Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC

Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC Move forward again with Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates on your side. South Carolina bankruptcy lawyer.

09/03/2026

Bankruptcy filings continue to move higher.

According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, 608,511 bankruptcy cases were filed nationwide during the 12-month period ending June 30, 2026.

That’s a 12.2% increase from the 542,529 cases filed during the prior year.

Non-business filings increased 12%, while business filings rose 16.9%.

The numbers are still well below the nearly 1.6 million annual filings seen in 2010, but filings have been increasing each quarter since reaching a low in 2022.

From a bankruptcy attorney’s perspective, the important takeaway isn't simply that filings are increasing. It's that more households and businesses appear to be reaching a point where existing debt obligations are becoming harder to manage.

Bankruptcy is not a prediction of economic collapse. It is one of the legal tools available when the numbers no longer work.

College tuition continues to rise faster than almost any other major household expense, driven in part by declining fina...
09/01/2026

College tuition continues to rise faster than almost any other major household expense, driven in part by declining financial support from state and local governments.

For many families, paying for college will be one of the largest financial commitments they make outside of buying a home.

08/28/2026

In my practice, I sit down with couples at their financial breaking point. But here is the truth I’ve learned over the years, the hardest conversations are rarely about the math.

When spouses argue over a drained checking account or a hidden credit card, they are usually fighting about deeper things:

Security: Does this debt put our family's safety at risk?
Respect: Does my partner value my contribution?
Upbringing: Are we repeating the financial trauma we saw growing up?

If you want to resolve a financial conflict, you have to stop arguing about the receipts and start talking about what that money represents. Uncovering those hidden meanings is the first step toward getting on the same page.

08/27/2026

If you are a small business owner, independent contractor, or tradesperson in South Carolina, the tools you use to earn a living receive specific legal protection when you resolve your debt. Effective July 1, 2026, the South Carolina Tools of the Trade exemption increased to $2,400 per person.

This exemption shields professional books, instruments, implements, and physical tools necessary for your occupation. If you file a joint bankruptcy with your spouse and you both utilize equipment for your respective lines of work, you can combine your exemptions to protect up to $4,800 worth of professional assets, ensuring you

A good income, a nice house, and a strong credit score don’t always mean your finances are secure. If most of your incom...
08/26/2026

A good income, a nice house, and a strong credit score don’t always mean your finances are secure. If most of your income is already committed and an unexpected expense would have to go on a credit card, debt may be controlling more of your life than it appears. If the numbers behind your lifestyle are becoming difficult to manage, contact Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC. We can review your situation and help you determine which debt-relief options make sense. https://bit.ly/4xm2L1Z

USC Football starts in 10 days. 🏈 Reminder: Taking a hit on the field hurts, but taking a hit from endless debt doesn’t ...
08/26/2026

USC Football starts in 10 days. 🏈

Reminder: Taking a hit on the field hurts, but taking a hit from endless debt doesn’t have to be permanent! Reach out to us if you need a timeout.

08/21/2026

What does South Carolina law actually say about vehicle repossession? Here is a breakdown of state regulations surrounding auto loan defaults and consumer rights:

10-Day Default & "Right to Cure": Lenders can declare a loan in default once a payment is 10 days past due. Before repossessing, they must issue a 20-day "Notice of Right to Cure", though state law only requires them to send this notice once over the life of the loan.

Repossession Limits: While "self-help" repossession is legal without a court order, agents cannot "breach the peace." They are strictly prohibited from entering closed garages without permission, using physical force, or damaging property.

Post-Repossession Rights: Lenders must provide a 10-day written notice before selling a repossessed vehicle at auction. The original owner maintains the right to retrieve personal belongings from the vehicle and retains a right of redemption prior to the sale.

Under federal law, filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy activates an immediate Automatic Stay. This legal injunction halts repossession actions instantly, providing a structured avenue to resolve past-due balances.

08/17/2026

For South Carolina residents who do not own a home or choose not to claim a homestead exemption, the alternative property protections also increased on July 1, 2026. The wildcard exemption is now capped at $8,000 per person.

This exemption is highly flexible. It allows individuals who rent or have no home equity to shield cash, money in a bank account, tax refunds, or other personal belongings that do not fit into standard exemption categories. For a married couple filing jointly who do not own real estate, this wildcard protection doubles to $16,000, allowing families to safeguard essential liquid assets during a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 filing.

Data as of August 12, 2026 from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
08/16/2026

Data as of August 12, 2026 from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

South Carolina bankruptcy exemptions changed on July 1, 2026, allowing filers to protect more of their personal property...
08/11/2026

South Carolina bankruptcy exemptions changed on July 1, 2026, allowing filers to protect more of their personal property. The motor vehicle exemption has officially increased to $8,000 per person.

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7909 Parklane Road #305
Columbia, SC
29223

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+18037991700

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