In Re Elmer FOBIAN & Elsie Fobian, Debtors. Elmer FOBIAN & Elsie Fobian, Appellants, v. W. FARM CREDIT BANK, Appellee, 951 F.2d 1149 (9th Cir. 1991). · Go Syfert
In Re Elmer FOBIAN & Elsie Fobian, Debtors. Elmer FOBIAN & Elsie Fobian, Appellants, v. W. FARM CREDIT BANK, Appellee, 951 F.2d 1149 (9th Cir. 1991). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
“where the litigated issues involve not basic contract enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, attorney's fees will not be awarded absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party.”
199 citation events (127 in the last 25 years) across 43 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Penrod v. AmeriCredit Financial Services, Inc. (In re Penrod) (cand, 2013-05-10)
Treatment trajectory · 1992 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1992 2009 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Penrod v. AmeriCredit Financial Services, Inc. (In re Penrod)
N.D. Cal. · 2013 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
where the litigated issues involve not basic contract enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, attorney's fees will not be awarded absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) ca6 2006 (2×) also: Cited "see"
6th Cir. · 2006 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
here the litigated issues involve not basic contract enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, attorney's fees will not be awarded absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Eliot M. Alport v. Jerry E. Ritter
8th Cir. · 1998 · signal: cf. · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
here a contract . . . provides for an award of attorneys' fees, a creditor may be entitled to such fees in bankruptcy proceedings
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Sibayan v. De Guzman
Bankr. E.D. Cal. · 2025 · confidence medium
Farm 17 || Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir. 1991). 18 The United States Supreme Court disapproved the Ninth 19] Circuit Fobian rule in 2007 in Travelers Casualty & Surety Co. v. 20 || Pacific Gas & Electric Co., 549 U.S. 443, 452 (2007). 21 In rejecting Fobian, the Supreme Court held that claims 22} enforceable under applicable state law will be allowed in 23} bankruptcy unless they are expressly disallowed.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Ives v. Lyon
Bankr. D. Or. · 2022 · confidence medium
Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir. 1991).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Ives v. Lyon
Bankr. D. Or. · 2022 · confidence medium
Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir. 1991).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Michelle Y. Gilgan
Bankr. D. Or. · 2021 · confidence medium
Travelers expressly addressed and abrogated the Ninth Circuit case, In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir. 1991), which held that fees were not appropriate to litigate issues “peculiar to federal bankruptcy law,” absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party.5 Travelers, 549 U.S. at 451-52 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) C2R Global Manufacturing, Inc.
Bankr. E.D. Wis. · 2021 · confidence medium
In Travelers, the Supreme Court overturned a Ninth Circuit judge-made rule—the Fobian rule—that served to disallow contract-based claims for post-petition attorney’s fees incurred litigating issues “peculiar to federal bankruptcy law,” see Fobian v. Western Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir. 1991), as having no basis in the Code.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re: Janet N. Wagabaza
C.D. Cal. · 2019 · confidence medium
Co., 549 U.S. 443 (2007). 24 Specifically, Travelers expressly abrogated In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th 25 Cir. 1991), which had held “where the litigated issues involve not basic contract 26 enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, attorney’s fees 27 will not be awarded absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party.” Id. at 1153 . 28 The Supreme Court first noted the lack of textual support in the Bankruptcy Code for 1 this rule. 549 U.S. at 451-54 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Green Tree Servicing LLC v. Giusto
N.D. Cal. · 2016 · confidence medium
In support of their findings, each of these courts cited to “the Fobian rule” from a Ninth Circuit decision which provided that absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party, attorneys’ fees cannot be awarded for litigating issues “peculiar to federal bankruptcy law.” Id. (quoting In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Marlene Penrod v. Americredit Financial Services
9th Cir. · 2015 · confidence medium
Before Travelers, our court had held that attorney’s fees incurred in bankruptcy pro *1089 ceedings could not be awarded under contractual provisions or state ' fee-shifting statutes “where the litigated issues involve not basic contract enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law.” In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991).
cited Cited as authority (rule) In re Giusto
Bankr. N.D. Cal. · 2015 · confidence medium
In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991), overruled by Travelers Casualty & Surety Co. of America v. Pacific Gas & Electric Co., 549 U.S. 443 , 127 S.Ct. 1199 , 167 L.Ed.2d 178 (2007). 2.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Clear Sky Properties, LLC v. Roussel (In re Roussel)
Bankr. E.D. Ark. · 2015 · confidence medium
Alport v. Ritter (In re Alport), 144 F.3d 1163, 1168 (8th Cir.1998) (“The Ritters’ attorney fees were properly included in the nondischargeable debt ... because attorney’s fees provided by contract, like accrued interest, can become part of the debt.”) (citing Jennen v. Hunter (In re Hunter), 771 F.2d 1126, 1131 (8th Cir.1985); In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Taipe v. Carson (In re Carson)
Bankr. E.D. Cal. · 2014 · confidence medium
In making this argument Defendant relies upon the holding in Fobian v. Western Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Redmond v. Cimarron Energy Co. (In re Alternate Fuels, Inc.)
10th Cir. BAP · 2014 · confidence medium
Id. at 1153. .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Miller Ex Rel. Bankruptcy Estate of Elrod v. Westfield Steel, Inc. (In Re Elrod Holdings Corp.)
Bankr. D. Del. · 2010 · confidence medium
Many courts, including courts in the Third Circuit, hold that “where the litigated issues involve not basic contract enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, attorney’s fees will not be awarded absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party.” In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991); see also In re Child World, Inc., 161 B.R. 349, 354 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1993).
cited Cited as authority (rule) In Re Wilson
Bankr. D. Mont. · 2007 · confidence medium
In *887 addition, the Ninth Circuit cited Indreland in In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1152 (9th Cir.1991), ce rt. denied 505 U.S. 1220 , 1221, 112 S.Ct. 3031 , 3032, 120 L.Ed.2d 902 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Hoopai v. Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. (In Re Hoopai)
9th Cir. BAP · 2007 · confidence medium
Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Travelers Casualty & Surety Co. of America v. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (3×) also: Cited "see", Cited "see, e.g."
11th Cir. · 2007 · confidence medium
The Fobian rule, by contrast, would allow such a recovery- — even by unsecured creditors — so long as the litigation resulting in the claimed fees did not involve "issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law.” See In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (C.A.9 1991). .
examined Cited as authority (rule) Travelers Casualty & Surety Co. of America v. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (3×) also: Cited "see", Cited "see, e.g."
SCOTUS · 2007 · confidence medium
The Fobian rule, by contrast, would allow such a recovery — even by unsecured creditors — so long as the litigation resulting in the claimed fees did not involve “issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law.” See In re Fobian, 951 F. 2d 1149, 1153 (GA9 1991). 5 For similar reasons, we will not address PG&E’s argument that Travelers’ claim should be denied based on the theory that the fees at issue were incurred in connection with activities that were not reasonably necessary to preserve Travelers’ rights and, alternatively, were not authorized by *456 Travelers’ contract with PG&…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Owens v. Bolger (In Re Bolger)
Bankr. N.D. Okla · 2006 · confidence medium
Such an award is governed by state law.” Fobian v. Western Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors v. Dow Corning Corp. (In Re Dow Corning Corp.) (2×) also: Cited "see"
6th Cir. · 2006 · confidence medium
See Renfrow v. Draper, 232 F.3d 688, 694 (9th Cir.2000) (awarding attorneys’ fees in bankruptcy incurred while litigating the validity and terms of a divorce decree); In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991) (“[W]here the litigated issues involve not basic contract enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, attorney’s fees will not be awarded absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party.”); In re Coast Trading, 744 F.2d 686, 693 (9th Cir.1984) (holding that neither party is entitled to attorneys’ fees in bankruptcy dispute because neither part…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) DeRoche v. Arizona Industrial Commission
9th Cir. · 2006 · confidence medium
Consistent with this philosophy, we have held that, absent bad faith or harassment, attorney’s fees are not recoverable in bankruptcy for litigating issues “peculiar to federal bankruptcy law.” Fobian v. Western Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Mary Deroche in Re: Eric Deroche, Debtors, Mary Deroche Eric Deroche v. Arizona Industrial Commission
9th Cir. · 2006 · confidence medium
Thus, the Supreme Court has observed that "it would be inappropriate for the Judiciary, without legislative guidance, to reallocate the burdens of litigation." Alyeska Pipeline Co., 421 U.S. at 247 , 95 S.Ct. 1612 . 6 Consistent with this philosophy, we have held that, absent bad faith or harassment, attorney's fees are not recoverable in bankruptcy for litigating issues "peculiar to federal bankruptcy law." Fobian v. Western Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Northwestern Corp. v. Magten Asset Management Corp. (In Re Northwestern Corp.)
Bankr. D. Del. · 2005 · confidence medium
In Agassi v. Planet Hollywood Int’l., Inc., 269 B.R. 543 (D.Del.2001), the court embraced the proposition “where the litigated issues involve not basic contract enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, attorney’s fees will not be awarded absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party.” In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Biazo
Bankr. D. Kan. · 2004 · confidence medium
In re Sokolowski, 205 F.3d 532, 535 (2d Cir.2000) (despite state law allowing recovery of attorney fees, debtor could not recover them because litigated issues involved only bankruptcy law); In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991), cert. denied 505 U.S. 1220 , 112 S.Ct. 3031 , 120 L.Ed.2d 902 (1992) (attorney fees not recoverable despite contract provision enforceable under state law because issues litigated, proper application of § 506(a) and § 1225, were peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, not basic contract enforcement); Johnson v. Righetti (In re Johnson), 756 F.2d 738, 740-42 (…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bronze Group, Ltd. v. Sender (In Re Hedged-Investments Associates, Inc.)
D. Colo. · 2003 · confidence medium
See Loewen, 274 B.R. 427 ; In re Vulpetti, 182 B.R. 923, 926 (Bankr.S.D.Fla.1995) (In a federal bankruptcy proceeding, “state law cannot provide an independent basis for recovery of post-petition fees outside the scope of § 506(b) ... ”); In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991) (In the case of undersecured creditors, “where the litigated issues involve not basic contract enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, attorney’s fees will not be awarded absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party.”).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Dailey
Bankr. D. Mont. · 2003 · confidence medium
As held in In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991), a chapter 12 secured creditor who prevailed on an objection to the plan was not entitled to attorneys’ fees because the litigated issues were peculiar to bankruptcy law and not a traditional action on a contract.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) ca9 2002
9th Cir. · 2002 · confidence medium
Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991). 12 The district court held, and the parties do not dispute, that federal law governs the award of costs See Aceves v. Allstate Ins.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Berkla v. Corel Corp.
9th Cir. · 2002 · confidence medium
Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991). .
cited Cited as authority (rule) ca9 2002
9th Cir. · 2002 · confidence medium
Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991). 12 The district court held, and the parties do not dispute, that federal law governs the award of costs.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Berkla v. Corel Corp.
9th Cir. · 2002 · confidence medium
Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991). .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) V. M. v. S. S. (In re S. S.)
Bankr. D.N.J. · 2002 · confidence medium
In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991), cert. denied, Western Farm Credit Bank v. Fobian, 505 U.S. 1220 , 112 S.Ct. 3031 , 120 L.Ed.2d 902 , cert. denied, Fobian v. Western Farm Credit Bank, 505 U.S. 1221 , 112 S.Ct. 3032 , 120 L.Ed.2d 902 (1992).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re SS
Bankr. D.N.J. · 2002 · confidence medium
In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991), cert. denied, Western Farm Credit Bank v. Fobian, 505 U.S. 1220 , 112 S.Ct. 3031 , 120 L.Ed.2d 902 , cert. denied, Fobian v. Western Farm Credit Bank, 505 U.S. 1221 , 112 S.Ct. 3032 , 120 L.Ed.2d 902 (1992).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Agassi v. Planet Hollywood International, Inc. (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
D. Del. · 2001 · confidence medium
Although the Court has been unable to locate any cases on point in this Circuit, several courts have clarified this principle holding that “where the litigated issues involve not basic contract enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, attorney’s fees will not be awarded absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party.” In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991); see also In re Sokolowski, 205 F.3d at 535 (2d Cir.2000) (citing Fobian, 951 F.2d at 1152 ); In re Child World, Inc., 161 B.R. 349, 354 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1993).
cited Cited as authority (rule) In Re Larry's Apartment
9th Cir. · 2001 · confidence medium
Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir. 1991).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Galam v. Carmel
9th Cir. · 2001 · confidence medium
Fann Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jenkins v. Sroufe (In Re Sroufe)
Bankr. D. Idaho · 2001 · confidence medium
Rather, all contract issues had been determined by the state court, and the only issue addressed here was whether Defendant made fraudulent misrepresentations in incurring the debt. “[Wjhere the litigated issues involve not basic contract enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, attorney’s fees will not be awarded absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party.” Fobian v. Western Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Koonce v. McDonald (In Re Koonce)
Bankr. D. Nev. · 2001 · confidence medium
In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Burns v. Great Lakes Higher Education Corp.
10th Cir. · 2001 · confidence medium
Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991) (refusing to award attorney’s fees because the substantive litigation raised only federal bankruptcy law issues, not basic contract enforcement issues); Sunclipse, Inc. v. Butcher (In re Butcher), 200 B.R. 675, 677 (Bankr.C.D.Cal.1996) (“An action in dischargeability is a federal cause of action.”), aff'd 226 B.R. 283 (9th Cir.BAP1998).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hassen Imports Partnership v. KWP Financial VI (In Re Hassen Imports Partnership)
9th Cir. BAP · 2000 · confidence medium
Citing Johnson, the court in Fobian v. Western Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991), held that a Chapter 12 confirmation dispute is not “an action on a contract,” but rather “involves a unique, separate area of federal law.” There, litigation involved solely issues of federal bankruptcy law where a bank sought proper application of sections 506 and 1225.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Sokolowski Debtor, Bankboston, N.A., Appellant-Cross-Appellee v. Cynthia L. Sokolowski, Appellee-Cross-Appellant
2d Cir. · 2000 · confidence medium
Co., v. Wilderness Soc’y, 421 U.S. 240, 247 , 95 S.Ct. 1612 , 44 L.Ed.2d 141 (1975) (“[T]he prevailing litigant [in federal court] is ordinarily not entitled to collect a reasonable attorneys’ fee from the loser.”) “However, where the litigated issues involve not basic contract enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, attorney’s fees will not be awarded absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party.” Fobian v. Western Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991); see also Johnson v. Righetti (In re Johnson), 756 F.2d 738, 7…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re: Eliot M. Alport, Debtor. Eliot M. Alport v. Jerry E. Ritter Margaret A. Ritter
8th Cir. · 1998 · signal: cf. · confidence medium
In re Hunter, 771 F.2d at 1131; cf. In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991) (“[w]here a contract ... provides for an award of attorneys’ fees, a creditor may be entitled to such fees in bankruptcy proceedings”), cert. denied, 505 U.S. 1221 , 112 S.Ct. 3032 , 120 L.Ed.2d 902 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) In Re Shangra-La, Inc.
Bankr. E.D.N.C. · 1997 · confidence medium
Fobian v. Western Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In re 4M 2B Investors (2×) also: Cited "see"
9th Cir. · 1997 · confidence medium
We review de novo, see In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1151 (9th Cir.1991), and we affirm. 3 The Stengas contend that the bankruptcy court should look to state law to determine the nature of property rights, and that under state law, they are entitled to attorney's fees as provided under terms of the lease.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Donald W. Dunlap, Debtor. Donald W. Dunlap v. National Bank of Alaska (2×) also: Cited "see"
9th Cir. · 1997 · confidence medium
This contention has merit. 7 "[W]here the litigated issues involve not basic contract enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, attorney's fees will not be awarded absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party." Fobian v. Western Farm Credit Bank, 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) ca9 1997 (2×)
9th Cir. · 1997 · confidence medium
Id. at 451-52 . 11 On the other hand, in Fobian v. Western Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991), we refused to award attorney fees despite an express contractual provision because the substantive litigation raised federal bankruptcy law issues rather than "basic contract enforcement questions." Id. at 1153 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Ford v. Baroff (In re Baroff) (2×)
9th Cir. · 1997 · confidence medium
On the other hand, in Fobian v. Western Farm Credit Bank (In re Fobian), 951 F.2d 1149, 1153 (9th Cir.1991), we refused to award attorney fees despite an express contractual provision because the substantive litigation raised federal bankruptcy law issues rather than “basic contract enforcement questions.” Id. at 1153 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In re LCO Enterprises, Inc.
9th Cir. · 1997 · confidence medium
However, where the litigated issues involve not basic contract enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, attorneys' fees will not be awarded absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party. 9 Id. at 1153 (citations omitted).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Scottsdale Medical Pavilion v. Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co. in Rehabilitation (In Re Scottsdale Medical Pavilion)
9th Cir. BAP · 1993 · confidence medium
In re Fobian, 951 F.2d 1149, 1151 (9th Cir.1991), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 112 S.Ct. 3031 , 120 L.Ed.2d 902 (1992).
Bankr. L. Rep. P 74,399 in Re Elmer Fobian and Elsie Fobian, Debtors. Elmer Fobian and Elsie Fobian
v.
Western Farm Credit Bank
90-16313.
Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Dec 24, 1991.
951 F.2d 1149
Wayne B. Harbarger, III, Sacramento, Cal., for appellants., Gloria M. Greene, Tennant, Greene & Dutra, Sacramento, Cal., for appellee.
Fletcher, Wiggins, Kozinski.
Cited by 117 opinions  |  Published
FLETCHER, Circuit Judge:

Elmer and Elsie Fobian appeal from the decision of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel (“BAP”) reversing the bankruptcy court’s confirmation of their chapter 12 plan. They argue that the BAP erred in holding that the plan could not be confirmed because it did not meet the requirements of Section 1225 of the Bankruptcy Code. [1] The Bank argues for affirmance of the BAP’s decision, and asks that we award it attorneys’ fees and costs.

We affirm the BAP’s decision, but award the Bank only costs on appeal.

BACKGROUND

The Fobians are solvent Chapter 12 debtors. They are current on all obligations except a loan from the Bank. The Bank holds a promissory note secured by 70.5 acres of land located in Glenn County, California and stock in the Federal Land Bank Association of Northern California. After the Fobians filed their Chapter 12 petition, the Bank filed a Proof of Claim for $191,-660.09. The Proof of Claim stated: “No security interest is held for this claim except Deed of Trust. Stock in FLBA of Northern California perfected pursuant to the Farm Credit Act of 1971.” The Fobi-ans made no objections to this Proof of Claim.

While the Fobians filed three plans, only the “First Amended Plan for Reorganization under Chapter 12” (the “Plan”) was submitted for confirmation. The Bank filed objections to the plan and a confirmation hearing was held on June 27, 1989.

The Plan provided for treatment of the Bank’s claim as follows:

The “Distressed Property” consists of approximately 70.5 acres of rice land in Glenn County undersecured by a promissory note and deed of trust to FLB [the Bank] in the approximate sum of $190,-000 (including interest and penalties). The Debtor also owes approximately 2 years real estate taxes to the County of Glenn on the property. The fair market value of the property is estimated by the Debtors to be $70,500.00 The Debtors[*1151] would propose alternative treatments to the Secured Creditor.
The first alternative is a refinancing of the debt and write-off of balance over the new principal of $70,500. The new obligation would carry 9.0% interest for a term of 40 years with annual payments beginning 12/31/90.
The second alternative is that the Debtors will surrender the property pursuant to 11 USC 1225(a)(5)(C). Said surrender would be in full satisfaction of the amount allegedly due to the Secured Creditor.
Under either alternative there would be no undersecured obligation owed to the secured creditor, no deficiency judgments and no net disposable payments to be made through the trustee. The Secured Creditor may elect their [sic] choice of alternative until the date and time set for the hearing on the Plan. If the Secured Creditor has not chosen their alternative by the date and time set for hearing on confirmation of the Plan, the Debtors may elect their choice of alternative.

The Bank did not elect either alternative. The Fobians then elected the second alternative, surrender of the property.

The Bank objected to confirmation of the Plan on the grounds that the plan did not take into consideration the unsecured portion of the Bank’s claim, and did not comply with the requirements of Section 1225(a)(4). The Bankruptcy Court nonetheless confirmed the Plan in a Memorandum Opinion and Order Including Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law filed on August 7, 1989.

The BAP reversed, holding that because the Plan did not meet the requirements of Section 1225, it could not be confirmed.

STANDARD OF REVIEW

We review a bankruptcy court’s conclusions of law de novo. Findings of fact are upheld unless they are clearly erroneous. Rubin v. West (In re Rubin), 875 F.2d 755, 758 (9th Cir.1989).

DISCUSSION

Because the Plan fails to comply in several ways with Section 1225, the BAP was correct in reversing the bankruptcy court’s confirmation. We now analyze in some detail the treatment of the Bank’s claim by the bankruptcy court and the Plan.

I. Section 506

In confirming the plan, the bankruptcy court stated that at the time of confirmation the extent to which the bank was secured was “uncertain.” The bankruptcy court found that “it is clear that BANK has not yet become an unsecured creditor.” Thus, the Bank could not invoke the protections Section 1225 provides for such claims. Looking in particular to description of the Bank’s claim in the Plan itself, the BAP found that the bankruptcy court had erred in holding that the Bank held only a secured claim. The BAP was correct in this holding.

The BAP cited Section 506, which provides:

(a) An allowed claim of a creditor secured by a lien on property in which the estate has an interest ... is a secured claim to the extent of the value of such creditor’s interest in the estate’s interest in such property ... and is an unsecured claim to the extent that the value of such creditor’s interest ... is less than the amount of such allowed claim. Such value shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor’s interest.

11 U.S.C. § 506(a). Section 506 required the bankruptcy court to determine whether the bank was both a secured and an unsecured creditor. Without doing so, the court could not apply the tests of Section 1225 to the plan.

II. Section 1225(a)(5)

The Fobians argue that the Bank has no unsecured claim under the plan as the Bank was offered the option of receiving the property securing its claim in full[*1152] satisfaction of that claim. In support of this argument, the Fobians invoke Section 1225(a)(5), which provides:

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the court shall confirm a plan if—
(5) with respect to each allowed secured claim provided for by the plan—
(C) the debtor surrenders the property securing such claim to such holder

11 U.S.C. § 1225(a)(5).

As the Fobians note, cases have acknowledged the “theoretical possibility” of a surrender of property in satisfaction of a secured debt; however, such cases have also recognized that such a solution is unworkable in practical terms. Absent the provision of some additional protection to the creditor, it is impossible to ensure that the creditor will receive the full amount to which it is entitled, and only that amount. Surrender of the property may satisfy the secured claim. However, if the value of the property is less than the amount of the claim, the creditor may retain an unsecured claim for the difference. If the value of the property surrendered turns out to exceed the amount of the claim, the secured creditor receives a surplus to which it is not entitled. Thus, the court in In re Durr rejected a plan which provided for the transfer of real property in satisfaction of a secured claim. The Durr court noted that a plan “proposing a payment with tangible property” must provide both for a “surplus of value” or for a “margin of allowance” to ensure that the creditor received full value, and for a means of recapturing excess value the creditor might realize on disposition of the collateral. In re Durr, 78 B.R. 221, 225 (Bankr.D.S.D.1987). Because the plan at issue made no such provisions, it could not be confirmed. Id.; see also In re Indreland, 11 B.R. 268, 274 (Bankr.D.Mont.1987) (approving plan which provided for transfer of property to secured creditor where the debtor had submitted a 5 year plan, and the creditor could return to the court for “redetermination of its claim” if it failed to realize the value of its claim on sale of the collateral).

In this case, the debtor’s plan provides for neither the safeguards required by Durr nor the possibility of redetermination present in Indreland. While Section 1225(a)(5) would extinguish the Bank’s claim to the extent it was secured, the unsecured portion would survive.

III. Section 1225(a)(4)

Section 1225(a)(4) provides:

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the court shall confirm a plan if—
(4) the value, as of the effective date of the plan, of property to be distributed under the plan on account of each allowed unsecured claim is not less than the amount that would be paid on such claim if the estate of the debtor were liquidated under chapter 7 of this title under such date ...

11 U.S.C. § 1225(a)(4).

Here, all parties acknowledged that the debtor had substantial net worth. Thus, in a chapter 7 liquidation, the Bank would be paid in full. However, the Plan makes no provision for the unsecured portion of the Bank’s claim. Therefore, the Plan does not meet the requirements of Section 1225(a)(4). The BAP was correct in reversing confirmation for this reason.

IV. Section 1225(b)

Section 1225(b) provides:

(b)(1) If the trustee or the holder of an allowed unsecured claim objects to the confirmation of the plan, then the court may not approve the plan unless, as of the effective date of the plan—
(A) the value of the property to be distributed under the plan on account of such claim is not less than the amount of such claim; or
(B) the plan provides that all of the debtor’s projected disposable income to be received in the three-year period, or such longer period as the court may approve under section 1222(c), beginning on the date that the first payment[*1153] is due under the plan will be applied to make payments under the plan.

11 U.S.C. § 1225(b)(1).

Section 1225(b) does not provide an alternative to compliance with Section 1225(a); rather, each subsection must be satisfied independently. In re Willingham, 83 B.R. 552, 553 (Bankr.S.D.Ill.1988).

Here, the Plan provides for no payment to the Bank in satisfaction of its unsecured claim. It also fails to provide for any portion of the Fobians’ income to be applied to payments to the Bank. Thus, the Plan fails to meet the requirements of Section 1225(b). The BAP was correct in reversing confirmation on these grounds.

Y. Award of Attorneys’ Fees and Costs to the Bank

The Bank asks for an award of attorneys’ fees and costs. It cites provisions in the promissory note and the deed of trust executed in relation to the loan which provide for the payment of fees and costs incurred in collection of amounts due or enforcement of rights.

A. Costs on Appeal

Bankruptcy Rule 8014 provides, in relevant part: “Except as otherwise provided by law, agreed to by the parties or ordered by the district court or bankruptcy appellate panel, costs shall be taxed against the losing party on appeal.” Bankruptcy Rule 8014. Thus, we award the Bank its costs on its appeals before the BAP and before this court.

B. Attorneys’Fees at all levels; Costs in the Bankruptcy Court

Where a contract or statute provides for an award of attorneys’ fees, a creditor may be entitled to such fees in bankruptcy proceedings. Such an award is governed by state law. Collingwood Grain, Inc. v. Coast Trading Co. (In re Coast Trading Co.), 744 F.2d 686, 693 (9th Cir.1984); Merced Production Credit Ass’n v. Sparkman (In re Sparkman), 703 F.2d 1097, 1099 (9th Cir.1983).

However, where the litigated issues involve not basic contract enforcement questions, but issues peculiar to federal bankruptcy law, attorney’s fees will not be awarded absent bad faith or harassment by the losing party. Coast Trading, 744 F.2d at 693 (refusing to award fees where creditor brought a nondischargeability action); Grove v. Fulwiler (In re Fulwiler), 624 F.2d 908, 910 (9th Cir.1980) (refusing to award fees for creditor’s action under Section 546); see also Johnson v. Righetti (In re Johnson), 756 F.2d 738, 741-42 (9th Cir.1985) (because creditor’s request for relief from the automatic stay pursuant to Section 362(d) was not an “action on the contract,” debtor was not entitled to attorneys’ fees for defense against the request).

Here, litigation involved solely issues of federal bankruptcy law: the Bank sought proper application of Sections 506 and 1225. This was not a traditional “action on the contract.” “[T]he question of the applicability of the bankruptcy laws to particular contracts is not a question of the enforceability of a contract but rather involves a unique, separate area of federal law.” Coast Trading, 744 F.2d at 693. Thus, we decline to award the Bank attorneys’ fees for its litigation of this case at all levels, and limit the award of costs to costs incurred on appeal.

AFFIRMED.

1

. Unless otherwise stated, all references to “sections" refer to the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.