Matthew A. Dunaway - Attorney At Law

Birmingham Bankruptcy Lawyer & Alabama Debt Collection Defense Attorney

Birmingham, Alabama
205.705.3590

Your Bankruptcy Hearing: What to Expect

Written by | | Bankruptcy

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…Read more

Alabama Bankruptcy Judge allows lower interest rate

Written by | | Bankruptcy

In re Crittenden: An Alabama Bankruptcy Judge, in In re Briana L. Crittenden, 19 CBN 1049In re Crittenden (Bankr. M.D. Ala. 2009), overruled an auto creditor’s objection to the debtor’s Chapter 13 plan, allowing a lowering of the interest rate.  Debtor purchased a vehicle from the creditor five weeks prior to filing a Chapter 13…Read more

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…Read more

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: 10 Things You Need To Know

Written by | | Bankruptcy

1.  Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is still an option for most people, even after the bankruptcy laws changed in 2005. Many people believed (because creditors wanted us to believe) that it is very hard for someone to file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy after the 2005 bankruptcy amendments (BAPCPA).  The 2005 bankruptcy laws increased the amount of paperwork…Read more

Bankruptcy Basics – 10 Things You Need To Know About Bankruptcy

Written by | | Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy laws can trace their roots to the Bible. The Old Testament had several laws mandating the forgiveness of debts every seven years, and even includes a form of redemption after foreclosure. Bankruptcy laws, or something similar, were enacted by the Romans. Our modern bankruptcy system has it’s roots in British laws from the 1500’s.…Read more

Bankruptcy Right For You? 7 Things To Consider

Written by | | Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a big step.  Hopefully, filing bankruptcy is a once in a lifetime event.  Making sure filing bankruptcy is right for you is important.  Here are 7 things to consider before filing bankruptcy. 1.  Bankruptcy will not ruin your credit for life.  Most people facing bankruptcy already have pretty bad credit.  Normally, the credit…Read more

Birmingham Business Bankruptcies Increasing in 2009

Written by | | Bankruptcy

Birmingham business bankruptcies will increase in 2009, according to an article in The Birmingham News by Russell Hubbard. In short, every one is cutting back; businesses and individuals.  Purchase orders are down.  Manufacturing is down.  Unemployment is up.  Most businesses (and individuals) have operated on very thin capitalization over the last decade, relying on lots…Read more

Filing Bankruptcy? 10 Documents To Give Your Bankrutpcy Attorney

Written by | | Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a complicated and confusing process.  Bankruptcy attorneys sift through numerous documents to determine if bankruptcy is an option for their client and if it is the best option.  Before filing bankruptcy, the client must give most of these documents to the bankruptcy lawyer.   Please note, the specific documents you MUST give your bankruptcy…Read more

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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.

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.

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.

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
 

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