Matthew A. Dunaway - Attorney At Law

Birmingham Bankruptcy Lawyer & Alabama Debt Collection Defense Attorney

Birmingham, Alabama
205.705.3590

Bankruptcy – Chapter 7

dreamstime_3392595eraser

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney Birmingham, Alabama

“Will & Amy”

“Bankruptcy?  I don’t want to file bankruptcy”, Amy repeated.

Will and Amy sat on the floor surrounded by mounds of paper…all bills.  The kids were asleep, finally.  The phone had stopped ringing; after they unplugged it.

“I don’t want to file either, but…”, Will said.  He sat rubbing his forehead.  His head pounded.

Neither had expected this.  They were young, educated, hard-working and broke.  Amy’s job loss had hurt.  Will’s pay cut hurt worse.  The equity they thought they had in their house had evaporated.  Bill collectors called constantly.  Some were nice; most weren’t.

Talking to the mortgage company was like entering an insane asylum: on hold for hours, transferred to different departments, never talking to the same person twice, offers of hope from one person were denied by the next person they talked to.  Fees, fees and more fees; where did all the fees come from?

“What are we going to do?”, Amy asked.

Does this sound familiar?

Chapter 7 – Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is something few people like to think about, but if you are overwhelmed by debt, it may be the best option for you.  It can erase most of your debts and give you the fresh start you need .

Some debts that are NOT discharged (erased) in Chapter 7 are:  taxes, student loans, child support/alimony/marital debts and a few others.  Most common debts that are discharged: credit cards, automobile debts, mortgages, etc…

If you feel overwhelmed by debt and don’t think there is ever a way you will be able to “dig out”, then Chapter 7 Bankruptcy may be the option for you.

Contact me to schedule a free consultation to talk about your situation and options.

Chapter 7 FAQs:

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Chapter 7 Bankruptcy:

1. Will filing Bankruptcy stop a garnishment? Yes.

2. Will it stop a foreclosure?  Yes, BUT, only for a short while.  If you’re interested in saving your home from foreclosure, Chapter 13 Debtor’s Court is an option.

3. Will it ruin my credit forever? No.

4. Do I have to got to court?  Yes, you will likely go to court, but usually only once…about 30 days after your case is filed.

5. Will I lose my house and car?  No, not necessarily; I can explain this in further detail, during an in-office, free consultation.

6.  What do I get to keep if I file Bankruptcy?  Most people who file bankruptcy do not have to give up any property.  After a review of your specific situation, I can explain to you what you can and can’t keep.

7.  How long will my case last?  Most bankruptcy cases last about 4 months.

Call me at 205-690-1542 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and options.  It’s free and will give you the information and knowledge you need to determine whether bankruptcy is right for you.

Schedule your FREE phone consultation today. Call 205.705.3590 or fill out the form below:

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Client Testimonials

Read more

Ron M.

I felt you were very knowledgeable about what you are doing and you actually care about your clients. I’m glad I drove the hour to your office instead of choosing a lawyer that was just 5 minutes from my house. We want to Thank you for All your help. Thank You very much for taking time to here our situation and helping us through that difficult time.

Ron M.

Iris H.

Matt, You made my bankruptcy experience so easy and smooth. How can I ever thank you? I came to you, afraid but hopeful. I became confident that everything would work out in my favor after talking with you several times, and I thank you so much for those assurances. I was drowning in debt which was affecting my health, both mentally and physically, due to all the stress from having to deal with financial problems most of the time. I had the best family Thanksgiving this year, since I was free of that burden. I am happier and healthier now,… Read more “Iris H.”

Iris H.

Lotnina E

He was so helpful and made me feel at ease every step of the way!

Lotnina E.

Mel H.

With all the anxiety I had going into this process. You made it as easy as possible. From always being available to answer all the questions to never making me feel ashamed of my current financial position. You gave me hope and helped me to feel that this was not the end but rather the beginning. Thank you again for all your help!

Mel H.

Latest Articles From The Blog

Birmingham Bankruptcy Courthouse Reopened

The Birmingham Bankruptcy Courthouse, officially known as the Northern District of Alabama-Southern Division, recently reopened after several years of renovations.  Although the outside has kept its classic look, except for some minor landscaping changes, the inside is vastly different.  All three courtrooms are now located on the first floor, right off the main lobby area, making it much easier for debtors, creditors and attorneys to find their way to the correct courtroom.  Meeting of Creditors hearing are now held on the basement level in a room much more conducive to its purpose.  Although I cringe at the estimated cost ofRead more “Birmingham Bankruptcy Courthouse Reopened”

Your Bankruptcy Hearing: What to Expect

For many people, one of the most frightening aspects of bankruptcy is going to court. What’s going to happen?  Who will be there?  Will I be asked embarrassing questions? Here are 10 things you need to know about your bankruptcy court date: 1.  Don’t expect to see the Judge.  If you file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, you will probably never see the Judge.  A “Bankruptcy Trustee” (he’s just a lawyer appointed by the court to administer your case) will ask you four or five simple questions at your hearing. 2.  Your bankruptcy lawyer will be at the hearing with you.  He’s there toRead more “Your Bankruptcy Hearing: What to Expect”

To Deduct or not to Deduct: The Means Test, the Supreme Court and your car.

May a debtor claim an ownership expense deduction under the means test if the vehicle is unencumbered? The Supreme Court will hear a case on this issue to resolve a split in the circuits; well, not a 50/50 split, but the usual split…the 9th Circuit versus everyone else. Pre-BAPCPA, this would be a simple issue…if the debtor has an expense, then the debtor is allowed the deduction, as long as it does not breach the subjective test of “substantial abuse”; a subjective test based on “real” objective figures. In 2005, BAPCPA introduced the “means test”, an objective test based onRead more “To Deduct or not to Deduct: The Means Test, the Supreme Court and your car.”

Hello, I am Matt Dunaway

I like helping people. That’s why I practice law and focus in the areas I do. Sometimes, things don’t go like we expected them to go. I can vouch for this from personal experience. And sometimes, we need help getting back on track.

That’s what I do. I help people get back on track, financially.

Read Matt's Bio

Location

One Perimeter Park South
Suite 100 North
Birmingham, AL 35243
 

MENU