Law Office of Matthew M. Cree, LLC logo

Law Office of Matthew M. Cree, LLC in Greenwood, IN

4.5/5

Indiana bankruptcy attorney Matthew M. Cree specializes in Chapter 7/13 filings, collections defense, and student loan resolution with direct client access throughout the process.

Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology

From Free/mo Visit Website

Law Office of Matthew M. Cree, LLC Review

Matthew M. Cree is a solo bankruptcy attorney licensed in Indiana and Texas, based in Greenwood, Indiana. He established his practice with a focus on personal financial distress, drawing from his own bankruptcy filing experience to guide clients through debt resolution. His firm operates as a legal services provider addressing three primary financial challenges: personal bankruptcy, debt collector harassment, and federal student loan management.

The firm offers personalized bankruptcy representation for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, collections defense to challenge creditor actions and protect debtor rights, and student loan resolution strategies including payment reduction, default curing, and elimination options. Cree emphasizes direct attorney involvement—clients receive his personal cell phone number and email, with no handoff to junior staff or assistants. He publishes educational content on bankruptcy types, discharge procedures, and debtor rights through his Knowledge Center.

The primary distinction is Cree's personal bankruptcy history, which he explicitly features as a credibility marker. Client testimonials consistently highlight accessibility, responsiveness (including late-night email replies), quick case resolution (some under three months), and emotional support through the process. He positions himself as an alternative to high-volume bankruptcy mills by emphasizing direct personal contact and compassionate service.

This is a solo practice with limited scaling capacity. While the website demonstrates legitimate legal expertise and positive client outcomes, the business model depends entirely on one attorney's availability. The emphasis on personal accessibility may create capacity constraints during high-volume periods, and there is no information about backup coverage or associate attorneys. Pricing is not disclosed on the website, requiring direct consultation.

Consumers considering bankruptcy should also explore alternatives. Debt relief programs may negotiate settlements for less than owed, while debt consolidation loans can simplify payments into one monthly bill. Credit counseling agencies offer free financial assessments and debt management plans. After bankruptcy, rebuilding credit through secured credit cards and credit builder loans provides a structured path back. Credit repair services can help ensure the bankruptcy filing is accurately reported and outdated items are removed on schedule. Credit monitoring services provide ongoing visibility during the multi-year recovery process. After discharge, qualifying for an installment loan — even a small one with higher rates — can begin rebuilding payment history on your credit report.

Services & Features

Bankruptcy process education and pre-filing consultation
Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing and representation
Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and representation
Debt collector defense and cease-and-desist representation
Direct client communication and case management
Free initial consultation
Knowledge base educational content on bankruptcy procedures
Student loan consolidation counseling
Student loan default curing
Student loan elimination options consultation
Student loan payment reduction negotiation

Feature Checklist

Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection

Pricing Plans

Bankruptcy Consultation

Free /mo
  • Free initial consultation
  • Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 evaluation
  • Means test analysis
  • Court filing and representation
  • Creditor communication handling
  • Post-discharge credit rebuilding guidance
Get Started

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Attorney has personally filed for bankruptcy—authentic experience informs client counseling approach
  • Direct attorney access: clients receive Matthew Cree's personal cell number and email, avoiding staff handoffs
  • Rapid case resolution documented—multiple testimonials report completion under three months
  • Covers three complementary service areas (bankruptcy, collections defense, student loan resolution) in one firm
  • Maintains public knowledge base with educational content on Chapter 7 vs. 13 and discharge procedures
  • Licensed in two states (Indiana and Texas), expanding geographic service capacity
  • Consistently praised in testimonials for responsiveness, including off-hours email replies

Cons

  • Solo practice with no information about associate attorneys or backup coverage—single point of failure for client service
  • Pricing structure not disclosed on website; requires direct contact for fee consultation
  • No information on payment plans, sliding scales, or affordability options for low-income debtors
  • Limited online reviews or third-party verification beyond website testimonials (potential selection bias)
  • No detail on Chapter 13 plan success rates, average discharge timelines by case type, or outcome data

Rating Breakdown

Value
5.0
Effectiveness
4.9
Customer Service
3.9
Transparency
3.8
Ease of Use
4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Law Office of Matthew M. Cree, LLC legitimate?

Yes. Law Office of Matthew M. Cree, LLC is a registered company, headquartered in Greenwood, IN.

How much does Law Office of Matthew M. Cree, LLC cost?

Law Office of Matthew M. Cree, LLC plans start at Free per month with no setup fee. No money-back guarantee is offered.

How long does Law Office of Matthew M. Cree, LLC take to show results?

Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.

Quick Facts

Headquarters
Greenwood, IN
BBB Accredited
No
Starting Price
Free/mo
Setup Fee
None
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit Law Office of Matthew M. Cree, LLC

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Law Office of Matthew M. Cree, LLC

Law Office of Matthew M. Cree is best for individuals in Indiana facing bankruptcy or aggressive debt collection who value direct attorney access and prefer personalized service over high-volume legal mills. The primary caveat is that this is a solo practice with no disclosed backup support—availability and capacity depend entirely on one attorney, and those needing service during peak demand periods may face delays.

Best For

  • Indiana residents facing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy who want direct attorney communication and personalized guidance
  • Individuals being actively pursued by debt collectors who need immediate collections defense and rights protection
  • Federal student loan borrowers seeking consolidation, payment reduction, or default cure options
Updated 2026-04-30

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Financial Wellness Guides

Financial Terms Explained (14 terms)

New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.

How Loans Work

Default — Loan Default

When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.

Why it matters

Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.

Example

You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).

Legal Terms

CFPB — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.

Why it matters

The CFPB is your most powerful ally against predatory lenders. Filing a complaint with them gets a response from the company within 15 days — companies take CFPB complaints seriously.

Example

A debt collector calls your workplace after you told them to stop. You file a CFPB complaint online. Within 15 days, the collection agency responds and agrees to stop. The CFPB tracks complaint patterns across all companies.

FDCPA — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

A federal law that limits what debt collectors can do. They can't call before 8am or after 9pm, can't harass you, can't lie, and must stop contacting you if you request in writing.

Why it matters

Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you can sue for up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees.

Example

A collector calls your workplace 3 times after you told them not to. That's 3 FDCPA violations. You hire a consumer attorney (free — they get paid by the collector). The collector settles for $3,000.

Garnishment — Wage Garnishment

A court order that requires your employer to withhold part of your paycheck and send it directly to a creditor. Usually happens after a creditor sues you and wins a judgment.

Why it matters

Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable income. Some states have lower limits. Student loans and taxes can be garnished without a court order.

Example

You owe $8,000 on a defaulted credit card. The bank sues, gets a judgment, and garnishes your wages. On a $3,000/month net paycheck, they take $750/month until the debt is paid.

Statute of Limitations — Statute of Limitations (Debt)

A time limit (typically 3-6 years, varies by state) after which a creditor can no longer sue you to collect a debt. The debt still exists, but they lose the legal power to force payment.

Why it matters

Knowing your state's statute of limitations prevents you from being tricked into paying debts that are legally uncollectable. Beware: making a payment can restart the clock.

Example

You have a $3,000 credit card debt from 2019. Your state has a 4-year statute of limitations. In 2024, a collector calls demanding payment. The statute has expired — they cannot sue you.

Debt & Recovery

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy — Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Reorganization)

A type of bankruptcy where you keep your assets but follow a court-approved 3-5 year repayment plan to pay back some or all of your debts. Stays on credit for 7 years.

Why it matters

Chapter 13 is better than Chapter 7 if you have a home or assets you want to keep. It can stop foreclosure and let you catch up on mortgage payments over 3-5 years.

Example

You're 3 months behind on your mortgage and have $30,000 in credit card debt. Chapter 13 stops foreclosure and puts you on a 5-year plan: you pay $600/month to catch up on the mortgage and pay 40% of the credit card debt.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy — Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation)

A type of bankruptcy that wipes out most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) by liquidating non-exempt assets. It stays on your credit for 10 years.

Why it matters

Chapter 7 gives you a fresh start but at a steep cost: 10 years on your credit, difficulty getting loans, and you may lose assets. Income must be below your state's median to qualify.

Example

You have $45,000 in credit card debt and earn $35,000/year. Chapter 7 erases the debt. You keep exempt property (basic car, household items). Your score drops to ~500 but you're debt-free.

Charge-Off

When a creditor declares your debt a loss after 180 days of nonpayment and removes it from their books. But you still owe the money — they just stop expecting to collect it themselves.

Why it matters

A charge-off is one of the most damaging entries on your credit report and stays for 7 years. The debt is usually sold to a collection agency who will pursue you for it.

Example

You stop paying your $4,000 credit card. After 180 days, the bank charges it off and sells the debt to a collector for $800. The collector now contacts you demanding the full $4,000 (they profit from what they collect above $800).

Collections — Debt Collections

When an unpaid debt is transferred or sold to a third-party collection agency that specializes in recovering the money. Collection accounts appear on your credit report for 7 years.

Why it matters

Even a $50 collection account can drop your score 50-100 points. Some newer FICO models (FICO 9) ignore paid collections, but many lenders still use older models.

Example

An old $200 gym bill goes to collections. It appears on all 3 credit reports and drops your 720 score to 640. Paying it helps with newer scoring models but under FICO 8 (still widely used), a paid collection still hurts.

Debt Consolidation

Combining multiple debts into one single loan with one monthly payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. It simplifies repayment and can reduce total interest.

Why it matters

Consolidation works best when you get a lower rate than your existing debts. But it doesn't reduce what you owe — and extending the term can mean paying more total interest.

Example

You have: $5,000 at 22% (credit card), $3,000 at 18% (store card), $2,000 at 25% (payday loan). A $10,000 consolidation loan at 11% saves you ~$2,100 in interest over 3 years.

Debt Settlement — Debt Settlement / Negotiation

Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe — typically 40-60 cents on the dollar. Usually done after you've already fallen behind on payments.

Why it matters

Settlement can save thousands, but it severely damages your credit (settled accounts show for 7 years) and the IRS may tax the forgiven amount as income.

Example

You owe $15,000 on a credit card and negotiate a settlement of $7,500 (50%). You save $7,500 but: your credit drops 100+ points, the account shows 'settled' for 7 years, and you may owe taxes on the $7,500 forgiven.

DTI Ratio — Debt-to-Income Ratio

The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.

Why it matters

Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.

Example

You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.

Judgment — Court Judgment (Debt)

A court ruling that says you legally owe a specific amount to a creditor. It gives the creditor power to garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, or place liens on your property.

Why it matters

Judgments are enforceable for 10-20 years (varies by state) and can be renewed. They give creditors far more collection power than a simple unpaid debt.

Example

A credit card company sues you for $8,000 and wins a judgment. They can now garnish 25% of your paycheck ($750/month on a $3,000 net salary) and freeze your bank account.

Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.

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