In these times of massive credit card debt and stagnating incomes, filing for bankruptcy has become the only relief for thousands of people. The information in How to File for Bankruptcy is so complete that a person can file virtually on his own, without needing to hire a lawyer. By no means does the book encourage filing for bankruptcy, but it will help anyone in serious financial trouble determine if bankruptcy might be a sensible course to take, and examines what kind is appropriate for different individuals. All of the necessary forms are included, complete with explicit directions. Like all Nolo Press titles, this is a straightforward, no-nonsense book of useful advice and specific guidance, written in clear, easy-to-understand language.


From Library Journal
This book focuses almost exclusively on personal or so-called "straight" bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, and excludes detailed consideration of Chapter 13 repayment plans. The authors, all lawyers associated with Nolo Press, provide step-by-step information necessary to determine whether or not, and how, to file. Included are worksheets, examples, and illustrative filled-in forms. Although not stated, this volume is apparently intended by Nolo to replace Janice Kosel's perennial Bankruptcy: Do It Yourself , which has a California emphasis; however, it will complement her Chapter 13: Federal Plan to Repay Debts (Nolo Pr., 1987. 3d ed.). The present work is more up-to-date than Benji Anosike's How To Declare Your Personal Bankruptcy Without a Lawyer (Do-It-Yourself Pubs., 1983), and although less comprehensive than the excellent Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Practice (National Consumer Law Ctr., 1988 . 3d ed.), which is intended for lawyers but useful for laypersons, this is a best buy to support a commonly asked legal reference question. Recommended for public and academic libraries.- Merlin Whiteman, Indiana Univ. Sch. of Law, IndianapolisCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Newsweek
This book advises on everything from how to file court papers to how to respond to threats from creditors....


Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine
An in-depth guide to filing under Chapter 7, including forms for do-it-yourself filers


Detroit News
Can help you decide if bankruptcy is the right option for you.


Newsweek
How to File for Bankruptcy advises on everything from how to file court papers to how to respond to threats from creditors... a do-it-yourself bankruptcy book for people who can't afford expensive lawyers.


Book Description
If you're feeling overwhelmed by your bank balance, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can offer welcome relief. It allows you to get rid of most of your debts, and it forces creditors and collection agencies to stop their collection efforts. For over a decade, this friendly, comprehensive guide has helped more than 300,000 people cope with their debts. How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy takes you through the filing process, giving you the practical advice and official bankruptcy forms you'll need. Use How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy to: *decide if bankruptcy is the right step to take *determine if you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy *fill out and file all forms *cancel the largest amount of debt possible *identify which debts will survive bankruptcy *keep the maximum amount of property *deal with secured debts *represent yourself in routine bankruptcy hearings *dismiss your case if you change your mind about filing *rebuild your credit after bankruptcy Easy-to-use worksheets and charts help you calculate what you own, how much you'll be able to keep, and figure out if you can retain your home. The 11th edition is updated to provide the latest legislation and case law that affect Chapter 7 bankruptcy in all 50 states, and provides revised forms to protect your identity. This book does not cover business bankruptcies, farm reorganizations or individual repayment plans (Chapter 13). For Chapter 13 bankruptcy, see Nolo's Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Repay Your Debts.


Download Description
If you're feeling overwhelmed by your bank balance, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can offer welcome relief. It allows you to get rid of most of your debts, and it forces creditors and collection agencies to stop their collection efforts. For nearly a decade, this friendly, comprehensive guide has helped more than 200,000 people cope with their debts. How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy takes you through the filing process, gives you real-world, practical advice and all the official bankruptcy forms you'll need. Use How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy to: decide if bankruptcy is the right step to take; determine if you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy; fill out and file all forms; cancel the largest amount of debt possible; identify which debts will survive bankruptcy; keep the maximum amount of property; deal with secured debts; represent yourself in routine bankruptcy hearings; dismiss your case if you change your mind about filing; rebuild your credit after bankruptcy. Easy-to-use worksheets and charts help you calculate what you own, how much you'll be able to keep, and figure out if you can retain your home. The book also contains exemptions for every state to ensure that you keep as much property as you can. This book does not cover business bankruptcies, farm reorganizations or individual repayment plans (Chapter 13). For Chapter 13 bankruptcy, see Nolo's Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Repay Your Debts.


About the Author
Stephen R. Elias is an attorney and associate publisher at Nolo.com. He is the author of many Nolo titles, including: How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Trademark: Legal Care For Your Business and Product Name, Legal Research: How to Find and Understand the Law, and Nolo's Pocket Guide to Family Law. Steve has been interviewed by most major media including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Good Morning America, 20/20,Money Magazine and more. He received his law degree from Hastings College of Law and practiced law in California, New York and Vermont before joining Nolo in 1980. In recent years much of Steve's time at Nolo has been devoted to the fields of self-help legal software and online legal information. He is one of the original authors/designers of Nolo's bestselling WillMaker program, as well as the software version of Nolo's Patent It Yourself. Albin Renauer received his J.D. in 1985 from the University of Michigan Law School and served on the Michigan Law Review. He worked for various public-interest law firms and for the California Supreme Court before coming to Nolo, where he has edited several books and software packages. After being immersed in creating self-help legal software programs to make tedious legal tasks as easy and non-intimidating as possible, Albin became the architect of Nolo's web site. Attorney Robin Leonard has been featured as a money and credit advisor on Good Morning America and CNN, and in publications across the country, including Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Money, Forbes and the Los Angeles Times. She is the author of many Nolo books including Money Troubles: Legal Strategies to Cope with Your Debts, Credit Repair, Take Control of Your Student Loan Debt, and Bankruptcy: Is It the Right Solution to Your Debt Problems? and co-author of How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and A Legal Guide for Lesbian and Gay Couples. Kathleen Michon graduate Cum Laude from Northwestern University School of Law in 1993. Prior to joining Nolo's editorial staff, she was the Directing Attorney of Public Counsel's Consumer Rights Project. She is the editor of Nolo's debt and credit books, including Credit Repair and Money Troubles, and is co-author of How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Every year, more than a million people file for bankruptcy. This book gives them a clear and complete overview of the bankruptcy process, explains the repurcussions of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and provides step-by-step instructions and all the forms necessary to file. It clearly outlines what debts can and cannot be eliminated in bankruptcy, what property debtors risk losing, how to protect assets and rebuild credit and how to deal with aggressive credit card companies seeking speedy credit repayment. State-by-state exemption tables included.

SYNOPSIS

Fight back against unscrupulous creditors with America's most trusted bankruptcy guide, How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. If you're feeling overwhelmed by your bank balance, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can offer welcome relief. It allows you to get rid of most of your debts, and it forces creditors and collection agencies to stop their collection efforts, including wage garnishments and harassing phone calls. In print for nearly a decade, this friendly, comprehensive guide has helped more than 200,000 people cope with their debts. How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy takes you step by step through the filing process, gives you real-world, practical advice and all the official, up-to-date bankruptcy forms you'll need. Use How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy to:
decide if bankruptcy is the right step to take determine if you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy fill out and file all forms cancel the largest amount of debt possible identify which debts will survive bankruptcy keep the maximum amount of property deal with secured debts represent yourself in routine bankruptcy hearings dismiss your case if you change your mind about filing rebuild your credit after bankruptcy
Easy-to-use worksheets and charts help you calculate what you own, how much you'll be able to keep, and figure out if you can retain your home. Recently, credit card companies have been more aggressive in trying to collect debts owed to them, pushing people into bankruptcy and then fighting their efforts to discharge their debts. This updated new edition helps you fight the creditors step by step. The book also contains the most recent and up-to-date forms and exemptions for every state to ensure that you keep as much property as is legally valid in your state.
With How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, you can take control of your finances and get back on your feet. This book does not cover business bankruptcies, farm reorganizations or individual repayment plans (Chapter 13). For Chapter 13 bankruptcy, see Nolo's Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Repay Your Debts.

FROM THE CRITICS

Booknews

Provides step-by-step instructions for assessing and completing simple Chapter 7 bankruptcies. First published over a decade ago, the new edition of this guide includes forms, worksheets, and a state-by-state exemption chart. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknew.com)

The New York Times