The Supreme Court's Decision in Ransom

The U.S. Supreme Court issued its 8-1 decision in Ransom today. Justice Kagan wrote for the majority and Justice Scalia wrote a dissenting opinion. It is reported that this is Justice Kagan's first opinion.

The majority opinion held that an over-median income debtor in chapter 13 is not entitled to the "ownership costs" deduction (approx. $471.00) in the computation of the means test (used to determine "disposable income") for a vehicle that is not encumbered by debt. The debtor is though is entitled to a deduction for the "operating costs" deduction (approx. $388.00) for an unencumbered vehicle.

Jordan E. Bublick, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach, Florida, Attorney at Law, Practice Limited to Bankruptcy Law, Member of the Florida Bar since 1983