In Re Massoud Vasseli, Susan A. Vasseli. Massoud Vasseli, Susan A. Vasseli v. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Chapter 7 debtors Massoud and Susan Vasseli (“Vasselis”) appeal the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel’s (“BAP”) reversal of the bankruptcy court’s award of attorney’s fees to the Vasselis pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 523 (d) (1988).

We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 158 (d) (1988). We review the decisions of the BAP de novo. In re Dewalt, 961 F.2d 848, 850 (9th Cir.1992); In re Two “S” Corp., 875 F.2d 240 , 242 (9th Cir.1989). Therefore, we review the bankruptcy court’s award under the same standard used by the BAP. The bankruptcy court’s award of reasonable attorney’s fees must be upheld unless it abused its discretion or erroneously applied the law. Southwestern Media, Inc. v. Rau, 708 F.2d 419, 422 (9th Cir.1983).

On appeal^ the Vasselis claim the BAP erred in holding that the bankruptcy court did not have the authority to award them attorney’s fees incurred in an appeal to the district court. We reject the Vasseli’s argument and affirm the BAP’s order.

The Vasselis are debtors in a chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”) is a creditor which filed a complaint in the bankruptcy court to determine whether the debt incurred by the Vas-selis’ use…