How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy [Paperback]

Albin Renauer (Author), Robin Leonard (Author), Kathleen Michon (Author), Stephen Elias (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2004 | Series: 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.

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.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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, Indianapolis
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Nolo; 11 Sub edition (May 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1413300278
• ISBN-13: 978-1413300277
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (109 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,755,717 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

227 of 237 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and accurate resource, September 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (8th ed) (Paperback)

This book has been my light at the end of the tunnel. It took me approximately 4 wks. to research the book and understand it so I didn't make any mistakes in filing inaccurate information but once I did the paperwork (all through the mail) it only took 1 wk. before the creditors meeting was set for 3 wks. later and the entire chapter 7 should be done within about 3 months. I was the only one present at my meeting without an attorney but my meeting as well as the 15 people before me only took 5 minutes each in front of the trustee. None of the creditors in any of the cases showed up except Sears in other cases but they just noted the information for their records. This is possible to do by yourself and for approximately $175.00 administrative and filing fees. No other costs have been incurred and I am on my way to a new start. Thank you so much!

50 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book saved me attorney's fees! Worth its weight in gold, September 16, 2004

By 

Kathleen (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, 10th Edition (Paperback)

I can't say enough wonderful things about this book!

6 months ago I was contemplating bankruptcy. I searched for a book to help me and decided to buy this one. Honestly, I figured I'd read it, be more confused than ever and have to hire an attorney.

That's NOT what happened. I took a weekend and studied every page of this book and took notes. I filled out and filed my bankruptcy petition on my own. Today, I attended my creditor's meeting. Now, in just 2 months, I'll receive my discharge. All WITHOUT a lawyer!

Filing bankruptcy without a lawyer is more time consuming, but the money saved is worth it. Just take your time and study this book and you'll be fine.

Thank you, Nolo. Buying this book was the best thing I've done this year.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to Follow Big Money Saver, August 25, 2004

By 

D. Short "book lover" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, 10th Edition (Paperback)

I recently filed for bankruptcy using the book How to File a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. It told me where to file, what schedules to file, how to fill them out,what fees I would have to pay. By doing this, I saved myself over a $1000 that a lawyer quoted me if he were going to do it for me. Though meticulous and a bit detailed,the book is not hard to read. So, if you too want to file your bankruptcy yourself and save yourself a $1000, buy this book! I filed, paid my fees, attended the 5 minute bankruptcy hearing myself--all without any problem. It was a breeze!

D.S.

Chicago