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Francis E. Anders, Ch. 13, BK17-41268 (Feb. 19, 2019)

After a trial, the court sustained the debtor's objection to the claim of an over-secured lender and reduced the fees and expenses included in the claim to a reasonable amount. The claim included fees for late charges, appraisals of collateral, and environmental assessments. The evidence indicated the late charges were improperly calculated, so they were reduced. The lender's standard operating procedures require appraisals and environmental assessments, but the court noted those requirements are not unrestricted. The court found the loan servicer's decision to order formal appraisals and reports at will, especially while the debtor was attempting to work out a loan modification, was unreasonable. Neither party was entitled to attorneys' fees in connection with the claim objection and its defense.

Date: 
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Judge: 
Judge Thomas L. Saladino