Defendant's Motion to Dismiss must be granted.
As to these homeowners, Colorado law provides a homestead exemption of up to $60,000 in equity. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 3841-201(1)(a). Proceeds from the sale of a homestead are likewise exempt for a period of two years if they are kept separate and identifiable. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 3841-207. Plaintiff argues that the Debtor lost his right to claim the proceeds from the sale of his homestead as exempt by transferring such funds to the Defendant instead of keeping them separate and identifiable within the meaning of the applicable statute.
It is well established that entitlement to exemptions is determined on the date of bankruptcy. See 11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(3)(A); In re Mayer, 167 B.R. 186, 188 (9th Cir. BAP 1994). Section 348(a) provides that conversion of a case "does not effect a change in the date of the filing of the petition, the commencement of the case, or the order for relief" and does not change that outcome. 11 U.S.C. § 348(a). At the commencement of the case, a debtor must file a list of all property the debtor intends to claim as exempt. 11 U.S.C. § 522(l). Objections to such exemptions are due within thirty days of the conclusion of the meeting of creditors. Fed. R. Bankr. P. 4003(b)(1). Absent a timely objection by a party in interest, the property listed as exempt is deemed exempt. 11 U.S.C. § 522(l).
On his Schedule C, Debtor claimed as exempt $9,360.00 in equity in his homestead. The home subsequently appreciated in value and Debtor and Defendant sold the property and obtained $33,169.42 in proceeds after satisfaction of liens and costs of sale, which exceeded Debtor's claimed exemption by $23,809.42. At least one court concluded that a trustee has no duty to honor exemptions improperly scheduled by a debtor. See generally In re Wisdom, 478 B.R. 394, 398 (Bankr.D.Idaho 2012) aff'd, 490 B.R. 412 (D.Idaho 2013). Pursuant to Rule 1009, however, a debtor may amend his schedules at any time before the case is closed. Fed. R. Bankr. P. 1009(a). Accordingly, this Court does not find it necessary to adopt the restrictive view set forth in In re Wisdom. Additionally, both the number in Debtor's schedules and the amount of proceeds actually obtained are within the statutory maximum allowed under Colorado law. See Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-41-201(1)(a). Finally, Debtor is entitled to any post-confirmation, pre-conversion appreciation in value of the property claimed as exempt. See generally In re Niles, 342 B.R. 72 (Bankr.D.Ariz.2006) (although the proceeds from the post-confirmation, pre-conversion sale exceeded the statutory maximum of the homestead exemption, such proceeds belonged to the debtor because confirmation revested estate property in the debtor). See also In re Slack, 290 B.R. 282 (Bankr.D.N.J.2003) (post-confirmation, pre-conversion appreciation in value was not property of the estate in the Chapter 7 case because, in the converted case, property was valued as of the date of the filing of the petition pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 348(f)(1)(B)); In re Wegner, 243 B.R. 731 (Bankr.D.Neb.2000) (same).
By way of background, prior to 2010, courts disagreed as to whether the Chapter 7 trustee may object to the debtor's claimed exemptions after conversion from Chapter 13.
A minority of courts allowed the Chapter 7 trustee thirty days from the date of the 341 meeting in a converted case to object to the debtor's claimed exemptions.
The majority view, however, held that the time to object to claimed exemptions expires forever thirty days after the last day of the meeting of creditors in the original case.
Also, pre-2010, Rule 1019(2) set forth new filing periods for certain actions in a converted case,
The Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure were amended in 2010 to reflect the minority view, rendering the prior disagreement irrelevant.
The record indicates the 341 meeting in the Chapter 7 case was convened on August 6, 2014 and completed on August 29, 2014. Accordingly, Plaintiff had until September 29, 2014 to object to Debtor's claimed exemptions.
Assuming Plaintiff had filed the objection within thirty days after the last day of the creditors meeting in the converted case, the objection would still fail as moot. In In re Brown, the Chapter 7 trustee objected to the debtor's pre-conversion claim of a homestead exemption.
In the words of that court, "a subsequent Chapter 7 trustee's objection to a claimed exemption in a converted Chapter 7, no matter how valid, would be meaningless if the debtor had in the prior Chapter 13 already removed the subject property from the bankruptcy estate" by way of the revesting provision of Section 1327(b).
While Brown involved somewhat different facts given the trustee's timely objection, this Court is persuaded by its reasoning. Subject to the revesting provisions in the Debtor's Amended Plan and Section 1327(b), neither the home nor the proceeds were property of the Chapter 7 estate. It follows that they are no longer subject to administration by this Court and Plaintiff's objection must fail as moot.
Finally, Plaintiff's objection also fails because the home, which was claimed as exempt on the date of Debtor's bankruptcy, was not property of the estate. Exempt property is not liable for the debtor's pre-petition debts, subject to certain exceptions not relevant here. 11 U.S.C. § 522(c). See also In re Cunningham, 513 F.3d 318, 323 (1st Cir.2008) (the creditor's "claim that the post-petition voluntary sale of the exempt property makes the proceeds of the sale available to satisfy a nondischargeable pre-petition debt is at odds with the immunizing effect of § 522(c)"). Property that is properly exempted on the date of bankruptcy "is essentially removed from the bankruptcy
Another line of cases, however, takes the view that the "essential element of the exemption must continue in effect even during the pendency of the bankruptcy." In re Frost, 744 F.3d 384, 387 (5th Cir. 2014) (quoting Zibman v. Tow (In re Zibman), 268 F.3d 298, 301 (5th Cir.2001)). These cases impose a continuing duty upon a debtor to maintain the status quo of exempt property during the pendency of the bankruptcy case. Otherwise, the trustee is entitled to administer assets that were properly claimed exempt as of the petition date.
In Zibman, proceeds from a pre-petition homestead sale, which were exempt property on the petition date, became property of the bankruptcy estate upon the post-petition expiration of the Texas six-month safe-harbor for homestead proceeds. 268 F.3d at 305; Tex. Prop. Code Ann. § 41.001(c). In Frost the chapter 13 debtor sold his exempt homestead during the pendency of the chapter 13 case and the court found that his failure to reinvest the proceeds in a Texas homestead within the six months allowed under the Texas exemption statute caused those sale proceeds to become property of the bankruptcy estate. 744 F.3d at 387. The more recent case of In re Hawk followed the logic of Frost with respect to funds removed from an exempt IRA account. 524 B.R. 706 (Bankr.S.D.Tex.2015). There, the court found funds that were removed from an exempt IRA account during the pendency of the debtor's chapter 7 bankruptcy case for living expenses automatically became property of the bankruptcy estate once they lost their exempt status under state law. Id. at 710-11. ("Once the Liquidated IRA Funds became nonexempt, the Funds automatically became property of the estate and the Chapter 7 Trustee was immediately entitled to them.").
The Zibman and Hawk cases were cases under chapter 7 and the assets were bankruptcy estate property. The Frost case was a chapter 13 case and the Debtor sold his exempt homestead during the pendency of the chapter 13 proceeding. The instant case appears similar to Frost but for the post-sale conversion to chapter 7. In Frost, it was the chapter 13 trustee who sought turnover of sale proceeds as opposed to the post-conversion chapter 7 trustee in this case.
But, they are not similar in the very important respect that, in Frost, the sale occurred pre-confirmation and the debtor's chapter 13 plan also specifically provided that "[u]pon confirmation of the plan, all property of the estate shall not vest in the Debtor(s), but shall remain as property of the estate subject to the automatic stay of 11 U.S.C. § 362." (W.D. Tex., Case No. 09-54674-rbk, docket # 54). Thus, in Frost, the property was bankruptcy estate property at the time of the sale and the proceeds remained property of the estate following confirmation. Here, the sale took place post-confirmation and the Debtor's plan, in accord with 11 U.S.C. § 1327(b), provided for post-confirmation vesting in the Debtor. The Debtor's homestead was not estate property at the time of the sale and the proceeds were not estate property at the time of their disposition.
The Tenth Circuit case of U.S. v. Richman (In re Talbot), 124 F.3d 1201 (10th Cir.1997), precludes the application of principles relied on in the Zibman-Frost line of cases to the case at bar. Talbot held that the debtor's home, which was part of the pre-confirmation chapter 13 estate, was no longer property of the bankruptcy estate under Section 1327(b) after confirmation of the debtor's chapter 13
Based on the foregoing reasoning, it is therefore