Appeals of denied bankruptcy plans
Bullard v. Blue Hills Bank
In brief
Bullard could not immediately appeal the bankruptcy court’s refusal to approve his plan.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided 9-0 · May 4, 2015 · Opinion by Chief Justice Roberts
- What it’s about
- After a bankruptcy court refused to approve Louis Bullard’s repayment plan involving Blue Hills Bank, Bullard sought an immediate appeal.
- Who it affects
- A debtor cannot immediately appeal a bankruptcy court’s rejection of a proposed repayment plan.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The Supreme Court agreed with the First Circuit that the refusal was not an order he could immediately appeal, unless the bankruptcy court also dismissed his case.
Bullard’s dispute with Blue Hills Bank arose from his effort to have a bankruptcy repayment plan approved.
Question presented
Is an order denying confirmation of a bankruptcy plan appealable?
What the Court decided
Holding
A bankruptcy court’s order denying confirmation of a debtor’s proposed repayment plan is not a final order that the debtor can immediately appeal. 752 F. 3d 483, affirmed.
- Result
- Affirmed
The Court's reasoning
The Court said an order can be appealed when it finally resolves a concrete dispute within a larger bankruptcy case. It concluded that rejecting Bullard’s proposed plan did not meet that test.
The vote
What's next
The First Circuit’s ruling remains in place. The Supreme Court did not decide whether Bullard’s plan should be approved.
Documents
Opinions
Docket activity
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AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
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Opinion added: Bullard
Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.