Fewer knock on debt's door.

• Position: Statewide

Bankruptcy filings in North Carolina courts fell 17.7% between the years ended Sept. 30, 2009, and Sept. 30, 2012. It's logical to attribute the change to a healthier economy. Logical but incomplete, at least when it comes to business filings, says Michael Booe, a commercial-bankruptcy lawyer at Charlotte-based K&L Gates LLP. "It's a combination of factors, not just an improving economy." For instance, low interest rates have made borrowing and refinancing cheaper. "That makes it more likely that you won't have to file." Parties also have had ample time to become experts on bankruptcy law, adopted in the late 1970s. That means lenders and debtors can anticipate the results of a bankruptcy without having to endure an expensive legal battle. "People have more realistic expectations."

BANKRUPTCIES IN NORTH CAROLINA Change in number of filings between the years ended Sept. 30, 2009, and Sept. 30, 2012. Increase or no Decreased Decreased Decreased more change 15.1 to 30% 0.1 to 15% than 30% 56 22 20 87 75 50 38 100 95 88 44 59 41 45 61 81 93 11 5 6 71 57 23 12 65 3 60 14 46 86 13 97 89 9 90 85 89 3 44 30 49 34 29 80 41 2 55 68 18 36 32 17 84 92 64 79 53 74 19 78 72 73 10 70 91 66 48 35 37 43 94 51 16 77 83 47 26 9 82 96 31 67 52 54 40 98 33 42 58 7 25 28 FILINGS United States 2008 1,042,993 2009 1,402,816 2010 1,596,355 2011 1,467,221 2012 1,261,140 Western District of N.C. 2008 6,386 2009 8,159 2010 8,785 2011 7,799 2012 6,865 Note: Table made from line graph. Middle District of N.C. 2008 6,264 2009 7,432 2010 7,397 2011...