Bankruptcy filings up 35%

Written by Matt Dunaway | September 15, 2009 | Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy filings increased 35% from the first half of 2008 to the first half of 2009. According the the American Bankruptcy Institute, 681,217 bankruptcy cases were filed during the first half of 2009, whereas 503,749 bankruptcy cases were filed in the first half of 2008. This marks a continued upward trend in bankruptcy filings from 2005, when Congress passed the new bankruptcy legislation.

So what is driving the increased number of bankruptcy filing? Take your pick: unemployment, foreclosures, student loans, credit card debt, medical bills, etc…

Americans are over-leveraged; we have too much debt. It’s going to take time (not more government intervention) and discipline to remedy this problem.

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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.

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.

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

Lotnina E.

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.

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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,Read more “Birmingham Bankruptcy Courthouse Reopened”

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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 willRead more “Your Bankruptcy Hearing: What to Expect”

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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…ifRead 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.

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Bankruptcy filings up 35%

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Birmingham Bankruptcy Courthouse Reopened

Your Bankruptcy Hearing: What to Expect

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