Opinions

The Western District of Wisconsin offers a database of opinions for the years 1986 to present, listed by year and judge. For a more detailed search, enter a keyword, statute, rule or case number in the search box above.

Opinions are also available on the Government Printing Office website for Appellate, District and Bankruptcy cases. The content of this collection dates back to April 2004, though searchable electronic holdings for some courts may be incomplete for this earlier time period.

For a direct link to the Western Wisconsin Bankruptcy Court on-line opinions, visit this link.

Available Decisions:

Chief Judge Catherine J. Furay -- 2013 - present
Judge William V. Altenberger -- 2016 - present
Judge Rachel M. Blise -- 2021 - present
Judge William H. Frawley -- 1973 - 1986
Judge G. Michael Halfenger -- 2020 - present
Judge Beth E. Hanan -- 2023 - present
Judge Brett H. Ludwig -- 2017 - 2020
Judge Thomas M. Lynch -- 2018 - present
Judge Robert D. Martin -- 1990 - 2016
Judge Katherine M. Perhach -- 2020 - present
Judge Thomas S. Utschig -- 1986 - 2012

Judge Thomas S. Utschig

In re Bruski, Case No. 97-56040-7 (09/11/1998) (226 B.R. 422) -- Judge Thomas S. Utschig 09/11/1998

Case Summary:
Trustee’s objection to debtors’ exemption of a “Flexible Premium Retirement Annuity” was overruled. The debtors purchased the annuity on the eve of bankruptcy, using proceeds of a loan they obtained by pledging non-exempt assets as collateral. The trustee’s objection was based upon the belief that the annuity could not be exempt because there was no limit on the amount of annual contributions. However, the Wisconsin legislature said “any annuity” in Wis. Stat. 815.18(3)(j), and placed no limitation upon the exemption other than that it “comply” with the Internal Revenue Code. The court would enforce the provision as written.

Statue/Rule References:
Wis. Stat. § 815.18 -- Exemptions

Key Terms:
Exemptions
Retirement/Pension Plans

Judge Robert D. Martin

Terry W. James and Patti A. James v. Blackhawk Credit Union (In re James), Adv. No. 98-3007, Case No. 97-35683-13 (06/05/1998) (221 B.R. 760) -- Judge Robert D. Martin 06/05/1998

Statute/Rule References:
Wis. Stat. § 409.204 -- Security Interests - Dragnet Clause

Key Terms:
Security Interests - Attachment
Security Interests - Creation
Security Interests - Perfection

Michael E. Kepler, Trustee v. Steve Rautman (In re Larson), Adv. No. 97-3266, Case No. 96-32800-7 (05/15/1998) -- Judge Robert D. Martin 05/15/1998

In re Kirchner, Case No. 97-33600-13 (12/23/1997) (216 B.R. 417) -- Judge Robert D. Martin 12/23/1997

Statute/Rule References:
11 U.S.C. § 506(d) -- Lien Valuation and Strip Down
11 U.S.C. § 544 -- Trustee as Lien Creditor
Wis. Stat. § 242 -- Fraudulent Conveyance

Key Terms:
Equitable Liens
Fraudulent Transfer
Lien Stripping
Summary Judgment
Turnover of Property

In re A. W. Thompson, Case No. 95-30956-7 (12/05/1997) -- Judge Robert D. Martin 12/05/1997

Statute/Rule References:
11 U.S.C. § 327(a) -- Employment of Professionals

Key Terms:
Attorney Fees

Peter M. Gennrich, Trustee v. Grand Marsh State Bank (In re Preib), Adv. No. 96-3189, Case No. 96-30478-7 (07/01/1997) -- Judge Robert D. Martin 07/01/1997

Statute/Rule References:
11 U.S.C. § 547 -- Preferences

Key Terms:
Preferences

Michael E. Kepler, Trustee v. Geneva Auto Sales (In re Larson), Adv. No. 96-3256, Case No. 96-38200-7 (08/19/1997) -- Judge Robert D. Martin 06/19/1997

Jeanette Pearnell v. Sunstar Acceptance Corp. (In re Pearnell), Adv. No. 96-3228, Case No. 96-34153-7 (06/09/1997) -- Judge Robert D. Martin 06/09/1997

Statute/Rule References:
11 U.S.C. § 547 -- Preferences

Key Terms:
Preferences

Mary E. Toth v. Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital (In re Toth), Adv. No. 96-3227, Case No. 96-33726-7 (06/09/1997) -- Judge Robert D. Martin 06/09/1997