GDonaldson's blog

 You probably know that in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you as a debtor propose a plan to set out how creditors will be paid over a minimum of three years to a maximum of five years.  The plan sets out specified monthly payments the secured (examples are cars, house or furniture) or priority (examples are taxes or child support arrears) creditors will be paid over the life of the plan and how much unsecured (credit cards, medical or signature loans) creditors will be paid as well.  All creditors are mailed a cop

Recently, a man called my home phone number proclaiming to be a deputy with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office telling me that I had missed jury duty.  Of course, I knew that I had not received any such notice and asked what address any notice was mailed to informing me of the date I was to report to the courthouse.  He only stated the first four digits of my address and stopped.  I told

On June 11, 2015, Governor Robert Bentley signed a law increasing the Alabama property limits for the first time since 1982.  Now, the homestead exemption for an individual is $15,000 (or $30,000 for a couple) and $7,500 for personal property for an individual (or $15,000 for a couple).  This is great news for Alabamians who are forced to t

When you file for protection from your creditors with Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy, one very important responsibility you have is to keep your attorney updated on your c

One of my current observations about our clients is the number of them who gamble.  In the Montgomery River Region, we have several casinos where on a typical week night every seat could be filled by someone hoping to strike it rich.  Recently, I had a client who testified at her hearing that she had spent her entire Social Security check

Our youngest daughter plays softball in the Darling division.  If you are not familiar with that age group in softball, the key to stopping play is to get the ball in the circle with the pitcher.   I often yell---over and over—get the ball to the circle as the opponent’s team runs on a wild throw!

President Obama is expected to speak about payday lending when he gives a speech at Lawson State Community College today in Birmingham.  Reports state that U.S.

From Selma to Montgomery, preparations for the celebration of this weekend’s 50th Anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery Voting Rights March are in full swing.  I recently had the opportunity to meet Eleanor Lewis Dawkins.  Ms. Dawkins is the daughter of Rufus Lewis.  Mr.

Tax season is upon us and if you are in a current Chapter 13, this is a great question!  The lure of a large tax refund is very tempting to file electronically but if you owe any governmental agency to include taxes, student loans or child support arrears, you should file your tax return via snail mail.  With your return, you should include a copy of your bankruptcy notice along with a copy of your