David Godat
On July 14, 2026, came on before the Court a hearing (the “Hearing”) on David Godat’s Motion for Waiver of Discharge. [DE # 81]. Counsel for the United States Trustee (“UST”) appeared in person. David Godat (“Debtor”), counsel for the Debtor, and the Chapter 7 Trustee appeared via WebEx. Despite the Court’s email directive, the Debtor did not appear in person. As further explained herein, the Debtor has exhibited a pattern of nonappearance throughout this bankruptcy case. At the Hearing, the Debtor, under oath, stated that he had understood that he was
The Debtor testified that he understood the consequences of a waiver of discharge. Nevertheless, the Court considered it appropriate to have the UST present evidence at the Hearing relevant to the waiver of discharge.
The evidence showed that the Debtor, who listed in this case a residential address of 3601 Harvard Ave, Highland Park, Texas, but apparently now resides and is a plastic surgeon in the state of Florida, has been in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case since January 7, 2025. Before that, the Debtor had a prior Chapter 7 bankruptcy case (Case No. 24-30681, filed March 7, 2024, and dismissed July 10, 2024), that was dismissed by the Debtor voluntarily without a discharge.1 The Debtor filed the earlier case pro se. The Court takes judicial notice that, in the prior case, the Debtor presented to the Bankruptcy Clerk’s Office identification in the form of a Texas Driver’s License that showed the name of Peter Eric Godat. The Court has no further information in the record about who Peter Eric Godat is or why his proof of identification was used at the time of the filing of the first case. However, the court believes this is the Debtor’s brother, based on information provided by the UST in Adv. Pro. No. 26-3025.2
In the current case, the Debtor did not appear at seven scheduled section 341 meetings.3 The Court eventually entered an order compelling his attendance. [DE # 64]. He finally appeared and testified at the eighth scheduled section 341 meeting. Soon thereafter, on March 19, 2026, the UST filed a Complaint (the “Complaint”), in Adv. Pro. # 26-3025, objecting to the Debtor’s
Dr. Godat filed chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge $3,620,193.00 in general unsecured debt. His sworn schedules and statements, which imply that Dr. Godat is a married self-employed doctor living in Dallas making only $15,000.00 each month, do not disclose his status as a high-earning plastic surgeon maintaining a lavish lifestyle that includes two separate Florida residences and luxury items for friends. Dr. Godat claims he does not maintain financial records because he operates on a cash-only basis.
Dr. Godat listed during this case interests in several pieces of real property in Dallas County, Texas, including a leasehold interest in 3601 Harvard with zero value on Schedule A/B but did not list any corresponding leases on Schedule G. [DE # 21, Schedules A/B and G]. Dr. Godat also listed 3601 Harvard as his employer’s address on Schedule I. [DE # 21, Schedule I]. Apparently, Dr. Godat’s brother (presumably the brother whose Driver’s License was used to file the Debtor’s first Chapter 7 case) owns the Highland Park house. Dr. Godat also owns the following pieces of real property: 12750 N. Central Expwy, Dallas, Texas, and 12550 N. Central Expwy, Dallas, Texas. [DE # 21, Schedule A/B]. Dr. Godat testified before the UST that he leases two Florida apartments: one in Miami for approximately $1,500.00 a month and another in Coral Gables for approximately $6,000.00 a month.4 Dr. Godat originally scheduled two vehicles on his Original Schedule A/B: a 2021 Bentley Continental valued at $170,000.00; and a 2023 Ford Bronco valued at $40,000.00. [DE #21, Original Schedule A/B]. The 2021 Bentley Continental is apparently driven by his estranged wife, a social media influencer named Isabella Garofanelli, who has appeared in this case through counsel, seeking relief to pursue divorce proceedings that involved a postmarital agreement and rather sensational allegations. [DE # 37, 106 pages in length with attachments]. On March 7, 2025, Dr. Godat filed Amended Schedule A/B to include a 2022
According to the Complaint, Dr. Godat did not file pay advices with the Court in accordance with
Dr. Godat contended on SOFA 4 that he grossed nothing in the year 2025 prior to the Petition Date; $93,364.36 in 2024; and $732,914.39 in 2023. [DE # 23]. Dr. Godat testified at his section 341 meeting that Miami Life pays him by check and that he cashes his paychecks at a check cashing store. Dr. Godat does not keep any records of the cash that he receives or pays out. Dr. Godat does not have any pay stubs that reflect how much money he earns every month. Dr. Godat does not pay taxes on any income earned from his contract plastic surgery work. Dr. Godat has not made any estimated tax payments since 2022.
These are just some of the highlights of the Complaint. Dr. Godat chose not to file an answer or defend the Complaint. Instead, he filed a Motion to Waive Discharge. [DE # 81]. A court must approve such a waiver, pursuant to the terms of
Dr. Godat swore to this Court on July 14, 2026, that he fully understands that, as a result
The Court sets forth the above facts to show what was alleged, which is all very serious and, presumably, the reason that the Debtor chose not to fight for his discharge. The Court is very frustrated that the Debtor put the Court, Court staff, the UST, the Chapter 7 Trustee, and numerous parties through the trouble he did. Filing bankruptcy is a serious matter—one cannot simply say “never mind” when things don’t go one’s way. It’s been said many times that bankruptcy is for the “honest but unfortunate” debtor.8 This Court sees many “honest but unfortunate” debtors that are deserving of this Court’s attention. Dr. Godat has not demonstrated these qualities.
For the reasons stated herein, and on the record on July 14, 2026, and in accordance with
The Motion to Waive Discharge IS GRANTED; - The Waiver of Discharge IS APPROVED; and
- The clerk is directed to provide notice to creditors in accordance with Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 4004.
**** END OF MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER ****
United States Bankruptcy Judge