How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

by Elias, Stephen

• ISBN13: 9780873378277
• ISBN10: 087337827X
• Edition: 10th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-09-01
• Publisher: Nolo

Summary

Every year, more than a million people file for bankruptcy. This book provides a clear and complete overview of the bankruptcy process and includes step-by-step instructions and all the forms necessary to file.

Table of Contents

I Introduction: How to Use This Book
Quick Answers to Your Bankruptcy Concerns	2	(1)
What This Book Doesn't Cover	2	(1)
Icons	3	(1)
Getting Additional Help	3	(1)
Should You File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy in America---the Big Picture	3	(1)
An Overview of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy	4	(3)
When Chapter 7 Bankruptcy May Not Be Appropriate	7	(4)
Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Make Economic Sense?	11	(2)
Will the Automatic Stay Help?	13	(3)
Alternatives to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy	16
Your Property and Bankruptcy
Property in Your Bankruptcy Estate	2	(5)
Property You Can Keep	7	(7)
Selling Nonexempt Property Before You File	14
Filling in and Filing the Bankruptcy Forms
Finding the Right Bankruptcy Court	2	(1)
Before You Begin: Get Some Information From the Court	2	(2)
Bankruptcy Forms Checklist	4	(1)
Tips for Completing Forms	4	(2)
Form 1---Voluntary Petition	6	(4)
Form 6---Schedules	10	(37)
Form 7---Statement of Financial Affairs	47	(14)
Form 8---Chapter 7 Individual Debtor's Statement of Intention	61	(2)
Mailing Matrix	63	(1)
How to File Your Papers	63	(2)
Effect of Filing	65
Handling Your Case in Court
Routine Bankruptcy Procedures	2	(7)
Amending Your Bankruptcy Papers	9	(4)
Filing a Change of Address	13	(1)
Special Problems	13
Life After Bankruptcy
Newly Acquired or Discovered Property	2	(1)
Newly Discovered Creditors	3	(1)
Post-Bankruptcy Attempts to Collect Debts	4	(2)
Attempts to Collect Clearly Discharged Debts	6	(1)
Attempts to Revoke Your Discharge	7	(1)
Post-Bankruptcy Discrimination	7	(1)
Rebuilding Credit	8
Your House
How Bankruptcy Affects a Typical Homeowner	2	(2)
If You're Behind on Your Mortgage Payments	4	(2)
Will the Trustee Sell Your Home?	6	(6)
Ways to Prevent the Loss of Your House in Bankruptcy	12
Secured Debts
The Statement of Intention Form	2	(1)
What Bankruptcy Does to Secured Debts	3	(1)
Ways to Deal With Secured Debts in Bankruptcy	4	(8)
Choosing the Best Options	12	(5)
Step-by-Step Instructions	17
Nondischargeable Debts
Overview of Nondischargeable Debts	2	(1)
Debts Not Discharged Unless an Exception Applies	3	(9)
Debts Discharged Unless the Creditor Objects	12
Help Beyond the Book
Bankruptcy Petition Preparers	2	(1)
Bankruptcy Lawyers	3	(2)
Legal Research	5
Appendices
Appendix 1: State and Federal Exemption Tables	1	(1)
Appendix 2: Exemption Glossary	2	(1)
Appendix 3: Addresses of Bankruptcy Courts	3	(1)
Appendix 4: Tear-Out Forms	4
Index