06/07/2013
Memorandum of Law in support of Motion for Relief from Automatic Stay
Filed by Michael Nardella on behalf of Creditor
Roy Kronk
(Entered: 06/07/2013)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7DjeAMt_BpIZ096a0VEUGI4SVU/edit?usp=sharing
SUMMARY:
January 25, 2013 - Casey filed Chapter 7
At the time Kronk had an action pending in State Court - Case # 2011-CA-017051-0
Defamation case - personal injury tort
Casey was served by substitute service on the Secretary of State
Notice of Filing Affidavit of Service was filed in State Court January 23, 2013 - two days before she filed for bankruptcy
June 6, 2013 - Zenaida filed Memorandum of Law in Support of Relief from the Automatic Stay.
Zenaida is in very similar legal position as Kronk, so Kronk joins in the arguments included in the Zenaida Gonzalez Memorandum and incorporates them here.
Kronk includes additional legal authority not in Zenaida's Memorandum and further arguments regarding judicial economy
Kronk is entitled to a jury trial to determine liability and damages
Casey says Kronk's civil suit should be discharged in bankruptcy
before it is liquidated [in State Court] and that is not efficient, practical or a proper exercise of jurisdiction.
The bankruptcy court cannot hear the dischargeability isssues first because proof that Casey intentionally and maliciously injured Kronk by illegally discriminating against him, necessitates
proving the underlying discrimination allegations [in State Court civil lawsuit], which the bankruptcy court does not have jurisdiction to hear.
Case law says the bankruptcy court cannot liquidate the discrimination claim, and the defamation claim must be liquidated before the bankruptcy court can hear the dischargeability issue.
Casey wants the dischargeability ruled on,
before the civil case is liquidated in State Court, but that would require the bankruptcy court to determine whether Kronk has a valid claim at all.
Casey wants this determination made in the dischargeability arena, but a far more appropriate forum with uncontroversial jurisdiction [State Court], can make that determination by Casey merely filing a motion to dismiss for failure to state a cause of action.
If Casey is right, and Kronk has no valid cause of action, then she will receive the swiftest relief in State Court where all she need do is file a motion and have it heard.
If Casey is wrong, and Kronk does have a valid defamation claim, then Casey will have to litigate it regardless of the forum and
will not be able to avoid the expense, to extent it's not pro bono already.
Casey can use summary procedures in either forum, whether by motion to dismiss or motion for summary judgment, but she will get summary relief, if she is entitled to it all, much faster in State Court.
If Casey is unsuccessful in obtaining a quick resolution on the papers, however, the
case will need to proceed to trial.
If the case does proceed to trial, Casey has already indicated that she will refuse to testify based on the Fifth Amendment. As the bulk of the other witnesses and parties who would be participating are in Orlando, it would be far less economical to hold such proceedings in the forum of Casey's choice, when Casey has stated she will not even personally participate.
Kronk asks the bankruptcy judge to enter an Order
granting relief from stay for the limited purpose of l
etting Kronk seek a judgement of liability and liquidated damages in the State Court civil suit against Casey, and to
extend the time for Kronk to file any discharge or dischargeability actions until
after the defamation claim is liquidated in State Court.