Summary:

In Williams v. Drexel University, Chief Judge Wendy Beetlestone allowed a former Drexel University student’s claims to proceed based on Drexel’s alleged use of academic records and access restrictions to collect unpaid tuition—including while the student was in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

The case is a useful reminder that a university wearing an academic cap does not necessarily stop being a creditor, and withholding a transcript can be debt collection just as surely as sending a collection letter.

In Williams v. Atlantic Recovery Solutions, LLC, No. 5:25-CV-505-BO (E.D.N.C. Sept. 1, 2026), Judge Terrence W. Boyle entered a default judgment against a debt collector that apparently had difficulty understanding the phrase “I refuse to pay.”

The consumer received collection texts concerning two separate accounts. Regarding one account, she responded:

“I refuse to pay any debt associated with any and all accounts in your office!”

Available at: Cardozo Law — LARC

Summary:

In Perkins v. PHEAA, Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. of the Middle District of North Carolina provides a fairly emphatic reminder that an issue actually decided in a bankruptcy adversary proceeding does not become available for another round of litigation simply because the debtor later develops new arguments—or new labels—for why the original decision was wrong.

Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/de-novo/117

Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/de-novo/117

Summary:

In Vibal v. Data Mortgage, Judge Terrence W. Boyle dismissed a federal lawsuit challenging a completed North Carolina foreclosure, providing a useful warning about both Rooker-Feldman and how consumer claims should be pleaded following foreclosure.

The homeowner alleged that the defendants lacked authority to foreclose, relied on a fabricated note, and misrepresented their authority. But the Cumberland County Clerk had already authorized foreclosure, the Superior Court affirmed, and the sale occurred.

The Birth of “Creditor Qualified Immunity”: Has Taggart Made the Bankruptcy Discharge Too Hard to Enforce?

Available at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/klj/vol114/iss3/3

ABSTRACT:

Available at:  TransUnion — Debt Settlement Enrollment Linked to Greater Credit Score Decli

In Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. v. Philipson, No. 25-2354 (4th Cir. Aug. 27, 2026), the Fourth Circuit vacated a garnishment order because the magistrate judge lacked jurisdiction to enter a final order.

Under 28 U.S.C. § 636(c)(1), a magistrate judge can enter final judgment only when the case has been properly referred and the parties consent. Here, the record did not show that the parties voluntarily consented after receiving the required written notice. The garnishment order therefore had to be vacated and the case remanded.