D. MICHAEL LYNN, Bankruptcy Judge.
The above-styled adversary proceeding was tried to the court on July 7, 12, 13, and 14, 2010. At trial the court heard testimony from Plaintiffs Anthony Bale and Sally Bale (collectively, "Plaintiffs"), Brian O. Gaffin, President of Brian O. Gaffin, Architects, Inc. and Gaffin Construction Group, Inc., offered by Plaintiffs as an expert witness, Dave Surrey, an officer at Affiliated Bank (the "Bank"), and Defendant Angela Ryan ("Debtor"). The parties offered into evidence exhibits identified as necessary below.
The court exercises core jurisdiction over this adversary proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1334(a) and 157(b)(2)(J). This memorandum opinion embodies the court's findings of fact and conclusions of law. Fed. R. Bankr.P. 7052.
Plaintiffs entered into a contract for the construction of a home (the "House") with Fettig Construction Inc. d/b/a J & G Custom Homes (the "Corporation"). Debtor at all times was the President and sole shareholder of the Corporation and was the only person responsible for the day-to-day business and management decisions of the Corporation.
Plaintiffs' construction contract (the "Contract") (Plaintiffs' Exhibit 7; hereafter an exhibit will be designated by "PX" or "DX" with identifying number), dated November 2, 2004, provided that the Corporation would construct a new residence on a lot owned by Plaintiffs located at 6300 Shadow Dr., Burleson, Texas 76028, based on a specified custom plan, for $356,002.00, including a $35,000 contractor's fee to be paid to the Corporation. See PX-7. In order to fund performance of the Contract, Plaintiffs obtained a construction loan from the Bank. See PX-10.
Before entering into the Contract, Debtor and Plaintiffs had extensive discussions respecting the design and construction of the House. An initial estimate furnished to Plaintiffs by Debtor pegged the cost of the house at around $500,000.
Plaintiffs also testified that the work was unsatisfactory. They claimed that Debtor increased a dimension of the secondary garage area foundation from 14 to 16 feet, resulting in increased square footage, misaligned framing, and additional expenses to finish-out the space. Plaintiffs also claimed that Debtor, despite knowing Plaintiffs desired a hip-style roof, installed a gable-style roof without first consulting them, resulting in additional finish-out expenses for the space thereby created.
After Debtor abandoned the project, Plaintiffs filed a state court lawsuit in Johnson County, Texas (the "State Court Suit"), against the Corporation and Debtor for breach of contract, negligence, statutory fraud, and violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (the "DTPA"). Prior to resolution of the State Court Suit, the Corporation filed for relief under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code (the "Code")
Debtor also filed for relief on September 25, 2009, but under chapter 13 of the Code. Plaintiffs then objected to discharge of the debt they claimed against her in the State Court Suit by filing a complaint in this court on November 22, 2009 (the "Adversary"). The Adversary was brought pursuant to sections 523(a)(2)(A) and 523(a)(6) of the Code, but Plaintiffs later amended their complaint to omit the claim under
In the Adversary, Plaintiffs seek to pierce the corporate veil under Texas law and except their claims for violations of the DTPA, statutory fraud, and breach of contract from discharge under section 523(a)(2)(A) of the Code. It is their contention that statements Debtor made to them in convincing them to hire the Corporation to build the House amounted to false pretenses, false representations, and/or actual fraud within the meaning of that section. The court concludes that, under controlling precedent, Debtor is entitled to a discharge of Plaintiffs' claims against her because Plaintiffs have neither proven that they are entitled to pierce the corporate veil nor that, even if the Corporation's separateness were disregarded, their claim should be excepted from Debtor's discharge under § 523(a)(2)(A).
Plaintiffs have asserted that they may pierce the corporate veil of the Corporation in order to bring their claims against Debtor as the president and sole shareholder of the Corporation and hold her personally liable for the actions of the Corporation. They assert Debtor disregarded corporate formalities, commingled corporate assets and affairs with her own, undercapitalized the Corporation, purposefully made the Corporation insolvent, operated the Corporation as a mere facade, and deceived creditors into believing the Corporation was solvent when it was not.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has considered on numerous occasions whether corporate veil piercing claims are property of the estate that belong to the trustee and not claims that a particular creditor may bring. See, inter alia, Matter of Seven Seas Petroleum, Inc., 522 F.3d 575 (5th Cir.2008); In re Schimmelpenninck, 183 F.3d 347 (5th Cir.1999); Matter of Educators Group Health Trust, 25 F.3d 1281 (5th Cir.1994); Matter of S.I. Acquisition Inc., 817 F.2d 1142 (5th Cir.1987). The Court of Appeals, as discussed below, has consistently held that most alter ego and similar claims are property of the estate.
In S.I. Acquisition, the Court of Appeals held that an alter ego claim rests upon the theory that the corporation and the control
In Educators Group Health the Court again analyzed the issue, looking to an injury characterization analysis to determine whether a claim is property of the bankruptcy estate. Educators Group Health, 25 F.3d at 1284. "If a cause of action alleges only indirect harm to a creditor (i.e., an injury which derives from harm to the debtor), and the debtor could have raised a claim for its direct injury under the applicable law, then the cause of action belongs to the estate." Id. And if a cause of action belongs to the bankruptcy estate, then the trustee has exclusive standing to assert the claim. Id. "If on the other hand, a cause of action belongs solely to the estate's creditors, then the trustee has no standing to bring the cause of action." Id.
However, more recently, the Court of Appeals in Shandong Yinguang Chem. Indus. Joint Stock Co. v. Potter, 607 F.3d 1029, 1035 (5th Cir.2010), in dicta, touched upon the question of ownership of an alter ego claim, and the Court commented that claims by creditors for piercing the corporate veil in Texas require proof of actual fraud under section 21.223 of the Texas Business Organizations Code. Shandong, 607 F.3d at 1035 (citing Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code Ann. § 21.223(b)). The Court elaborated on the potential effect that section 21.223 has upon the holding in S.I. Acquisition and its progeny in the following footnote:
Shandong, 607 F.3d at 1036, n. 4 (emphasis contained in original text).
Shandong, however, by reference to "species of veil piercing" leaves open the argument that some veil piercing claims are still property of the estate. Indeed, it is well recognized that it is within a bankruptcy court's power to substantively consolidate estates of separately existing, related entities, including based upon factors supporting disregard of their separateness. See In re Babcock and Wilcox Co., 250 F.3d 955, 958-59 n. 5 (5th Cir. 2001) ("Fundamentally, substantive consolidation occurs when the assets and liabilities of separate and distinct legal entities are combined in a single pool and treated as if they belong to one entity."). Substantive consolidation is a judicial creation, the contours of which are indefinite. Id. It usually results in the pooling of assets and claims against the two entities and the satisfying of liabilities from the resultant common fund as well as eliminating inter-company claims and combining into a single constituency the creditors of the two entities. Id.
If the courts are able to disregard the separateness of debtors, it is logical to conclude that a court may pierce a corporate veil on the same basis if the property of a non-debtor should be regarded as property of a debtor's estate. It makes sense and is consistent with the goals of Congress in enacting the bankruptcy laws that, where a business structure has been designed to shield from the claims of all creditors a pool of assets that should be answerable for those claims, the bankruptcy court should have the ability to reach those assets rather than creditors pursuing them seriatim in a race to the courthouse.
Under section 21.223(a)(2) of the Texas Business Organizations Code, a shareholder may not be liable to the corporation or its obligees with respect to any contractual obligation or any matter relating to or arising from the obligation on the basis that the shareholder is or was the alter ego of the corporation or on the basis of actual or constructive fraud, sham to perpetrate fraud, or other similar theory. Tex. Bus. Orgs.Code Ann. § 21.223(a)(2); Willis v. Donnelly, 199 S.W.3d 262, 272 (Tex.2006). Subsection (b) of section 21.223 provides that the limitation on a shareholder's liability under subsection (a) does not protect the shareholder if the obligee demonstrates the shareholder caused the corporation to be used for the purpose of perpetrating, and did perpetrate, an actual fraud on the obligee primarily for the direct personal benefit of the shareholder. Tex. Bus. Orgs.Code Ann. § 21.223(b); Willis, 199 S.W.3d at 272. In other words, section 21.223(b) establishes the basis on which an obligee may pierce the corporate veil.
In Castleberry v. Branscum, 721 S.W.2d 270, 271 (Tex.1986) (superseded in part by Tex. Bus. Orgs.Code Ann. § 21.223), the Texas Supreme Court stated there are six situations
In Western Horizontal, the Court of Appeals further addressed the effect of section 21.223 on Castleberry stating, "The amendments overruled Castleberry to the extent that a failure to observe corporate formalities is no longer a factor in proving alter ego theory in contract claims." Western Horizontal, 11 F.3d at 68 (citing Farr v. Sun World Sav. Ass'n, 810 S.W.2d 294, 296 (Tex.App.-El Paso 1991, no writ)). "Thus, to pierce the corporate veil using the alter ego theory in a contract claim, the claimant must look to the remaining factors outlined in Castleberry."
The sham to perpetrate fraud doctrine prevents the use of the corporate entity as a cloak for fraud or illegality to work an injustice. JNS Aviation, 418 B.R. at 907 (citing Permian Petroleum Co. v. Petroleos Mexicanos, 934 F.2d 635, 643-44 (5th Cir.1991)). "Sham to perpetrate fraud is an equitable doctrine, and Texas courts take a `flexible, fact-specific approach focusing on equity.'" Id. The variety of shams is infinite and the purpose of the doctrine "should not be thwarted by adherence to any particular theory of liability." Id. Thus, sham to perpetrate fraud is a less definite approach to piercing the corporate veil that essentially entails a showing that the corporate structure was used unfairly in an attempt to defraud others for the benefit of the principal. See id.
Plaintiffs' allegations generally rely on the first and third broad categories set out by the Court of Appeals in Western Horizontal: the Corporation was the alter ego of Debtor and the Corporation was used as a sham to perpetrate fraud. In the case at hand, the court finds Plaintiffs have simply failed to meet their burden by putting on insufficient evidence to support a finding of alter ego or sham to perpetrate a fraud. Additionally, what evidence Plaintiffs offered in support of piercing the corporate veil was largely explained away by Debtor's testimony.
Plaintiffs' evidence included checks and statements properly for the account of the Corporation that Debtor received in her name, including one check from Plaintiffs to Debtor. See PX-28; PX-29. Plaintiffs infer from this evidence (which includes a check from Plaintiffs) that Debtor held herself and the Corporation out as one entity. However, it is too great a leap for the court to make such an inference, at least absent any evidence showing that third parties believed that Debtor and the Corporation were acting as one entity.
Plaintiffs also presented as evidence of unity between Debtor and the Corporation Debtor's personal retention of the ten percent builder's fee. See PX-7. However, not only is there no authority that an owner who chooses to take an owner's draw must suffer personal liability, there is case law that indicates quite the opposite. Penhollow, 2010 WL 1055107, at *4 (finding income of an owner from owner's draws did not lead to personal liability). Moreover, Debtor testified that the organization of her financial affairs was based upon what her accountant told her to do, and that she filed separate tax forms and kept separate bank accounts for herself and the Corporation based on that advice. See Morris v. Powell, 150 S.W.3d 212, 220 (Tex.App.-San Antonio 2004, no pet.) (fact that couple took draws rather than salary because accountant told them they ought to, given their financial circumstances, did not demonstrate such unity between the couple and the corporate entity that separateness of corporation ceased to exist). Based on all the evidence, the court finds that there was not a failure on the part of Debtor to keep her and the Corporation's affairs separate.
Plaintiffs argued that Debtor failed to observe corporate formalities in operating the Corporation and that this evidenced it was her alter ego. Plaintiffs pointed out that the Corporation lacked corporate records, had had no director or shareholder meetings, and had no minutes, including from the annual meeting required by law. However, as discussed above, section 21.223(a)(3) has done away with failure to observe corporate formalities as a factor to support piercing the corporate veil in Texas.
Last, alter ego theory is to be applied when there is such a unity between the entity and its principal that separateness has ceased, and holding only the corporation liable would be unjust. Penhollow, 2010 WL 1055107, at *3; Sparks, 232 S.W.3d at 868. Plaintiffs presented some evidence that Debtor was commingling her affairs with those of the Corporation, such as checks payable to Debtor and payment by the Corporation of her day care bill. But there was no evidence showing that Debtor placed funds intended for the Corporation into her own bank account instead of the Corporation's bank account.
The Texas Business Corporation Act has additional requirements for piercing the corporate veil such that invocation of "the various doctrines for disregarding the corporate entity, including alter ego and sham to perpetrate a fraud" must be supported by facts showing "actual fraud." See Rimade, 388 F.3d at 143; JNS Aviation,
It is well established that the burden of proof under section 523(a)(2)(A), like the burden of showing fraud under section 21.223, is the standard civil burden: a creditor must show its entitlement to relief by a preponderance of the evidence. See Grogan v. Garner, 498 U.S. 279, 287, 111 S.Ct. 654, 112 L.Ed.2d 755 (1991). A fact is proven by preponderance of the evidence if the finder of fact, here the court, finds it more likely than not, based on the evidence, that the fact is true. See, e.g., In re Bell Petroleum Servs., Inc., 3 F.3d 889, 909-10 (5th Cir.1993) (Parker, District Judge, sitting by designation, concurring in part and dissenting in part). "The exceptions [to discharge] are construed strictly against the creditor and liberally in favor of the debtor." Laughlin v. Nouveau Body & Tan, L.L.C. (In re Laughlin), 602 F.3d 417, 421 (5th Cir.2010) (alterations in original) (quoting Cadle Co. v. Duncan (In re Duncan), 562 F.3d 688, 695 (5th Cir.2009)). Where two parties present equally credible, but contradictory, evidence, the party bearing the burden of proof has not met his or her burden. See Smith, 726 F.2d at 428. In the present case, Plaintiffs have virtually no additional evidence other than their own testimony to support the relief they seek, and the court finds both Plaintiffs and Debtor credible witnesses.
In order for a debt to fall under section 523(a)(2)(A), the debtor's fraud or false representation must involve the debtor's "moral turpitude or intentional wrong." Barcelona v. Vizzini (In re Vizzini), 348 B.R. 339, 342 (Bankr.E.D.La. 2005), aff'd, 234 Fed.Appx. 234 (5th Cir. 2007) (quoting In re Chavez, 140 B.R. 413, 419 (Bankr.W.D.Tex.1992)). The Court of Appeals of the Fifth Circuit has distinguished between the elements of claims seeking denial of discharge for (1) false pretenses and representations and (2) actual fraud. RecoverEdge L.P. v. Pentecost, 44 F.3d 1284, 1292 (5th Cir.1995).
The tests to establish actual fraud in Texas and actual fraud under section 523(a)(2)(A) share five elements.
First, with respect to the alleged representations, Plaintiffs have failed to establish the second and third common elements—that Debtor made any representation she knew to be false and that she made any false representation with the intent to deceive Plaintiffs. As for the representations regarding her qualifications, the evidence suggests that Debtor was truthful. And since she was truthful, she was not being deceptive. Other representations cited by Plaintiffs concern the future state of things. For example, Plaintiffs attack statements allegedly made by Debtor that the work would be performed in a good and workmanlike manner. Plaintiffs allege that, in fact, the construction fell below this standard. Such a statement, however, has no immediate truth or falsity—it is at most a promise respecting what will be done.
Plaintiffs also assert that Debtor knew there would be cost overruns and knew the House could not be completed at the estimated price. But they provide no proof for this assertion. On the other hand, Debtor testified without contradiction that, to her knowledge, she was not competing against any other homebuilder for Plaintiffs' business, and the Contract provided that the contractor fee would be capped at $35,000.
Second, with respect to other alleged representations, Plaintiffs have failed to establish the first common element—that Debtor actually made them. For example, Plaintiffs allege that final plans were to be provided to them for signature before construction began. But there is nothing in the Contract that such final plans would be provided. See, PX-7. There was also testimony
Finally there are the alleged promises by Debtor to bear the cost of remedying the problems with the House. Yet again, other than the conflicting testimony, Plaintiffs have provided little to no proof that any of those promises were ever made and, if made, were made with knowledge that they were false or with the intent to deceive.
The record provides only conflicting testimony that most of the alleged promises were even made, and, assuming certain promises were made, Plaintiffs failed to show not only that these promises were false but that, when the promises were made, Debtor knew they were false or made them with the intent to deceive Plaintiffs. At most, it appears Plaintiffs may have proved negligent construction of their home and, potentially, breach of contract. Plaintiffs have not proved fraud as required by section 21.223 of the Texas Business Organizations Code and section 523(a)(2)(A) of the Code.
In order for the court to deny discharge of a debt under Code § 523(a)(2)(A) on the basis that the debt is attributable to the debtor's false pretenses or false representations, the complaining creditor must prove the debtor's representations were "(1) knowing and fraudulent falsehoods, (2) describing past or current facts, (3) that were relied upon by the other party." Allison v. Roberts (In re Allison), 960 F.2d 481, 483 (5th Cir.1992) (later cited in Pentecost, 44 F.3d at 1293). There was only one type of representation made by Debtor that can be said to concern past or current facts when it was made, which is any representation made concerning her experience and expertise as a homebuilder.
Plaintiffs attacked representations made by Debtor regarding her experience and expertise, but failed to explain how anything that Debtor said about her past experience was false. For example, during cross-examination, Plaintiffs' counsel attempted to get Debtor to admit to saying
For the reasons stated above, the court holds Plaintiffs are not legally entitled to bring their claims against Debtor by piercing the corporate veil, and, even if they were entitled to such a remedy, they have not proven their claims to be non-dischargeable pursuant to section 523(a)(2)(A) of the Code. Thus, the relief sought by Plaintiffs must be