9th Circuit BAP Affirms that Bankruptcy Judges May Enter Final Monetary Judgments in Non-Dischargeability Cases

Dietz v. Ford (In re Deitz), — B.R. — (9th Cir. BAP April, 2012)

Issue:   May the bankruptcy court enter a final judgment for money in a non-dischargeability action given Stern v. Marshall?  Did the bankruptcy court properly find fraud on these facts?

Holding:   Yes on both    Judge Richard Ford, Eastern District of CA

Pappas, Dunn, Markell

Opinion by Pappas, concurring opinion by Markell

The debtor, a contractor, agreed to do work on Fords’ home.  His license was suspended at the time and, in any event, he collected 25% more than the contract price and ultimately did only about 65% of the work.  At trial, the bankruptcy court found fraud under 523(a)(2) as well as under 523(a)(4) and willful and malicious injury under 523(a)(6).  He entered judgment against the debtor for $368,000.  On appeal, the debtor argues that under Stern v. Marshall, the bankruptcy court cannot enter a final judgment either as to the dischargeability of the debt or the amount of the debt.

The BAP affirmed.  As to the court’s power to enter final judgment, the BAP said that non-dischargeability “claims arose under the Bankruptcy Code, subject matter jurisdiction existed in the district court, and by its referral, in the bankruptcy court, as well.  Moreover, “determinations as to the dischargeability of particular debts . . .” are expressly included in the statutory list of core proceedings. 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2)(I).  As a result, Congress has provided that the bankruptcy court may enter a final judgment on exception to discharge claims, subject only to appellate review. 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2)(I).  Indeed, since 1970, the bankruptcy court, via the reference from the district court, has had the exclusive authority to determine the dischargeability of debts under § 523(a)(2), (4) and (6). See § 523(c)”

As to entry of a monetary judgment, the BAP said, “The Ninth Circuit has also expressly held, pre-Stern, that a bankruptcy court may enter a monetary judgment on a disputed state law fraud claim in the course of determining that the debt is nondischargeable. Cowen v. Kennedy (In re Kennedy), 108 F.3d 1015 (9th Cir. 1997).”  It comments that it must follow the 9th circuit unless the Supreme Court unless it is “clearly irreconcilable.” As to the finding of fraud, the BAP said the court’s findings were not clearly erroneous.

As to the findings under (a)(4) and (a)(6), the debtor did not argue those in his brief and the arguments were therefore waived.

Judge Markell concurred primarily on the issue of the bankruptcy court’s power to enter a money judgment.  “Unlike nondischargeability determinations, claims for money damages do not ‘arise in’ or ‘arise under’ the Bankruptcy Code.  They exist independent of the bankruptcy process.  They are claims against the debtor, not against the estate.  As a consequence, at least with respect to § 1334, the only remaining ground for subject matter jurisdiction is that such claims are ‘related to’ the bankruptcy.”  “Related to” means anything that affects the bankruptcy case.  “There was no claims resolution process here because there was no bankruptcy estate to administer and then distribute.  As a consequence, the liquidation or allowance of the claim that will never be paid has absolutely no effect on the estate.”  He agrees in conclusion that the BAP is bound by prior 9th Circuit decisions and that Stern did not overrule those and therefore concurs in the judgment.

Leave a Reply


five × 9 =