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!”

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.

Summary:

Jon Anthony Seppanen purchased a vehicle from Fayetteville Dodge under a retail installment contract requiring 72 monthly payments of $988.93, secured by the vehicle and expressly permitting repossession after default. Seppanen nevertheless believed that writing "Pay to the order of JON SEPPANEN, without recourse" on the agreement discharged his obligation to pay.

This is the second of three pirate-themed cases I'll be blogging about this week. After beginning with Black Pearl Vision v. G & G Funding, we now turn to Blackbeard's Triple Play. It seems that even the pirates are making appearances in the bankruptcy courts this summer.

Summary:

Generative artificial intelligence has now reached the Eastern District of North Carolina in a published sanctions decision, and the resulting opinion should be required reading for every practicing attorney.

Summary:

In , Judge Pamela McAfee denied confirmation of the Clarks’ Chapter 13 plan after concluding that continuing to spend $1,715 per month on private Christian school tuition while proposing to discharge roughly 90% of more than $300,000 in unsecured debt was inconsistent with the good faith requirement of 11 U.S.C. § 1325(a)(3).

Summary:

In Frew v. EMortgage Funding LLC, the Eastern District of North Carolina dismissed a pro se homeowner’s broad challenge to a residential foreclosure proceeding, rejecting claims under TILA, RESPA, FDCPA, RICO, and North Carolina consumer protection law.

Summary:

In JSmith v.  Clancy & Theys, Judge Joseph Callaway addressed a familiar temptation in bankruptcy litigation: trying to convert an ordinary contract dispute into a turnover action under 11 U.S.C. § 542. The court allowed most of the debtor’s claims to proceed—but drew a clear line around turnover.