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Blogs

The Power of a Trust Fund Claim: Paying Milk Producers First

The Texas Agricultural Code requires milk processors to hold funds in trust for the benefit of milk producers, including dairies and cooperatives.  A trust fund is a powerful tool that will allow a milk producer to be paid ahead of other creditors […]

The Art of Defending Preferential Transfers – Part Two: The Defenses

Learning how to defend a preferential transfer action is a particularly useful art for the credit professional.  In Part One, we discussed the Bankruptcy Code's specific requirements that must be established by the debtor or trustee in order for a transfer […]

It Matters Whether an Agreement is "Executory"

A recent decision by the full contingent of judges from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals (covering seven Midwest states) demonstrates that a common bankruptcy term should be added to your vocabulary.  That term is "executory."  […]

The Hobby Lobby Decision and Religious-Based Exemptions

On June 30, 2014, the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling which held that a closely held, for-profit entity can object to certain aspects of the birth control mandate imposed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act by invoking the Religious […]

Employee Background Check

In Texas, criminal background checks are generally limited to a seven (7) year review period.  However, Texas Business and Commerce Code § 20.05 provides an exception if an applicant is applying to a job with an annual salary that exceeds or should […]

When the 90-day Preference Period is not 90 Days

It's generally known that Bankruptcy Code section 547(b)(4)(A) provides that for non-insider creditors, a preferential transfer is one made "on or within 90 days before the date of the filing of the petition."  The calculation of the 90-day "preference […]

Severance Payments to Terminated Employees are Taxable Wages

Employers must treat severance payments to involuntarily terminated employees as taxable wages.  In an 8-0 opinion, the Supreme Court held that such payments are "remuneration for employment" for which taxes much be withheld and paid under the Federal […]

Michael A. Logan

Tenants Beware: Your Landlord's Bankruptcy Could Result in a Lost Lease

It is unfortunate, but true: a commercial tenant may someday be required to deal with a bankrupt landlord.  Any bankruptcy filing can be complicated and chaotic.  But, a tenant faced with a landlord's is more than just a creditor who is […]