In a recent chapter 13 bankruptcy case, IN RE WRIGHT, Bankr. Court, ED New York 2011, a debtor was NOT allowed to “strip off” a second mortgage held by Chase. At trial several issues were raised regarding how the Debtor’s appraiser conducted his appraisal. The Court found that the Debtor failed to meet its burden of establishing that Chase’s lien was wholly unsecured.
A second mortgage can only be “stripped” and treated as unsecured if the chapter 13 debtor can prove that his/her home is not worth any more than their first mortgage.
As always, the bankruptcy Law Firm of VAUGHN & WEBER, PLLC is here to assist you. We are conveniently located in the heart of Nassau County, Long Island, at 393 Jericho Tpke., #208, in Mineola, NY. Contact us at (516) 858-2620 to arrange a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney.
