How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Author - Albin Renauer ... [Goo?] [Posters]
Author - Robin Leonard ... [Goo?] [Posters]
Author - Stephen Elias ... [Goo?] [Posters]

This Paperback Book item from NOLO was reviewed on 7-Nov-2008.

Search ISBN:141330897X offer from Abebooks or used books from Alibris. How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Reference Book. Classifications : Budgeting & Money Management Personal Finance Business & Investing Subjects Books General Personal Finance Business & Investing Subjects Books General AAS Personal Finance Business & Investing Subject . Click the following link to view the cover of How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

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1) Paperback Book How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy by NOLO. At the outset, I have to say that as a retired attorney, I am one of the biggest fans of Nolo books in virtually every topic of the law offered by their expert authors. Nolo is truly the best publisher of books written by lawyers with vast knowledge in their areas of expertise; but also understand how to distill the most complicated information as terrific writers in order to assist readers from all backgrounds. That said, in large part the huge volume of content in this 15th edition is helpful along with the actual legal forms one will need to even start the process whether the reader decides to retain a bankruptcy attorney or not. The problem, however, is that most readers may not understand the full import of what is described in the book as best summarized on page 9 as part of Chapter 1. Specifically, in October 2005, Congress passed BAPCPA (Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act) at the behest of lobbyists (unfortunately from my understanding for the banks and credit card companies). Indeed, many colleagues in the law that I know considered this passage of legislation to be one of the most horrific changes in the law ever hood-winked upon an unsusupecting public. Why? At its core, its design was not so much to prevent Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and/or Consumer Protection (as ably described in this 15th edition) - but to make it utterly punitive for consumers to keep the one asset to which they were almost always entitled to as part of a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy - namely their home under the Homestead Act Exemption. Now fast-forward to 2008-2009 with our economy in a state of what some have characterized as similar, if not worse, than the Great Depression of 1929. Indeed, add to this mix - further specifics that include (1) the controversial bail-outs/rescue plans for banks and others still ongoing that one suspects have not filtered down to "Main St." folks (and for which the American taxpayer will be liable as well as being severely limited in clearing out their debt via Chapter 7 Bankruptcy); (2) the crash of the housing market; (3) the countless foreclosure victims; (4) the loss of equity in most American´s largest asset - their homes; (5) the inability of Americans to access credit in all forms to utilize at the very least a cash-flow-lifesaver during difficult times for food, clothing, medicine along with other essentials - and what is left? Nolo does attempt in every possible way to help in describing the good news and bad news here vis a vis Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. It´s just that one has a difficult time assessing what´s-in-between given America´s extremes economically from day-to-day. If you need help right now and it is an emergency - go for it. But if you can hang on for perhaps the 16th edition, that would be my best recommendation. Whatever you do, however, this is not the time to engage in a do-it-yourself Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Read the book as a guide and then get a referral for the best bankruptcy lawyer you can afford.¤

2) Paperback Book How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy by NOLO. The problem with a "do it yourself" bankruptcy toolkit is that there is just so much to know about bankruptcy, and a million nitty gritty details that can cause havoc for even an experienced attorney. I know this because my domestic partner is a bankruptcy attorney and she took a look at this book. She has not done much bankruptcy in the past few years and was hoping to learn a thing or two about post-bankruptcy reform practice, but she was disappointed here. For instance, she hoped for some tips on the cheapest and most efficient way to accomplish the pre-filing requirement for consumer credit counseling, the best websites to go to, etc. She didn´t find them. She also found some disturbing gaps in the legal information this book says it is giving the reader. For example, the book purports to tell readers how to use state exemptions -- but for pension plan assets, the book only lists the information from the federal exemption scheme. This is clearly an error, inasmuch as state laws do have different, unique exemption statutes for pension plans that can be crucial for debtors who are trying to use their state´s exemptions. In summary, this book is a noble effort and has some good information to offer, but it needs a thorough editing effort from some practitioners who really know their stuff. Until then, errors like the one just described could have disastrous consequences for nonlawyers who have no way of knowing how wrong the information might be.¤

3) Paperback Book How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy by NOLO. If you are at all considering filing bankruptcy, you should read this book. It is a great guide that is not only informative, but easy to read. The step-by--step instructions will help you wade through the process. Definitely user-friendly.
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4) Paperback Book How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy by NOLO. I´ll read almost anything published by NOLO because the advice and information is usually pretty good, even when it is on topics that don´t relate to me. That´s how good NOLO publications are! They help you navigate the legal minefield that our politicians have created for us, acting as well informed guides and translating all that legalese for the rest of us to understand.

While I can´t say that I would be ever file bankruptcy without the help of an attorney, this book presents all the problems that you might encounter, tells you how to overcome them but is never shy in telling you when you´ll probably be in over your head. The book explains the basics, provides all the forms and instructions you will need and is an excellent guide. Everything you could need to file on your own (and save yourself $1000´s of dollars!) is in this book - just take the forms they´ve provided -- just copy them, filling in the blanks with your own personal information, and you´re good to go!

I learned a lot from this book because it´s up-to-date with all the latest changes to the bankruptcy law. The book also provides legal references, citing former case law that you can look up yourself if you need to as well as provide further reading. There are also sections on what to do after you´ve received your discharge and what to expect.

A great publication even if you don´t have the confidence to go it alone by providing you with a lot of background information, do´s and don´ts and other issues and caveats that one might encounter when filing for bankruptcy.¤

5) Paperback Book How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy by NOLO. Nobody will like to read this book. Expect possibly bankruptcy lawyers. It is a book of dread. You read it because you have to read it, in situations where you suspect that bankruptcy is looming as a possible if not probable outcome.

Much of the value in the book lies in the numerous government forms that you need to fill out, in order to file for Chapter 7. Given that you are likely in straitened financial circumstances (otherwise why are you doing this?), the cost of this book is easily outweighed by its advice. Including very specific steps and forms needed for those steps.

The book´s language is clear and easy to follow. The authors have done well in stripping out all unnecessary legalese.¤

6) Paperback Book How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy by NOLO. Bankruptcy laws have changed -- now it´s even more complicated to file. This book guides you through the process, step by step.

This all-in-one book can help you find relief from overwhelming debt!

If you have more debt than you can possibly pay off, the bankruptcy system is there to help -- and with How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, you´ll find the clear and user-friendly information, advice and forms you need to get through the entire process.

First, the book will help you determine whether you qualify for Chapter 7 -- and whether it is the best way to deal with your debts. Then you´ll find out how to: