Matthew A. Dunaway - Attorney At Law

Birmingham Bankruptcy Lawyer & Alabama Debt Collection Defense Attorney

Birmingham, Alabama
205.705.3590

Matthew A. Dunaway

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A little bit about me

I’ve lived in Alabama my entire life.  I love living here and raising my family here.  I married my college sweetheart and have two wonderful kids.  I’m very grateful for my family, and they are a big reason for why I do what I do.

I work a little differently than most lawyers.  Maybe that’s because I’m not like most lawyers.  I grew up in a small town in Alabama…a really small town.  Notasulga, AL isn’t big, but it was a great place to grow up, and it, along with the values my parents taught me, shaped who I am today.   I attended both Auburn University (’93) and the University of Alabama School of Law (’96).  Having practiced law in Alabama for almost 20 years, I feel confident I can help you.

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.

What to expect when you contact my office (how I work)

  • When I’m working I try to focus on the task at hand and not be distracted by the innumerable calls, emails, and notifications that bombard us on a daily basis.
  • I do this by adhering to the “deep work” philosophy proposed by Cal Newport in his book “Deep Work.”
  • What does this mean for my clients and potential clients?
  • When I’m working on your case, nothing distracts me.  I am totally focused on your case.
  • Of course, this means that when you call my office, I might not be available take your call at that time, because I am totally focused on the task I am working on at that time.  Thus, please leave a message with the receptionist and I will call you back.
  • It also means that I don’t respond to emails instantly.  Email is a wonderful tool, but I’ve found that checking it constantly is distracting and not productive.
  • Two or three times per day, I will check my phones messages and email and respond accordingly.
  • Usually, I like to schedule a phone consultation, before having a potential client come into the office.  I find it’s both easier to schedule and more convenient.  You don’t have to take off from work or worry about the kids.
  • After you’ve had your initial phone consult, then you can schedule a time to meet me at my office to move forward with your case.
  • When you schedule an appointment with me, you’ll sit down and talk to me; not a secretary or paralegal.  I enjoy meeting my clients, getting to know you and figuring out how I can help you.
  • From start to finish, I’ll walk you through each and every step, until we’ve accomplished your goals.

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

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Client Testimonials

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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.

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.

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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