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LINDEMANN LAW GROUP PLC 433 N. CAMDEN DRIVE, 4 TH FLOOR BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210 i 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Gail Higgins (SBN 164989) Blake Lindemann (SBN 255747) LINDEMANN LAW GROUP PLC 433 N. Camden Drive, 4th Floor Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Telephone: (310) 279-5269 Facsimile: (310) 279-5270 E-mail: [email protected] Attorneys For Michel’le Toussant UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES DIVISION In re: DEATH ROW RECORDS, INC., Debtor. Case No. 2:06-bk-11205-VZ Chapter 11 Proceeding NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION FOR ALLOWANCE OF DOMESTIC SUPPORT OBLIGATION CLAIM AND TO COMPEL THE CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE R. TODD NEILSON TO IMMEDIATELY PAY DOMESTIC SUPPORT OBLIGATION CLAIM; MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES; DECLARATION OF BRAD SANDLER AND MICHEL’LE TOUSSANT IN SUPPORT THEREOF Hearing Date: May 19, 2009 Time: 11:00 A.M. Place: Courtroom 1368 255 E. Temple Street Los Angeles, CA

Attorneys For Michel’le Toussantonline.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/deathrow.pdf2009/05/19  · 19, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. Pacific Time, before the Honorable Vincent P. Zurzolo

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Page 1: Attorneys For Michel’le Toussantonline.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/deathrow.pdf2009/05/19  · 19, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. Pacific Time, before the Honorable Vincent P. Zurzolo

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Gail Higgins (SBN 164989) Blake Lindemann (SBN 255747) LINDEMANN LAW GROUP PLC 433 N. Camden Drive, 4th Floor Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Telephone: (310) 279-5269 Facsimile: (310) 279-5270 E-mail: [email protected] Attorneys For Michel’le Toussant

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

LOS ANGELES DIVISION

In re:

DEATH ROW RECORDS, INC.,

Debtor.

Case No. 2:06-bk-11205-VZ Chapter 11 Proceeding NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION FOR ALLOWANCE OF DOMESTIC SUPPORT OBLIGATION CLAIM AND TO COMPEL THE CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE R. TODD NEILSON TO IMMEDIATELY PAY DOMESTIC SUPPORT OBLIGATION CLAIM; MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES; DECLARATION OF BRAD SANDLER AND MICHEL’LE TOUSSANT IN SUPPORT THEREOF Hearing Date: May 19, 2009 Time: 11:00 A.M. Place: Courtroom 1368 255 E. Temple Street Los Angeles, CA

Page 2: Attorneys For Michel’le Toussantonline.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/deathrow.pdf2009/05/19  · 19, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. Pacific Time, before the Honorable Vincent P. Zurzolo

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TO THE HONORABLE VINCENT P. ZURZOLO, CHIEF JUDGE OF THE UNITED

BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA; CHAPTER

11 TRUSTEE R. TODD NEILSON AND HIS COUNSEL, THE DEBTOR AND HIS

COUNSEL, AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Michel’le Toussant (hereinafter “Toussant”) hereby submits

her Motion For Allowance of a Domestic Support Obligation Claim and To Compel the Chapter 11

Trustee To Immediately Pay Domestic Support (the “Motion”). In the Motion, Toussant will request

that the Court enter an order directing the Chapter 11 Trustee R. Todd Neilson (the “Trustee” of the

Consolidated Bankruptcy Estate) to use Estate Funds from the Consolidated Bankruptcy Estates of

the Marion Knight Junior Estate (“Knight Estate”), and the Death Row Records, Inc. Estate (“Death

Row Estate”) (collectively the “Estate Funds”) in his possession and control in this Chapter 11 case

to pay court-ordered child support and spousal support (collectively “DSO” or “Domestic Support

Obligations”) that has accrued but has gone unpaid since February 1, 2009 of approximately

$40,476.00, and to use Estate Funds as well as future funds that may come into the estate to pay

future court-ordered child support at the rate of $13,492.00 per month, as may be changed from time

to time in this Chapter 11 case and in any Chapter 7 case to which it may be converted.

This motion is based on the attached Memorandum of Points and Authorities set forth below,

the Declaration of Brad Sandler and Michel’le Toussant filed concurrently herewith, all pleadings,

papers and records on file with the Court in this proceeding, and on such other evidence, oral or

documentary as may be presented to the Court in connection with this Motion and the hearing

hereon.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a hearing on this Motion will be held on May

19, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. Pacific Time, before the Honorable Vincent P. Zurzolo in Courtroom 1368,

255 E. Temple St., Los Angeles, California.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that Local Bankruptcy Rule 9013-1(a)(7) requires

that any formal response to this Motion must be filed and served at least 14 days prior to the hearing

on this Motion. Additionally, Local Bankruptcy Rule 9013-1(a)(11) provides that the failure to

Page 3: Attorneys For Michel’le Toussantonline.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/deathrow.pdf2009/05/19  · 19, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. Pacific Time, before the Honorable Vincent P. Zurzolo

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timely file and serve an opposition or response may be deemed by the Court to constitute consent to

the relief requested.

Dated: April 15, 2009 Respectfully submitted by,

LINDEMANN LAW GROUP PLC

By: /s/ Blake Lindemann

Blake Lindemann

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2

MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES

I. JURISDICTION

The Bankruptcy Court may hear and determine the Claims of Toussant, as allowance

or disallowance of a creditor’s claim and immediate payment thereof is a core proceeding under

Title 28 U.S.C. Section 157(b)(2)(B).

II. BACKGROUND FACTS

Toussant married Marion Knight, Jr. (“Knight”) on or about April 5, 1997. Toussant agreed

to marry Knight while he was serving a prison sentence for assault and battery. On or about

November 29, 2002, Toussant bore a child of which Mr. Knight was the father. The child will be

referred to in this pleading as “Child X” to protect the Child’s anonymity. On January 22, 2009, the

Superior Court of Ventura Court ordered Knight to pay child support obligations and spousal support

obligations to Toussant in the amount of $20,000.00 per month beginning on February 1, 2009

(spousal support obligations and child support obligations are collectively referred to hereinafter as

“DSO” or “Domestic Support Obligations”). On February 4, 2009, that amount was later reduced to

$13,492.00. See Exhibit “1” attached to Declaration of Brad Sandler.

Knight filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on April 4, 2006. Richard Diamond was later

appointed as the Chapter 11 Trustee. On or about January 27, 2009 an Order was entered

substantially consolidating the estates, whereby R. Todd Neilson became Trustee of the consolidated

Bankruptcy Estate. Based upon information and belief, Knight is not earning post-petition income

by which he can satisfy the child support obligation to Toussant. Moreover, any estate funds that

can satisfy this DSO Obligation is believed to be held by Chapter 11 Trustee R. Todd Neilson.

Toussant executed a mutual release and settlement (the “Release”) on or about September 5,

2007, which was submitted to this Court by Trustee Diamond and Trustee Neilson as an exhibit to a

F.R.B.P. 9019 Motion for An Order Approving a Compromise. See Exhibit “2” attached to

Declaration of Michel’le Toussant. An Order Approving this Compromise was entered on October

9, 2007. The Release involved the settlement of a Mediated dispute regarding liabilities that

occurred based on transactions surrounding Mr. Knight’s Malibu Property (the “Malibu Property”).

The (“Settling Parties”) were the Internal Revenue Service, Toussant, Alliance Portfolio, Chicago

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Title, Trustee Richard K. Diamond, and Trustee R. Todd Neilson.

Toussant executed the Release believing the release only involved her claims and the claims

against her in regards to the Malibu Property. The Trustee’s Counsel, Danning Gill Diamond &

Kollitz, has taken the position that the release applies to any domestic support claim Toussant may

bring. As set forth in this Motion, Toussant’s and Child X’s claims exist notwithstanding the

Release for several reasons. Notably, the release does not specifically refer to Toussant’s potential

DSO claims against the Estate. Toussant believed at the time she signed the release that she would

be able to make claims against the estate for spousal support, and child support on behalf of her

child. Toussant now desperately needs the support monies owed to her and Child X.

III. ARGUMENT

SINCE THE DUTIES OF CHILD SUPPORT AND SPOUSAL SUPPORT ARE OWED TO

TOUSSANT PRE-PETITION, AND THESE CLAIMS ARE DSO’S PURSUANT TO

SECTION 101, TOUSSANT IS ENTITLED TO IMMEDIATE PAYMENT ON HER CLAIMS

A. Toussant’s Claim Along with Other Domestic Support Obligations are of the Highest

Priority relative to all creditors of the Bankruptcy Estate.

11 U.S.C. Section 507(a)(1)(A) provides in pertinent part:

(a) The following expenses and claims have priority in the following order: (1) First (A) Allowed unsecured claims for domestic support

obligations that, as of the date of the filing of the petition in a case under this title, are owed to or recoverable by a spouse, former spouse, or child of the debtor, or such child’s parent, legal guardian, or responsible relative, without regard to whether the claim is filed by such a person ….

11 U.S.C. Section 507(1)(1)(A).

Property of the Estate is to be distributed as set forth in 11 U.S.C. § 726(a),

which provides in pertinent part:

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Property of the estate shall be distributed- First in payment of claims of the kind specified in, and in the order

specified, section 507 of this title, proof of which is timely filed under section 501 of this title or tardily filed on or before the earlier of - (A) The date that is 10 days after the mailing to creditors of the summary of the trustee’s final report; or (B) the date on which the trustee commences a final distribution under this section.

11 U.S.C. Section 726(a).

In assessing the priority of Domestic Support Obligations relative to other creditor claims in

a Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 case, one other provision applies. 11 U.S.C. § 507(a)(1)(C) provides in

pertinent part that a Trustee

shall be paid before payments of claims under subparagraphs (A) and (B), to the extent that the trustee administers assets that are otherwise available for the payment of such claims. (Emphasis added).

A plain language interpretation of this statute would dictate that Congress would not have

meant the Trustee to have a super-priority claim over the DSO obligation because the language “to

the extent that the trustee administers assets that are otherwise available for the payment of such

claims” was added as a modifier. This interpretation is buttressed by legislative history regarding

the amendments to 11 U.S.C. Section 507(a)(1)(A). The Statements of Bill Founder Orrin Hatch in

the 106th Congress are relevant. The bill also protects our children. Under my provisions [referring to 507(a)(1) and other DSO provisions discussed in the next section of this motion] the obligation to pay child support is moved to first priority status, as opposed to its current place at seventh in line, behind attorneys fees and other special interests. If you really want to know the truth my measures [that] make improvements over current law in this area are too numerous to mention here at this time, but they work to facilitate the collection of child support and alimony and effectively prevent deadbeats from getting their obligation discharge.

146th Congress Rec. Section 50 (Daily ed. January 26, 2006).

11 U.S.C. Section 507(a)(1)(C) was added only after it was pointed out in the dissenting view

of a House Report that absent adequate compensation, trustees would be more likely to abandon

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non-exempt assets back to the Debtor instead of administering them if the Trustee had to pay DSO

obligations first. The language of Section 507(a)(1)(C) was merely intended to give trustees an

incentive to administer non-exempt assets when the total of those assets was less than the DSO

obligations owed to the Estate.

Here, the Trustee was faced with no risk that after administering assets to pay certain DSO

obligations, there would be no money to pay for the Trustee’s costs of administration. To the

contrary, non-exempt Estate assets far exceeded the monies needed to administer assets to pay DSO

obligations in this case. Moreover, if the Trustee had not administered any assets there would have

been money to pay the DSO claims. Instead, the Trustee(s) believed it was in the best interests of all

creditors of the Bankruptcy Estate to reduce the stream of future payments to one lump sum.

In previous disputes with other mothers of Mr. Knight’s children, Trustee Diamond argued

that payment of administrative expenses has been held to be a higher priority than Domestic Support

Obligations. However, this finding has only been made post 2005 in Chapter 13 cases, where

pursuant to 1326(b), Courts have held that the specific directive of the Bankruptcy Code requiring

distribution first to 507(a)(2) claims is senior to the payment of a domestic support obligation. See

e.g. In re Williams, 385 B.R. 468 (S.D. Ga. 2008). There is not a concomitant provision in a Chapter

11 as to payments before or at the time of each payment to creditors under a Chapter 11 Plan.

Accordingly, DSO obligations are senior in priority to the claims of the Trustee and his professionals

in a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy where non-exempt assets exceeded DSO claims of the Estate.

B. Toussant’s Ongoing Claim For Child Support is a Section 507(a)(1)(A) Claim

As set forth above, 11 U.S.C. Section 507(a)(1)(A) provides that an allowed unsecured claim

that is owed to or recoverable by a spouse for domestic support should be allowed as of the date of

the filing of the petition. When confronted with questions of statutory construction, the analysis

should start with the language of the statute itself. Hughes Aircraft Co. v. Jacobson, 525 U.S. 432,

438 (1999). When the statute’s language is plain, the court should enforce it according to its terms,

unless such a reading would render it absurd. Lamie v. United States Trustee, 540 U.S. 526, 534

(2004) quoting Hartford Underwriters Ins. Co. v. Union Planters Bank, N.A., 530 U.S. 1, 6 (2000).

To determine whether the statutory language is plain or ambiguous, the court should refer to

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“the language itself, the specific context in which that language is used, and the broader context of

the statute as a whole.” Robinson v. Shell Oil Co., 519 U.S. 337, 341 (1997). When a statute does

not define a term, that term should be construed according to its ordinary, contemporary, common

meaning. San Jose Christian College v. Morgan Hill, 360 F.3d 1024, 1034 (9th Cir. 2004). The

court may resort to a dictionary to determine the plain meaning of the term undefined by a statute.

Id. The Court should only refer to the statute’s legislative history if an ambiguity exists or an absurd

construction results. Id.

First, an interpretation that Section 507(a)(1)(A) does not cover DSO’s that are due post-

petition would lead to absurd results. A Trustee or Debtor In Possession could claim that all income

is property of the Estate, and refuse to pay ongoing support obligations during the limbo period

between the filing of a case, and the date a plan is confirmed or the case is converted to a case under

Chapter 7. The Knight case which has now been consolidated into the Death Row Estate, has been

active for three years.

Also, before BAPCPA, all DSO’s were priority. Former 507(a)(7) provided in relevant part:

Allowed claims for debts to a spouse, former spouse or child of the debtor, for alimony to, maintenance for, or support of such spouse or child, in connection with a separation agreement, divorce decree or other order of a court of record …

Notably, under former Section 507(a)(7), there was no such language regarding “as of the

date of filing.” It would be an absurd interpretation of 507(a)(1)(A) to assume Congress would

elevate DSO’s to first priority only to eliminate DSO’s that came due post-petition as priority claims

altogether. This is particularly true when the broad purpose of certain BAPCPA amendments was to

promote the protection of women and children.

The plain meaning of Section 507(a)(1)(A) also supports Toussant’s claims that her DSO

claims should be allowed pursuant to Section 507(a)(1)(A). DSO obligations were “owed to” or

“recoverable” by Toussant even though an order providing for these payments was entered post-

petition. “Owed” nor “recoverable” are defined terms in the Bankruptcy Code. The ordinary,

common meaning of “owed” should impel the court to a conclusion that a post-petition DSO should

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qualify as a claim under Section 507(a)(1)(A). “Owed” in its ordinary sense means (1) to be under

obligation to pay or repay in return for something received; be indebted in the sum of; (2) to be

under obligation to render (as duty or service) b: to be indebted to; to be in debt for. WEBSTER’S

COLLEGIATE DICTIONARY 60 (11th Ed. 2005). “Recoverable” in its ordinary sense means (1) to

get back; regain (2) a: to bring back to normal position or condition; (3) a: to make up for b: to gain

by legal process (4) to regain a normal position. Id.

Under California law, Toussant as spouse and legal guardian to Child X, is owed a duty of

support from the debtor Marion Knight from the time Child X is born until the time Child X turns

eighteen. Accordingly, Child X has a claim under 507(a)(1)(A). “The duty of support imposed by

Section 3900 continues as to an unmarried child who has attained the age of 18 years . . . .”

California Family Code Section 3901. “Duty of Support” means an obligation imposed or

imposable by law to provide support for a child, spouse, or former spouse, including an unsatisfied

obligation to provide support. California Family Code Section 4901(c). Even though the child

support claim and spousal support claim did not necessarily mature as of the petition date, Knight

owed Toussant and Child X a duty pre-petition that continues until Child X turns 18.

Toussant clearly has a “claim” under 11 U.S.C. Sections 502(a) and 101(5), and none of the

provisions in 11 U.S.C. Section 502(b) apply. Toussant’s claim can also reasonably be considered a

DSO. Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. Section 101(14A), “domestic support obligation”

Means a debt that accrues before, on, or after the date of the order for relief in a case under this title, including interest that accrues on that debt as provided under applicable nonbankruptcy law notwithstanding any other provisions of this title, that is- (A) owed to or recoverable by- (i) a spouse, former spouse, or child of the debtor or such child’s parent, legal guardian, or responsible relative; or (ii) a governmental unit; (B) in the nature of alimony, maintenance or support (including assistance provided by a governmental unit) of such spouse, former spouse, or child of the debtor or such child’s parent, without regard to whether such debt is expressly so designated; (C) established or subject to establishment before, on or after the date of the order for relief in a case under this title, by reason of applicable provisions of-

(i) a separation agreement, divorce decree, or property settlement agreement;

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(ii) an order of a court of record; (iii) a determination made in accordance with applicable nonbankruptcy law by a government unit….

The Order entered by the Superior Court of the State of California For the County of Ventura

attached to the declaration of Brad Sandler as Exhibit “2” is an Order for payment of support. For

all the foregoing reasons, Toussant and Child X have a claim against the Estate based on domestic

support obligation ordered against Marion Knight.

C. Toussant’s alleged execution of a release as to certain Claims against the Estate does not

Apply to her claims for Spousal Support and Certainly Do Not Apply to Her Claims For Child

Support on Behalf of Her Child

Toussant executed a Release on September 5, 2007 by which she waived certain claims. In

discussions with the Trustee’s Counsel, it was suggested that Toussant executed a Release as to all

her claims against the Estate. Toussant has never been under the impression that she had waived

child support or spousal support as part of the Release. To the extent necessary to advance

Toussant’s DSO claims, Toussant reserves all rights to file a Motion to vacate or reconsider the

release Executed on September 5, 2007. However, this Motion is unnecessary because a waiver of a

DSO claim is void against public policy, the child did not sign the Release (nor did a representative

for child), and the purpose of California Civil Code Section 1542 would dictate that the Release here

should not extend to the Child and Spousal Support.

1. The Section 1542 Waiver is Void Against Public Policy and Should Be Set Aside Solely

To The Extent it Covers DSO Claims.

The validity of a waiver under California Civil Code depends upon the type of matter under

consideration. One California Court of Appeal has broadly held that a waiver of child support is

void against public policy. Parents have no right, in California, to waive or limit by agreement a child's right to support.... Public policy intervenes to protect the child's continued right to support. A judgment so terminating parental rights and the attendant obligation to support the child is void as a breach of public policy and as an act in excess of the court's jurisdiction.

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Kristine M. v. David P., 2006 Cal. App. LEXIS 34 (January 13, 2006).

As for the $10,129.00 that is spousal support, Movant first argues that the release does not

apply to her claims for Spousal Support. Even if these claims are considered to be part of the

agreement, Movant argues that waiver of spousal support is also void against public policy.

California courts have held that waiver of support obligations must be scrutinized. When the

equities don’t favor a waiver of spousal support, “it would be unconscionable to enforce the spousal

support provisions against the wife….” Wright v. Wright (1957) 148 Cal.App.2d 257; See also

Moog v. Moog (1928) 203 Cal 406.

The equities strongly favor a finding that the Release does not apply to Toussant’s spousal

support claim. Mr. Knight had promised Toussant she would be compensated for past due support

and well into the future. To date, Mr. Knight has not made payments. Further, Mr. Knight’s

activities as husband has caused Toussant to be embroiled in significant legal disputes. The claims

brought against her, and those that parties continue to allege, were based on Knight’s activities.

2. The Child Did Not Sign the Release, nor Did a Guardian Ad Litum or Conservator, or

Toussant on behalf of Child.

Child X did not sign the release. Child support is a duty owed to the Child. Toussant did not

sign the Release on behalf of the Child. Since, the child did not sign the release and no claims of the

child’s were signed by anybody on the child’s behalf, the claims for child support may be brought on

this ground alone, notwithstanding the Release.

3. The Purpose of California Civil Code Section 1542 and Case Law Interpreting Section

1542 Would Dictate That the Release here should not Extend to the Child and Spousal Support

Claims.

California Civil Code Section 1542 reads as follows: “A general release does not extend to

claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the

release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the Debtor.” The

purpose of Section 1542 is to prevent the inadvertent barring of a later discovered claim by a mere

boiler-plate recital in the release. Thus, it has been held that the mere recital in a release that a party

waives unknown claims is not sufficient. Casey v. Proctor, 59 Cal. 2d 97, 110 (1963). DSO claims

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would not be inadvertently barred if Section 1542 does not apply because nowhere in the recitals

was this information listed.

Toussant only intended to waive her rights against the Estate and the Estates’ claims as to her

regarding the Malibu property transaction. Where a party’s intent is to release only claims relating

to one transaction, the Court should consider that the release involved is not a general release. In re

Estate of McLellan, 35 Cal. App. 2d 18, 2194 P.2d 408, 409 (1939). The following provision is

found on page 11 of the Release:

Pursuant to this statute, as well as any other statutes or common-law principles, whether of federal or state origin, of similar effect, the trustees, on the one hand, and Toussant, on the other hand (each, a “Party”) each expressly waive any rights with respect to any claim which on Party may have against the other Party.

The Trustees were both aware that Toussant had a child, yet nowhere in the release was it set

forth that she would be waiving any right to child support or spousal support. Declaration of

Michel’le Toussant. A general release should contain language in the broadest possible terms.

Neubauer v. Goldfarb, 108 Cal. App. 4th 47, 133 Cal. Rprt. 2d 218 (2003). Since the release was not

labeled a general release, nor did it mention the facts surrounding Toussant’s other potential claims

against the Estate, the release should not preclude her from recovering spousal or child support.

D. The Trustee Should be Compelled to Immediately pay Support Obligations To Toussant

Bankruptcy Courts have discretion to determine whether to compel immediate payment of

certain expenses. In re HQ Global Holdings, Inc., 282 B.R. 169, 173-74 (Bankr. D. Del 2002). The

“Court has wide discretion in allowing the payment of administrative expenses, such as attorney’s

fees, on an interim basis.” In re Standard Furniture Company, 3 B.R. 527, 532 (Bankr. S.D. Cal.

1980) citing Lutheran Hospitals and Homes Society of Amer. V. Duecy, 422 F.2d 200, 205 (9th Cir.

1970); Matter of Pac. Far East Line, Inc., 458 F.Supp. 771 (N. Cal. 1978). Likewise, discretion is

applicable to claims for expense like rent even though the Bankruptcy Act did explicitly allow the

court to establish a priority claim for rent among administrative claimants. See E.g. Matter of

Texlon Corporation, 3 B.C.D. 1013 (S.N.Y. 1977). Since DSO obligations are senior in priority to

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administrative claimants, the Bankruptcy Court should have equally wide discretion in directing the

Trustee to make payments. Accordingly, the Court should direct Trustee R. Todd Nielson to

immediately pay Toussant the DSO obligations owed to her.

IV. CONCLUSION

For all the foregoing reasons, Toussant respectfully requests an Order:

1. Allowing a DSO claim for support and spousal support payment to her

totaling $13,492.00 per month beginning on February 1, 2009 and continuing forward.

2. Compelling the Trustee to make such payments as they come due, and to pay

the amounts that came due on February 1, 2009, March 1, 2009, and April 1, 2009;

3. Any other relief the Court deems to be just and appropriate.

Dated: April 15, 2009 Respectfully submitted by,

LINDEMANN LAW GROUP PLC

By: /s/ Blake Lindemann

Blake Lindemann

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DECLARATION OF MICHEL’LE TOUSSANT

1. I, Michel’le Toussant, am over the age of eighteen years, and if called upon to testify

I could and would do so competently. I have personal knowledge of the facts set forth herein, and

based on that personal knowledge, I assert that all such facts are true and correct to the best of my

knowledge. To the extent I base my testimony upon information and belief or upon admissible

evidence other than my personal knowledge, I will specifically so state.

2. I married Marion Knight, Jr. (“Knight” or “Debtor”) on or about April 5, 1997. I

agreed to marry Knight while he was serving a prison sentence for assault and battery. On or about

November 29, 2002, I bore a child of which Mr. Knight was the father.

3. I executed a mutual release and settlement (the “Release”) on or about September 5,

2007, which was apparently submitted to this Court by Trustee Diamond and Trustee Neilson as an

exhibit to a F.R.B.P. 9019 Motion for An Order Approving a Compromise. See Exhibit “2”

attached hereto. This release was executed on my own behalf and not on behalf of my child. The

Release involved the settlement of a Mediated dispute regarding liabilities that occurred based on

transactions surrounding Mr. Knight’s Malibu Property (the “Malibu Property”).

4. I executed the Release believing the Release only related to my claim for the Malibu

property and any claim against me regarding the same. I did not receive the Malibu property as part

of the settlement.

5. It was my belief that I would still be able to make claims against the bankruptcy

estate for child support and domestic support, notwithstanding the Release. No language I read in

the release indicates I specifically waived my rights to claim spousal support or child support on

behalf of my child.

7. I informed both R. Todd Neilson and Richard Diamond that I had a child with

Knight.

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PROOF OF SERVICE OF DOCUMENT

I am over the age of 18 and not a party to this bankruptcy case or adversary proceeding. My business address is: Lindemann Law Group, 433 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

The foregoing document described as NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION FOR ALLOWANCE OF DOMESTIC SUPPORT OBLIGATION CLAIM AND TO COMPEL THE CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE R. TODD NEILSON TO IMMEDIATELY PAY DOMESTIC SUPPORT OBLIGATION CLAIM; MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES; DECLARATION OF BRAD SANDLER AND MICHEL’LE TOUSSANT IN SUPPORT THEREOF will be served or was served (a) on the judge in chambers in the form and manner required by LBR 5005-2(d); and (b) in the manner indicated below:

I. TO BE SERVED BY THE COURT VIA NOTICE OF ELECTRONIC FILING (“NEF”) : Pursuant to controlling General Order(s) and Local Bankruptcy Rule(s) (“LBR”), the foregoing document will be served by the court via NEF and hyperlink to the document. On April 15, 2009 I checked the CM/ECF docket for this bankruptcy case or adversary proceeding and determined that the following person(s) are on the Electronic Mail Notice List to receive NEF transmission at the email address(es) indicated below:

Service information continued on attached page. II. SERVED BY U.S. MAIL OR OVERNIGHT MAIL (indicate method for each person or entity served): On April 15, 2009, I served the following person(s) and/or entity(ies) at the last known address(es) in this bankruptcy case or adversary proceeding by placing a true and correct copy thereof in a sealed envelope in the United States Mail, first class, postage prepaid, and/or with an overnight mail service addressed as follows. Listing the judge here constitutes a declaration that mailing to the judge will be completed no later than 24 hours after the document is filed. Service information continued on attached page. III. SERVED BY PERSONAL DELIVERY, FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION OR EMAIL (indicate method for each person or entity served): Pursuant to F.R.Civ.P. 5 and/or controlling LBR, on April 15, 2009, I served the following person(s) and/or entity(ies) by personal delivery, or (for those who consented in writing to such service method), by facsimile transmission and/or email as follows. Listing the judge here constitutes a declaration that personal delivery on the judge will be completed no later than 24 hours after the document is filed.

Service information continued on attached page.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America and of California that the foregoing is true and correct. Dated: April 15, 2009 /s/ Karen Bower Karen Bower

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ADDITIONAL SERVICE LIST INFORMATION

I. TO BE SERVED BY THE COURT VIA NOTICE OF ELECTRONIC FILING (“NEF”) Adam N Barasch [email protected] Bradley E Brook [email protected] Marc S Cohen [email protected] Marcus Colabianchi [email protected] Jeffrey Lee Costell [email protected], [email protected];[email protected];rhull@costelllaw. com;[email protected] Jeffrey Lee Costell , [email protected];[email protected];[email protected];[email protected] Donald H Cram [email protected] Ashleigh A Danker [email protected] Henry S David [email protected] Brian L Davidoff [email protected], [email protected];[email protected] Jeffry A Davis [email protected] Richard K Diamond [email protected], [email protected] J Rudy Freeman [email protected], [email protected] Debra I Grassgreen [email protected] Everett L Green [email protected] Peter J Gurfein [email protected] Jeffrey J Hagen [email protected] James Andrew Hinds [email protected] Eric P Israel [email protected] Steven J Kahn [email protected] Ira Benjamin Katz [email protected] Jeremy W Katz [email protected] Andy Kong [email protected] Duane Kumagai [email protected], [email protected] Dare Law [email protected] Ronald L Leibow [email protected] Elan S Levey [email protected], [email protected] Alvin Mar [email protected] Kathleen P March [email protected] Daniel J McCarthy [email protected] Patrick K McClellan [email protected] Kathryn A Meyer [email protected] Randall P Mroczynski [email protected] Robert B Orgel [email protected], [email protected] Christina M Padien [email protected] Gary A Plotkin [email protected], [email protected] Uzzi O Raanan [email protected] Russell H Rapoport [email protected], [email protected]

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Anthony J Rothman [email protected] Victor A Sahn [email protected] Matthew J. Shier [email protected] Jeffrey S Shinbrot [email protected] Pamela E Singer [email protected], [email protected] Gary A Starre [email protected] John N Tedford [email protected] Wayne R Terry [email protected] United States Trustee (LA) [email protected] Jason Wallach [email protected] David Weinstein [email protected] Sharon Z Weiss [email protected] Steven Werth [email protected] Martin S Zohn [email protected]

II. SERVED BY U.S. MAIL OR OVERNIGHT MAIL VIA FIRST CLASS MAIL JUDGE’S COPY Honorable Vincent P. Zurzolo United States Bankruptcy Court Central District of California Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and Courthouse 255 E. Temple Street Suite 1360 Los Angeles, CA 90012 DEBTOR Marion Knight, Jr. P.O. Box 77622 Corona, CA 92877 COUNSEL TO DEBTOR Robert S. Altagen, Esq. Law Offices of Robert S. Altagen, Inc. 1111 Corporate Center Dr.,Suite 201 Monterey Park, CA 91754 COUNSEL TO MARION KNIGHT, JR. Daniel J. McCarthy, Esq. Hill, Farrer & Burrill LLP

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One California Plaza 300 South Grand Ave., 37th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071-3147 FORMER CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE Richard Diamond, Esq. Danning Gill Diamond & Kollitz LLP 2029 Century Park East, Third Floor Los Angeles, CA 90067 ATTORNEY FOR TRUSTEE Eric Israel, Esq. Danning Gill Diamond & Kollitz LLP 2029 Century Park East, Third Floor Los Angeles, CA 90067 CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE R. Todd Neilson LECG 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2300 Los Angeles, CA 90067-3125 FORMER ATTORNEY FOR CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE Marc Cohen, Esq. Kaye Scholer, LLP 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Ste. 1700 Los Angeles, CA 90067 COMMITTEE COUNSEL Debra I. Grassgreen, Esq. PACHULSKI STANG ZIEHL & JONES LLP 10100 Santa Monica Blvd., 11th Floor Los Angeles, California 90067-4100 INTERESTED PARTY L. Cruz, Chief Attorney Sheila Lebowitz, Esq. Child Support Services Dept., Interstate Division 5701 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 201 Commerce, CA 90040

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. SERVED BY PERSONAL DELIVERY, FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION OR EMAIL

VIA E-MAIL Judge Vincent P. Zurzolo Courtesty Copy Pilot Program [email protected]