13 B 00627
The former Debtor reopened his bankruptcy case and filed a motion for rule to show cause against the Respondents, including Metropolitan Development Enterprises, Inc. (“MDE”), an entity previously owned by the Debtor. The Debtor alleged that the Respondents violated the discharge injunction under § 524(a)(2) after MDE filed suit against him in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The Debtor sought an order enjoining the state court proceeding, a finding that the Respondents were in contempt of court, and an award of damages and attorneys’ fees. The Respondents argued that the claims for which MDE sought recovery against the Debtor were not discharged in the Debtor’s bankruptcy case pursuant to § 523(a)(3)(B). The Court found that MDE’s claims against the Debtor had been discharged because, although MDE was not scheduled as a creditor, it had reasonable notice of the Debtor’s bankruptcy case that satisfied the requirements of due process. Concluding that MDE’s actions constituted a violation of the discharge injunction, the Court enjoined MDE from pursuing the Debtor on its claims in state court but denied the Debtor’s request for damages and attorneys’ fees.