492 B.R. 341
Bankr. N.D. Ga.2013Background
- Defendant appears pro se; Plaintiff seeks non-dischargeability under 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(2)(A) and monetary judgment ($6,299).
- Defendant filed bankruptcy on September 18, 2012; adversary complaint filed December 17, 2012 in core dischargeability matter.
- Court has jurisdiction as a core proceeding under 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2)(I) and § 1334.
- Standard for summary judgment: no genuine issue of material fact and entitled to judgment as a matter of law under Fed. R. Civ. P. 56.
- Plaintiff seeks relief under § 523(a)(2)(A) for false representations, false pretenses, and actual fraud related to credit card charges.
- Court grants summary judgment on false representations and false pretenses; denies summary judgment on actual fraud.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| False pretenses/false representations under § 523(a)(2)(A)? | Plaintiff contends Defendant’s use of the card and agreement imply payment/affirmative representations. | Defendant argues there were no express representations and no revocation prior to charges; implied representations are insufficient. | Granted for false representations/false pretenses. |
| Actual fraud under § 523(a)(2)(A)? | Plaintiff asserts Defendant acted with intent not to repay based on charges and circumstances. | Defendant disputes undisputed facts showing subjective intent not to repay; record requires judgment or further discovery. | Denied as to actual fraud. |
Key Cases Cited
- First National Bank of Mobile v. Roddenberry, 701 F.2d 927 (11th Cir. 1983) (implied representations insufficient to prove false pretenses/false representations)
- In re Bilzerian, 153 F.3d 1278 (11th Cir. 1998) (elements of actual fraud under § 523(a)(2)(A))
- In re Carpenter, 53 B.R. 724 (Bankr.N.D.Ga.1985) (mere breach of promise not enough for fraud; need express representation)
- In re Alam, 314 B.R. 834 (Bankr.N.D.Ga.2004) (affirmative representation required; reliance on credit card use alone not enough)
- In re Morrow, 488 B.R. 471 (Bankr.N.D.Ga.2012) (analysis of false pretenses/representations and actual fraud specifics)