1 FOR PUBLICATION 2 UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT 3 EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 4 In re: ) ) 5 ANGELO MARTEL LOVE, ) Case No. 19-20532-C-7 CHRISTINE MARIE LOVE, ) Chapter 7 6 Debtors. ) ______________________________) Adversary No. 21-02045-C 7 ) CHRISTINE MARIE LOVE, ) 8 Plaintiff, ) OPINION ) 9 v. ) ) 10 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ) EDUCATION, FEDLOAN SERVICING, ) 11 NELNET ) Defendants. ) 12 ) 13 Before: Christopher M. Klein United States Bankruptcy Judge 14 15 CHRISTOPHER M. KLEIN, Bankruptcy Judge: 16 This was an “undue hardship” student loan discharge trial. 17 This trier of fact finds by preponderance of evidence that the 18 self-represented debtor plaintiff demonstrated “undue hardship on 19 the debtor and the debtor’s dependants” within the meaning of 11 20 U.S.C. § 523(a)(8). 21 Despite widespread belief that student loans are virtually 22 impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, the § 523(a)(8) tool that 23 Congress placed in the judicial toolbox in 1978 to assess “undue 24 hardship” is adequate to the task if only the bar and the bench 25 correctly do their jobs. Litigants must present factual evidence 26 of “undue hardship” that enables trial courts to make findings of 27 fact and conclusions of law by preponderance of evidence to be 28 reviewed on appeal for “clear error.” 1 It is time to demythologize unwarranted and fallacious 2 dogmas and propaganda that have encrusted, ossified, neutralized, 3 and transmogrified § 523(a)(8) analysis into a misconception that 4 student loan debt is virtually impossible to discharge, even 5 though the “undue hardship” standard of proof is preponderance of 6 evidence and the standard of appellate review is “clear error.” 7 It is a paradox. Only the most compelling cases seem to be 8 able to qualify for discharge as “undue hardship” on a standard 9 of proof that is preponderance of evidence. 10 The solution follows from the Supreme Court’s explication of 11 the proper roles of trial and appellate courts facing “mixed 12 questions” of law and fact and proper standard of review. U.S. 13 Bank Nat’l Ass’n v, Village at Lakeridge, 138 S.Ct. 960 (2018). 14 Student loan “undue hardship” questions depend intensely on 15 the facts of each case. As such, they are mixed questions of law 16 and fact in which factual questions predominate over legal 17 analysis that must, if there has been a trial, be reviewed on 18 appeal under the deferential “clear error” standard. If there has 19 been a trial with findings of fact and conclusions of law, then 20 appellate review must be under the “clear error” standard that 21 does not permit appellate courts to substitute judgment for that 22 of the trial court. Lakeridge, 138 S.Ct. at 966-67. 23 Mindful that factual questions predominate in a § 523(a)(8) 24 mixed question of law and fact, this court hereby makes findings 25 of fact and conclusions of law determining that excepting the 26 subject debt from discharge would constitute an “undue hardship” 27 on the debtor and her dependents. 28 1 Facts 2 These findings are rendered after a trial during which the 3 self-represented plaintiff testified and was cross-examined by 4 defendants’ counsel. Supplemental Findings are being filed under 5 seal because some of the relevant facts are intensely private and 6 personal. Permitting them to be published by those who routinely 7 post findings on the internet would chill the willingness of 8 litigants to provide candid testimony about sensitive matters 9 that are relevant and material to issues before the court.1 10 Christine Love owes the United States Department of 11 Education about $27,270 for student loans incurred between 2016 12 and April 2018 while studying Healthcare Administration at 13 Ashford University, a proprietary school that closed under a 14 storm of litigation by the California Attorney General.2 She may 15 also be exposed to liability for about $57,697 in student loans 16 incurred by her now-former spouse. 17 The studies at Ashford have produced no discernable 18 improvement in her employment opportunities. 19 She was forced to abandon her studies due to debilitating 20 injuries suffered at the hands of her now-former husband. The 21 22 1This court on its own motion is exercising its protective 23 authority under 11 U.S.C. § 107(b)(2) relating to potentially scandalous or defamatory matter and under 11 U.S.C. § 107(c) 24 because this court finds disclosure would create undue risk of unlawful injury to the individual debtor. 25 2The California Attorney General obtained a judgment against 26 Ashford “for misleading students about career outcomes, cost and 27 financial aid, pace of degree programs, and transfer credits in order to entice them to enroll at Ashford.” Statement of Dec., at 28 p. 47, People of the State of California v. Ashford University, LLC, et al., Case No. 37-2018-00046134-CU-MC-CTL, March 3, 2022. 1 ensuing divorce action terminated marital status in August 2019, 2 leaving for future resolution property division of the family 3 home. Her husband was sentenced to 6.7 years in state prison. 4 With spouse in prison and with two minor children, Love 5 could not afford to pay current debts. The voluntary chapter 7 6 case was filed January 30, 2019. 7 Love’s “current monthly income” was $3,390.09 from 8 employment as a Pharmacy Technician. After taxes and insurance, 9 her monthly income was $2,834.87. Her monthly expenses were 10 $3,949.00. She received gifts from her grandmother to help pay 11 bills. Her annual gross income of $40,681.08 was 43 percent of 12 the state’s median family income for her size family.3 13 A Notice to File Claims was issued after the chapter 7 14 trustee made a finding of assets. 15 The United States Department of Education filed two timely 16 proofs of claim totaling $88,019.86.4 Of that total, $28,249.86 17 was owed by Love as the borrower. The trustee paid a total of 18 $3,052.85 ($2,073.05 + $979.80) on those claims.5 19 In this action, Love seeks discharge of all her liability 20 for student loans. That includes both her direct remaining debt 21 of $27,270.06 and any potential liability she may have for her 22 now-former spouse’s remaining debt of $57,697.14. 23 The United States concedes that Love has never been in 24 25 3All numbers from Official Forms 106I, 106J & 122A-1. 26 4Claim #11-1, US Dept of Ed c/o NELNET, $59,770.19, borrower 27 Angelo Love; Claim #13-1 US Dept of Ed c/o FEDLOANSERVICING, $28,249.86, borrower Christine Love. 28 5Trustee’s Final Report, Dkt #30, filed, 9/11/2019. 1 default on student loans. In addition to the $3,052.85 paid in 2 the chapter 7 case, Love made voluntary additional payments of 3 $50.59. She was approved for a “REPAYE” flexible repayment plan 4 with $10.00 monthly payments beginning in February 2019 and made 5 payments under that plan. In January 2021, she was notified the 6 monthly REPAYE payment would increase to $284.20 per month. This 7 adversary proceeding was filed in June 2021. 8 Love received assistance from the California Keep Your Home 9 program in order to help with her mortgage, at a cost of an 10 $18,000 lien that eventually will have to be repaid. 11 Love has a history of diligent work for over 20 years in 12 low-paying jobs and of striving to improve her lot in life. From 13 2000 until 2013 she worked in assisted living facilities in 14 various humble capacities. She has since worked as a medical 15 records technician and as pharmacy technician. She presently is 16 employed in a clerical position reviewing health-care claims for 17 audits. She believes that she has reached her maximum income 18 potential. This court agrees and so finds. 19 Her grandmother explained that she helps Love with “food, 20 gas, and occasional household necessities and bills due to her 21 financial struggles.” The court believed that testimony, to which 22 there was no objection. 23 This court likewise believed Love’s testimony about her 24 minimal standard of living. There are no luxuries in her budget. 25 The evidence reveals a need for continuing medical care due to 26 her lingering physical injuries. 27 Based on observing Love’s credible testimony, this court 28 finds that she is sincere, hard-working, and has made an honest 1] effort in good faith to address her student loan debt. 2 Moreover, this court finds that Love does not have 31 significant prospects for future increases in income beyond the 4 rate of inflation and finds that this state of affairs is likely 5 || to persist indefinitely. She is doing the best she can in coping with the challenges of life. 7 8 Jurisdiction 9 Subject-matter jurisdiction is founded on 28 U.S.C. 10 || $ 1334(b). Determinations of dischargeability of student loans 11 |} are core proceedings a bankruptcy judge may hear and determine. 12] 28 U.S.C. § 157 (b) (2) (I). 13 14 Analysis 15 Student loan “undue hardship” issues under § 523(a) (8) are assessed in the Ninth Circuit under the three-part “Brunner 17 | Test,” borrowed from the Second Circuit. United Student Aid 18] Funds, Inc. v. Pena, 155 F.3d 1108 (9th Cir. 1998); Brunner v. 19 || New York State Higher Educ. Serv. (In re Brunner), 831 F.2d 395 20 (2d Cir. 1987). Ms. Love’s situation is examined here through the 21} Brunner prism, focusing on what Brunner and Pena actually held. 22 23 24 Brunner Test 25 The first step of the three-part Brunner test is: the debtor 26 “cannot maintain, based on current income and expenses, a 27 || ‘minimal’ standard of living for [self] and dependents if forced 28 || to repay the loans.” Pena, 155 F.3d at 1111; Brunner, 831 at 396.
1 Second, the debtor must show that “additional circumstances exist indicating that this state of affairs is likely to persist 3 || for a significant portion of the repayment period of the student loans.” Pena, 155 F.3d at 1111; Brunner, 831 at 396. 5 Third, the debtor “has made good faith efforts to repay the 6] loans.” Pena, 155 F.3d at 1111; Brunner, 831 at 396. 7 8 9 Pena and Brunner make a fascinating pair because their facts 10 || led to opposite conclusions regarding “undue hardship.” Each involved versions of § 523(a) (8) that permitted automatic 12 || discharge regardless of hardship after the lapse of a specified 13 || period. The issue in each was early discharge based on “undue 14 || hardship” in lieu of waiting for the statutory period for 15 || automatic discharge to elapse. 16 They presented two sides of the same coin. Using the same 17] test, the Second and Ninth Circuits each affirmed decisions that 18 | had reached opposite conclusions regarding the existence of “undue hardship.” The facts made all the difference. 20 21 22 Applying the Brunner Test in the Ninth Circuit 23 Accepting that Brunner is the law of the Ninth Circuit, how 24] Brunner is actually applied in the circuit is important. One 25 gains useful insights by comparing and contrasting the respective 26 || successful and unsuccessful assertions of “undue hardship” in 27! Pena and Brunner. The standard of appellate review looms large in 28 |} discerning the appropriate “undue hardship” analysis.
1 1 2 Minimal Standard of Living on Current Income 3 The first element of the Brunner test is “cannot maintain, 4 based on current income and expenses, a ‘minimal’ standard of 5 living for [self] and dependents if forced to repay the loans.” 6 Monthly income and monthly expenses were addressed 7 separately by the Ninth Circuit in Pena. 8 There was evidence that the Penas’ monthly income 9 fluctuated. The Ninth Circuit ruled it was not “clear error” for 10 the bankruptcy court to determine monthly income as $1,748 based 11 on the sum of take-home pay at the time of filing of $1,370 plus 12 a fixed disability payment of $378. Although there was evidence 13 that wages had increased between discovery and time of trial, 14 there also was evidence that income fluctuated. Hence, the Ninth 15 Circuit ruled, “we accept as not clearly erroneous the bankruptcy 16 court’s finding that the Penas’ monthly net income was $1,748.” 17 Pena, 155 F.3d at 1112. 18 As to monthly expenses, the Ninth Circuit affirmed as not 19 clearly erroneous the bankruptcy court’s averaging of monthly 20 expenses at three stages of the proceeding – when schedules were 21 filed, when interrogatories were answered, and time of trial. It 22 specifically rejected the argument that “current” income under 23 the Brunner test means the time of trial: “where evidence 24 suggests that the debtor’s income or expenses tend to fluctuate, 25 it is not inappropriate to average figures over a reasonable 26 period of time.” Pena, 155 F.3d at 1112. 27 Comparing average monthly expenses ($1,789) and net monthly 28 income ($1,748) there was a deficit of $41. In view of that $41 1 monthly deficit, the Ninth Circuit ruled: “Clearly, in these 2 || circumstances the Penas could not maintain a minimal standard of living and pay off the student loans.” Pena, 155 F.3d at 1113. 4 That conclusion satisfied the first Brunner element in Pena. 5 6 7 Additional Circumstances 8 Next, the debtor must show that “additional circumstances” 9]/ exist indicating that the inability to maintain a minimal 10 standard of living will “persist for a significant period of the 11 || repayment period of the student loans.” 12 In Pena, two factual findings by the bankruptcy court 13 || satisfied the second Brunner element: First, there was the 141} finding of Mrs. Pena’s ongoing mental disability about which she testified as impairing her ability to obtain “meaningful permanent employment.” The Ninth Circuit rejected the proposition 17 that expert corroboration of the medical condition was required, reasoning that the trial court was entitled to believe her testimony and that the existence of a back disability award, as 20 well as receipt of ongoing disability payments sufficed such that it was not clear error for the trial court to conclude that the 22 condition would persist. 23 The Ninth Circuit distinguished Pena from Brunner as 24] different because in Brunner there was no evidence that Ms. 251} Brunner’s mental state impaired her capacity to work. Pena, 155 26] F.3d at 1113-14. 27 Second, as other evidence, the Ninth Circuit ruled that low value of the education provided is “relevant to [the student’s]
1 future ability to pay off the student loans.” Specifically, the 2 loans incurred to pay ITT Technical Institute yielded a 3 credential as “Associate in Specialized Technology” that was 4 useless to Mr. Pena because it did not help him in his employment 5 and was not accepted by other colleges for course work credit. 6 Hence, the “bankruptcy court did not err in considering that 7 [Mr. Pena’s] income was not likely to increase as a result of his 8 ITT education.” Pena, 155 F.3d at 1114. 9 These findings satisfied the second Brunner prong. 10 11 3 12 “Good Faith” Effort to Repay Loans 13 As to “good faith,” the Ninth Circuit ruled the “bankruptcy 14 court did not clearly err in finding that the Penas exhibited 15 good faith in attempting to pay back the student loans.” 16 The record showed that there had been “several” payments and 17 “after being laid off ..., the debtors were given a 90-day 18 deferment, but then were unable to meet their obligations and 19 filed chapter 7.” This sufficed to support the bankruptcy court’s 20 finding of “good faith” efforts to repay the loans. 21 The Ninth Circuit rejected the argument that good faith was 22 undermined by their use of Mrs. Pena’s $8,000 back disability 23 benefit award to buy a used car and pay other bills.6 24 6The Ninth Circuit explained: 25 USA Funds does not suggest why good faith would have 26 required the Penas to pay the student loan debt prior to 27 paying down portions of their other debts ($43,360 minus $8,685) when the other debts were approximately four times 28 the amount of the student loans. 1 Contrasting the Pena’s situation with the facts in Brunner, the Ninth Circuit noted that Ms. Brunner failed to establish good 3 || faith because she filed for discharge within a month after the first payment of her loans came due, made virtually no attempt to 5 repay, and never requested the available deferment of payment that was available to those who are unable to pay because of 71 prolonged unemployment. Pena, 155 F.3d at 1114. 8 Hence, in Pena “several” payments and brief deferment during job loss, followed by a chapter 7 filing, sufficed to satisfy 10 the “good faith” prong of Brunner against attack as clear error. 11 12 13 Ninth Circuit Decisions After Pena 14 The Ninth Circuit’s first noteworthy student loan decision the shadow of Pena was Saxman in 2003, ruling that bankruptcy 16 || courts have equitable power to partially discharge student debt 17 |} to the extent payment would constitute an “undue hardship.” 18 | Saxman v. Educ. Credit Mgmt. Corp. (In re Saxman), 325 F.3d 1168 19] (9th Cir. 2003); cf. Graves v. Myrvang (In re Myrvang), 232 F.3d 201116 (9th Cir. 2000) (§ (15)). 21 In other words, bankruptcy courts have equitable power to 221) scale down student loan debt. E.g., Nitcher v. Educ. Credit Mgmt. 23) Corp. (In re Nitcher), 606 B.R. 67, 80 (Bankr. D. Or. 2019). 24 Another key Ninth Circuit decision in the wake of Pena was 25 Hedlund, a partial discharge case in which the Ninth Circuit 26] clarified and enforced the standard of review for “undue 27
Pena, 155 F.3d at 1114. 11
hardship” determinations made by bankruptcy judges. 2 In Hedlund, the Ninth Circuit disapproved a district court’s 3H use of de novo review in which the district court had substituted judgment for that of the bankruptcy trial court and reversed 5 determination of Brunner “good faith.” The Ninth Circuit, in turn, reversed the district court because it erred by applying 7! the wrong standard of review: “a good faith finding under Brunner 8 |} should be reviewed for clear error.” Hedlund v. Educ. Res. Inst. 9} Inc., 718 F.3d 848, 854 (9th Cir. 2013). In short, Hedlund holds 10 is error for an appellate court to substitute its judgment for 11] that of the trial court on the question of Brunner “good faith.” 12 The Ninth Circuit explained that “good faith” is “an 13 ||} essentially factual inguiry” driven by “data of practical human 14 | experience.” Hedlund, 718 F.3d at 854, citing Figter Ltd. v. 15] Teachers Ins. & Annuity Assoc. of Am. (In re Figter Ltd.), 118 16] F.3d 635, 638 (9th Cir. 1997); accord, United States v. McConney, 17] 728 F.2d 1195, 1203-04 (9th Cir. 1984) (en banc). 18 Nor is the Ninth Circuit position regarding review of “good 19 | faith” unique. The Seventh Circuit (which applies Brunner under 20 |) the name Roberson) has reached the identical conclusion on the same reasoning: the Brunner good faith standard “combines a state 22 of mind (a fact) with a legal characterization (a mixed question 23 | of law and fact) that Supreme Court precedent teaches be “treated factual in nature.” Krieger v. Educ. Credit Mgmt. Corp., 713 25) F.3d 882, 884 (7th Cir. 2013) (“It is important not to allow 26} judicial glosses, such as the language in Roberson and Brunner, 27 28
to supersede the statute itself.”) (Easterbrook, J.).’ 2 3 II 4 The “Mixed Question” Conundrum 5 Despite the apparent clarity of a “clear error” review, 6 || confusion persisted. Student loan creditors that lost “undue 7 || hardship” cases in bankruptcy court would appeal and urge the 8} appellate court to substitute its judgment for that of the trial court. Implicit in the arguments was a sense that “undue 10} hardship” is some form of a “mixed question” for which it is fair 11 |} game to substitute judgment on appeal. 12 An example is the district court’s reversal of the Hedlund 13 | bankruptcy court, which the Ninth Circuit later reversed for 14 15 16 17 ‘The Seventh Circuit’s Krieger decision is indicative of a growing realization that something is rotten in Brunner. The 18 critiques come from two directions. First, per Krieger, too much Arieger 19 judicial gloss has transmogrified Brunner. Second, the question in Brunner (what showing is required to prove “undue hardship” 20 when discharge is automatic after five years?) is very different than the question after the automatic discharge was repealed 21 | (what showing is required to prove “undue hardship” when it is the only route to discharge lifetime?). Judge Pappas was an early 22") voice crying in the wilderness: Roth v. Educ. Credit Mgmt Corp. (In re Roth), 490 B.R. 908, 920-23 (9th Cir. BAP 2013). The 23 |} chorus is gaining volume. E.g., McDowell v. Educ. Credit Mgmt Corp. (In re McDowell), 549 B.R. 744, 765-66 n.32 (Bankr. D. Tdaho 2016); Rosenberg v. N.Y. State Higher Educ. Servs. Corp. (In re Rosenberg), 610 B.R. 454, 458-59, 373 Ed. Law Rptr. 836 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 2020); Clavell v. U.S. Dep’t of Educ. (In re 26 Clavell), 611 B.R. 504, 513-14 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 2020); Wolfson v. DeVos (In re Wolfson), 2022 WL 5055468 (Bankr. D. Del. 2022). See 27 | generally Bruce Grohsgal, The Long Strange Trip to a Certainty of Hopelessness: The Legislative and Political History of the 28!) Nondischarge of Student Loans in Bankruptcy, 95 Am. Bankr. L.J. 443 (2021). 13
using an improper standard of review. Hedlund, 718 F.3d at 854.? 2 A more subtle version is paying lip-service to “clear error” 3 |} but then using the “mixed question” label as license to nit-pick the trial court all the way to reversal in a manner that is the 5] antithesis of “clear error” review. E.g. Educ. Credit Mgmt. Corp. 6 || v. Mason (In re Mason), 464 F.3d 878, 884-85 (9th Cir. 2006). 7 8 Til 9 Supreme Court Resolves “Mixed Question” Conundrum 10 The “mixed question” conundrum was not unique to student 11] loans and befuddled appellate courts in a variety of arenas. 12 In 2018, parsing the Title 11 definition of “insider,” the 13 || Supreme Court cleared up the confusion about “mixed questions.” 14 Giving a master class on the roles of trial and appellate 15 |} courts, the unanimous Supreme Court prescribed a controlling 16 || analysis for assessing “mixed” questions of law and fact and the 17 1 proper implementation of “clear error” review. U.S. Bank Nat’l 18 |} Ass’n v. Village at Lakeridge, LLC, 138 S.Ct. 960, 965-69 (2018) (9-0 decision) (“Lakeridge”). 20 21 22 Roles of the Respective Courts 23 The Supreme Court focused in Lakeridge on the roles of the 24 respective trial and appellate courts.
26 ®Before the Ninth Circuit squarely decided the “clear error” standard of review question in Hedlund, it had declined to find 27 error in a district court’s substitution of judgment in an appeal in which it did not purport to determine the correct standard of 28 || review. Rifino v. United States (In re Rifino), 245 F.3d 1083, 1087 n.2 (9th Cir. 2001) (de novo review.) 14
1 A bankruptcy court “must tackle three kinds of issues - the 2| first purely legal, the next purely factual, the last a 3] combination of the other two.” Lakeridge, 138 S.Ct. at 965. 4 An appellate court “must consider all its component parts, each under the appropriate standard of review.” Lakeridge, 138 S.Ct. at 965. 7 The first step is choice by the bankruptcy judge of a legal 8] test to determine the issue before the court at trial. An 9l| appellate panel “reviews such a legal conclusion without the 10] slightest deference.” Lakeridge, 138 S.Ct. at 965. 11 Next, the bankruptcy judge must “make findings of what we 12 || have called ‘basic’ or ‘historical’ fact - addressing questions 13] cof who did what, when or where, how or why. Lakeridge, 138 S.Ct. 966. 15 An appellate court reviews such factual findings “only for 16 || clear error - in other words, with a serious thumb on the scale 17] for the bankruptcy court.” Lakeridge, 138 S.Ct. at 966. 18 Finally, the bankruptcy judge must “determine whether the 19 historical facts found satisfy the legal test.” This is the so- 20 | called “mixed question” that asks “whether the historical facts satisfy the statutory standard, or to put it another way, 22 whether the rule of law as applied to the established facts is or not violated.” Lakeridge, 138 S.Ct. at 966, quoting Pullman- 24 || Standard v. Swint, 456 U.S. 273, 289, n.19 (1982). 25 The problem becomes whether the ruling on the mixed question to be reviewed on appeal de novo or for clear error. 27 28
1 2 Nature of the Mixed Question Controls Standard of Review 3 As posited by the Supreme Court, the inquiry is: “What is the nature of the mixed question here and which kind of court 5 || (bankruptcy or appellate) is better suited to resolve it?” 6 || Lakeridge, 138 S.Ct. at 966. 7 Mixed questions “are not all alike.” Lakeridge, 138 S.Ct. at 8 |} 967. 9 When a particular mixed question requires courts “to expound 10 |} on the law, particularly by amplifying or elaborating on a broad 11] legal standard” and “developing auxiliary legal principles of use 12 other cases,” then de novo review is appropriate. Lakeridge, S.Ct. at 967, citing Salve Regina College v. Russell, 499 225, 231-33 (1991). 15 When a mixed guestion “immerses courts in case-specific 16 || factual issues □□ compelling them to marshal and weigh evidence, 17 || make credibility judgments, and otherwise address what we have 18} (emphatically if a tad redundantly) called ‘multifarious, 19} fleeting, special, narrow facts that utterly resist 20 generalization,’” then appellate courts should review the decision with deference. Lakeridge, 138 S.Ct. at 967, citing 22 || Pierce v. Underwood, 487 U.S. 552, 561-62 (1988); Anderson v. 23 || Bessemer City, 470 U.S. 564, 574-76 (1985). 24 After Lakeridge, the rule is: “the standard of review for a 25 mixed question all depends — on whether answering it entails 26 primarily legal or factual work.” Lakeridge, 138 S.Ct. at 967. 27 28
1 C 2 “Mixed Questions” in “Undue Hardship” Cases 3 The mixed question that a bankruptcy court addresses in a 4 § 523(a)(8) “undue hardship” student loan discharge case immerses 5 the court in case-specific factual issues. The controlling law – 6 the Brunner test – is well known and needs little explication. 7 The bankruptcy court, to use the words of the Supreme Court, 8 “takes a raft of case-specific historical facts, considers them 9 as a whole, balances them one against another – all to make a 10 determination:” whether the debtor’s current income and expenses 11 permit a “minimal” standard of living for herself and her 12 dependents; whether additional circumstances make the state of 13 affairs likely to persist for a significant portion of the 14 repayment period of the student loan; and whether the debtor has 15 made a “good faith” effort to repay the loans. 16 As the Supreme Court explained in Lakeridge: “Just to 17 describe that inquiry is to indicate where it (primarily) 18 belongs: in the court that has presided over the presentation of 19 the evidence, that has heard all the witnesses, and that has both 20 the closest and the deepest understanding of the record – i.e., 21 the bankruptcy court.” Lakeridge, 138 S.Ct. at 968. 22 The Supreme Court also reasoned that an alternative approach 23 which gets to the same answer is to ask how much legal work is 24 entailed in applying the controlling test? Its answer was 25 “precious little.” Norms and criteria already exist. The multi- 26 part test is already in place. 27 Since answering the § 523(a)(8) “undue hardship” question is 28 primarily factual in nature, it follows that deferential “clear 1] error” review applies when, as here, the bankruptcy court holds a trial and makes findings of fact and conclusions of law.?® 3 The import of Lakeridge to this adversary proceeding is that undermines the vitality of Ninth Circuit decisions that are consistent with the Lakeridge “mixed question” rule. Rifino permitted a district court to substitute judgment for that of the bankruptcy court in a manner disapproved by Lakeridge. Rifino, 81245 F.3d at 1087 n.2. Likewise, the nit-picking analysis of “good 9] faith” in Mason is contradicted by Lakeridge. Mason, 464 F.3d at 10 884-85. Both Rifino and Mason were garden-variety decisions in 11 |} which a bankruptcy court found “undue hardship.”*® 12 13 IV 14 § 523 (a) (8) “Undue Hardship” in this Case 15 We now return to applying the three-part Brunner-Pena test the facts of this case. 17 °When bankruptcy courts decide student loan cases without 18 trial, appellate courts correctly apply de novo review and may 19 substitute judgment for that of the bankruptcy court. That was the situation in the original Brunner case. Subsequent examples 29 |) show that appellate courts that view records only in the abstract and do not have to look debtors in the eyes do not hesitate to 21 || reverse “undue hardship” determinations on review de novo. 22 The Supreme Court was insistent about the line it was drawing regarding “mixed questions” in which facts predominate: 23 if an appellate court someday finds that further refinement 24 of the arm’s length standard is necessary to maintain 5 uniformity among bankruptcy courts, it may step in to perform that legal function. By contrast, what it may not do 26 is review independently a garden-variety decision, as here, that the various facts found amount to an arm’s length (or 27 non-arm’s-length) transaction and so do not (or do) confer insider status. 28 Lakeridge, 138 S.Ct. at 968 n.7 (emphasis in original). 18
1 A 2 The first step is whether the debtor “cannot maintain, based 3 on current income and expenses, a ‘minimal’ standard of living 4 for [self] and dependents if forced to repay the loans.” Pena, 5 155 F.3d at 1111; Brunner, 831 at 396. 6 The debtor’s gross income in 2019 was $40,681. In 2021, it 7 was $40,992. She works full time. Opportunities for overtime work 8 are too infrequent to be deemed material. 9 Her monthly obligations at the time of trial totaled $3,763 10 and after taxes take-home pay was $2,807. Her grandmother has 11 been helping her cover the imbalance. 12 Examination of the items on her monthly budget reveals no 13 excessive items. 14 This trier of fact is persuaded by preponderance of evidence 15 that the debtor is not able to maintain a “minimal” standard of 16 living for herself and dependents if forced to repay the loans. 17 18 B 19 Second, the debtor must show that “additional circumstances 20 exist indicating that this state of affairs is likely to persist 21 for a significant portion of the repayment period of the student 22 loans.” Pena, 155 F.3d at 1111; Brunner, 831 at 396. 23 The circumstances of the debtor are such that this trier of 24 fact is persuaded by preponderance of evidence that this state of 25 affairs is likely to persist for at least the remaining portion 26 of the repayment period, and well beyond. 27 The debtor has demonstrated that she is doing the best she 28 can. There is no upward career path presently available to the 1 debtor. There is no reason to believe her compensation will 2 increase by more than the rate of inflation. 3 In addition, as with Pena, the low value of the Ashford 4 education may be considered as evidence probative of the 5 likelihood that the state of affairs will persist. Pena, 155 F.3d 6 at 1114. It is particularly pertinent that the California 7 Attorney General obtained a judgment against Ashford “for 8 misleading students about career outcomes, cost and financial 9 aid, pace of degree programs, and transfer credits.”11 10 Moreover, as Ashford is no longer an operating entity there 11 is no realistic opportunity to resume her academic program. It is 12 doubtful that transfer credits would be accepted. Even if it were 13 possible to resume the education, additional debt would have to 14 be incurred and opportunities for promotion upon completion are 15 too speculative to be credited. 16 In sum, the preponderance of evidence demonstrates that the 17 present state of affairs is likely to persist for a long time. 18 19 C 20 Third, the debtor must have “made good faith efforts to 21 repay the loans.” Pena, 155 F.3d at 1111; Brunner, 831 at 396. 22 It is conceded that the debtor never has been in default on 23 payments. 24 A total of $3,052 was paid on the two timely proofs of claim 25 filed by the United States in the chapter 7 case. 26 This court specifically rejects the argument by the United 27 28 11Note 2 supra. 1 States that the chapter 7 dividend should not be treated as 2 having been voluntary and made in “good faith.” Rather, as a 3 matter of law and of fact, payments on claims in a voluntary case 4 under the Bankruptcy Code that was filed by the debtor in good 5 faith are “voluntary” payments that are made in good faith for 6 purposes of the “good faith” component of the Brunner-Pena test. 7 In addition, after filing her voluntary chapter 7 case in 8 January 2019, the debtor made voluntary additional payments 9 totaling $50.59. The notice to the debtor in January 2021, that 10 required payment under her “REPAYE” flexible repayment plan would 11 increase to $284.00 per month is what precipitated the filing of 12 this adversary proceeding. 13 Nor is the debtor’s “good faith” undermined by not now 14 seeking potential new administrative remedies that have arisen 15 since this adversary proceeding was filed – she has heretofore 16 participated in good faith in seeking administrative relief and 17 been rewarded with a $284.00 monthly payment that is plainly 18 beyond her means to pay. Enough is enough. 19 In sum, the debtor has demonstrated by preponderance of 20 evidence “good faith efforts to repay the loans” within the 21 meaning of the Brunner-Pena test. 22 23 V 24 Administrative Alternatives 25 The United States has provided a post-trial statement asking 26 that Love apply for “Borrower Defense” administrative relief in 27 lieu of a § 523(a)(8) “undue hardship” judgment. 28 It is suggested that the debtor is a member of the class 1 action known as Sweet v. Cardona, No. C 19-03674 WHA (N.D. Cal.), 2 the settlement of which could qualify the debtor for a refund of 3 $1,033.04. And it is urged that she pursue the “New Process” for 4 student loan bankruptcy discharges as an administrative matter. 5 This court declines the invitation.12 6 7 A 8 The debtor’s evidence adduced at trial establishes by the 9 requisite preponderance of evidence all three elements of the 10 Brunner-Pena test. She is entitled to a judgment determining that 11 excepting the total student loan debt from discharge would impose 12 an “undue hardship” on the debtor and the debtor’s dependents 13 within the meaning of § 523(a)(8). She is entitled to the relief 14 now without awaiting mere possibilities of administrative relief. 15 There is no requirement of law that administrative remedies 16 have been exhausted before a § 523(a)(8) “undue hardship” action 17 is ripe for decision. Such a requirement, in view of the delays 18 characteristic of the bureaucracy inherent in student loan 19 administration, would be a contradiction in terms. 20 21 B 22 Much of the proposed administrative relief under the “New 23 Process” announced November 17, 2022, remains uncertain and is 24 embroiled in partisan litigation challenging the validity of that 25 and other administrative initiatives. 26 27 28 12United States’ Response to Post-Trial Order, at 2, Dkt 81. 1 C 2 The United States says: “Education is willing to refund Love 3 the $1,033.04 distribution made to Education by the Chapter 7 4 trustee in this case, and it believes the trustee has agreed to 5 Education making this refund to Love.”13 This is puzzling. 6 7 1 8 First, there is no Chapter 7 trustee serving in the case who 9 could have agreed to anything. Upon entry of the Final Decree on 10 March 26, 2020, the Chapter 7 trustee was discharged and the 11 trustee’s bond was released from further liability.14 12 When the case was reopened in 2021 pursuant to § 350(b) and 13 Rule 5010 incident to filing Love’s adversary proceeding, it was 14 ordered that no trustee be appointed. 11 U.S.C. § 350(b); Fed. R. 15 Bankr. P. 5010.15 None has since been appointed. 16 Even if a trustee had been appointed, it is unlikely a 17 Chapter 7 trustee could agree to a refund to the debtor of a 18 claim distribution without complying with § 502(j) and at least 19 giving notice to the other creditors who, like the Department of 20 Education, received paltry 3.47% dividends and may wish to assert 21 rights in the proceeds. 11 U.S.C. § 502(j). 22 23 2 24 Moreover, there is uncertainty about the relief that would 25 26 13Id. at 3 (emphasis supplied). 27 14Final Decree, 3/26/2020, Dkt. 42. 28 15Order Reopening Case, 6/21/2021, Dkt. 46. 1 be provided for Love by this proposed administrative action. 2 Her direct liability for the $27,270 that she owes on her 3 own account is one thing. 4 But there is also potential for liability for the $57,697 5 owed on student loans to her former spouse that were contracted 6 during the marriage and could construed as a community debt for 7 which remaining community property – including Love’s home – 8 might be liable 9 The loan summary to the proof of claim #13 filed by the 10 Department of Education on her former spouse’s debt includes the 11 intriguing notation “spousal consol.” If that connotes spousal 12 liability, then she has more student loan debt to discharge. 13 The uncertainty stems from California community property law 14 with respect to liability and property settlements in divorces. 15 At best, California law is sufficiently confused that it cannot 16 be said with confidence that Love has no liability when there has 17 been no completed marital settlement agreement. Compare Cal. 18 Family Code § 916, with Cal. Family Code § 2641(b)(2). 19 Nor can the United States say the issue is fanciful. The 20 U.S. Department of Education has litigated the effect of a 21 California marital settlement agreement regarding allocation of 22 student loan debt between divorcing spouses. U.S. Dep’t of Educ. 23 v. Carrion (In re Carrion), 601 B.R. 523 (9th Cir. BAP 2019). 24 25 3 26 Also dubious is a statement that could be construed as 27 suggesting that discharging the debt under § 523(a)(8) could 28 disqualify the debtor for some student loan benefits.'® Perhaps is inept gobbledegook, but it could be construed as offending 31 S$ 525(c). 11 U.S.C. § 525(c). 4 In short, blandishments of possible administrative relief 5 are of uncertain value when compared with the alternative of immediate discharge of all of Love’s student loan liability 7 pursuant to § 523(a)(8) in an enforceable judicial judgment. 8 9 Conclusion 10 The debtor having proved by preponderance of evidence all elements of the controlling Brunner-Pena test for discharge of 12] all of her student loan liability as “undue hardship” under 13] $ 523(a) (8), judgment to that effect will be entered ina 14 || separate order. 15 16 || Dated: April 05, 2023 \ |
\} 18 We 19 United States Bankruptcy Judge 20 21 22 ‘The ambiguous statement is: 23 Additionally, new Education provisions will no longer count 24 Pell Grants received for the same period of attendance at 5 school, as loans receiving Borrower Defense discharge for purposes of Pell Grant limits, restoring eligibility if Love 26 chooses to return to school. However, if her loans are discharged through bankruptcy, she has no debt eligible for 27 relief under the Sweet v. Cardona class action settlement and will not receive those benefits. 28 United States’ Response to Post-Trial Order, at 3, Dkt 81. 25