In re Felix

Debtors filed their Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition in Ohio. They had homes in Ohio and Maryland and listed the Ohio Home as their residence, claiming a $265,800 homestead exemption (Ohio Revised Code 2329.66(A)(1)). They asserted their intent surrender their Maryland Home. During the 11 U.S.C. 341 Meeting of Creditors the debtors told the Trustee they wanted to move to Maryland, stating they had been commuting between Ohio and Maryland. They gave confusing responses about where they lived and where they intended to live. Ohio law permits each debtor to claim a $132,9001 exemption in a primary residence, while Maryland limits the exemption to $6,000, which may not be claimed by both spouses in the same proceeding. The bankruptcy court sustained the Trustee’s objection to the homestead exemption because the Ohio home was not their domicile during the 730 days immediately preceding their Chapter 7 filing, as required by 11 U.S.C. 522(b)(3)(A). The Bankruptcy Appellate Panel affirmed. In deciding that the debtors’ domicile was Maryland, the bankruptcy court applied the correct legal standards, noting "the tardy disclosure of an intricate organization that defies all explanation of necessity” and that the “Debtors’ credibility in providing complete and candid answers suffers” and that their “change in heart is a tactic to shield a valuable asset, rather than a valid assertion of domicile.” View "In re Felix" on Justia Law