Bankruptcy laws are changing! If you're going to file, do it now.
Around the beginning of October 2005, a radical change in the bankruptcy laws will take effect, making Chapter 7 bankruptcy available to far fewer people. If you are pinned beneath an unmanageable debt burden, you should consider filing for bankruptcy now.
Turn to How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy to get the plain-English legal information, practical advice and bankruptcy forms you need -- and avoid expensive attorney fees. It will guide you through each step of the process, showing you how to:
stop harassment by creditors and agencies
prevent wage garnishments and attachments
decide if bankruptcy is the right step to take
fill out and file all forms
cancel the largest amount of debt possible
identify which debts will remain after bankruptcy
keep the maximum amount of property
remove liens on property
figure out if you can keep your home
deal with secured debts
represent yourself in routine court hearings
dismiss your case if you change your mind
start rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy
The 12th edition is updated with the latest statutes and cases affecting Chapter 7 bankruptcy in all 50 states, plus new forms that help protect your identity.
Please note: 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.
List of Forms
Personal Property Checklist
Worksheet: What Property Can You Keep in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Letter to Bankruptcy Court
Form 1 -- Voluntary Petition
Form 21, Statement of Social Security Number(s)
Form 16A, Caption (Full)
Exhibit "C" to Voluntary Petition
Form 6, Schedule A -- Real Property
Form 6, Schedule B -- Personal Property
Form 6, Schedule C -- Property Claimed as Exempt
Form 6, Schedule D -- Creditors Holding Secured Claims
Form 6, Schedule E -- Creditors Holding Unsecured Priority Claims
Form 6, Schedule F -- Creditors Holding Unsecured Nonpriority Claims
Form 6, Schedule G -- Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases
Form 6, Schedule H -- Codebtors
Form 6, Schedule I -- Current Income of Individual Debtor(s)
Form 6, Schedule J -- Current Expenditures of Individual Debtor(s)
Form 6, Summary of Schedules
Form 6, Declaration Concerning Debtor's Schedules
Form 7 -- Statement of Financial Affairs
Form 8 -- Chapter 7 Individual Debtor's Statement of Intention
Mailing Matrix
Form 3 -- Application to Pay Filing Fee in Installments
Notice to Creditor of Filing for Bankruptcy
Form 20A -- Notice of Motion or Objection
Amendment Cover Sheet
Notice of Change of Address
Supplemental Schedule for Property Acquired After Bankruptcy Discharge
Daily Expenses
Pleading Paper
Proof of Service by Mail
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.
