Matthew A. Dunaway - Attorney At Law

Birmingham Bankruptcy Lawyer & Alabama Debt Collection Defense Attorney

Birmingham, Alabama
205.705.3590

Bankruptcy filings up 35%

Written by | | 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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Client Testimonials

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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.

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.

Lotnina E

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

Lotnina E.

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.

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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”

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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…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
 

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