Nolo is a well-respected publisher of books and software designed
to help people handle their own legal affairs. Their website features
many helpful articles on a wide variety of topics, including bankruptcy.
You can also buy Nolo products there.
(DISCLAIMER: I co-author a book for Nolo on bankruptcy, so... yes,
I tend to recommend Nolo books -- for the same reason I write for
Nolo; because I think Nolo is an honest, decent company that produces
quality products.)
Step-by-Step Guides
Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 | Credit Repair
The following books take you step by step through the filing process,
including how to fill in the standard federal bankruptcy forms used for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy..
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:
* stop wage garnishments and attachments
* fill out and file all the forms
* cancel as much debt as possible
* deal with secured debts
* keep the maximum amount of property
* keep your home, if possible
* rebuild credit after bankruptcy
The 17th edition is completely updated and revised to reflect the latest laws and legal forms, plus the line-by-line instructions you need to fill them out. Get new information on foreclosure and exemption requirements, and read the latest court decisions. And, easy-to-use charts make looking up your state's laws a snap.
In Paperback and eBook (PDF)
Pub. Date: Oct 2011
Edition: 17th
Pages: 574 pp
ISBN: 9781413316339
Forms: 38 forms
Buy now: Nolo
(publisher)
Are you behind on your mortgage, taxes or other bills? Are creditors threatening foreclosure or repossession? Consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which can give you an affordable repayment plan -- and let you keep your house, car and other property. Use this plain-English guide to decide whether or not it's right for you.
Nolo's Chapter 13 Bankruptcy breaks down the Chapter 13 process and provides clear explanations of the law. First, you can:
- consider nonbankruptcy alternatives for solving your debt problems
- decide which is better for you -- Chapter 7 or Chapter 13
- determine whether you qualify for Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Then, delve deeper into Chapter 13 and find out:
- how filing bankruptcy stops creditors instantly (the "automatic stay")
- how Chapter 13 can help you avoid foreclosure
- whether you can reduce your car loan balance, or the balance on other secured debts
- whether you can get rid of second mortgages or home equity debt
If you think Chapter 13 bankruptcy could work for you, you'll be ready to:
- determine (with the book's forms and step-by-step instructions) whether you have enough income to come up with a repayment plan that the court will approve
- calculate the amount of your monthly plan payment
- find and work effectively with an excellent lawyer, and
- rebuild your credit after bankruptcy.
This newest edition includes information on hiring and working with a lawyer, recent court rulings that interpret the federal bankruptcy laws. You'll also find the latest bankruptcy exemption laws in your state, which determine what copy you can keep, and recent IRS standard expense amounts, which affect Chapter 13 plan payments.
In Paperback and eBook (Adobe Reader)
Pub. Date: May 2012
Edition: 11th
Pages: 496 pp
ISBN: 9781413310696
Forms: 29 forms
List Price: 39.99
Buy now: Nolo
(publisher)
Books on Bankruptcy, Generally
The following books give you a good overview of how bankruptcy fits
in the with other debt relief options, and helps you figure out how
bankruptcy could help your particular debt problems.
This book discusses, in plain-English
the practical implications of the bankruptcy law changes that
took effect in October 2005. The book explains how the new law is
not as bad as you may have thought. Most people
in financial straits can still gain much from filing. But there is
more paperwork and more stringent rules than under the old law.
Find out what's good about the new law, what's bad,
and how the new rules may affect you.
In Paperback and eBook (PDF)
Pub. Date: May 2011
Edition: 4th
Pages: 419 pp
ISBN: 9781413313918
Forms: 27 forms
Buy this Book: Nolo
(publisher's site)
The only bankruptcy guide written just for small business owners
If your business is facing hard times, you may need to consider Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which can let you wipe out personal debts and possibly, some business debts as well.
With Bankruptcy for Small Business Owners, you can find out how to assess the financial condition of your business and determine whether bankruptcy is a good choice for you. Learn about:
- your bankruptcy options (Chapter 7, Chapter 13)
- eligibility requirements for filing bankruptcy
- how bankruptcy would affect your business debts and assets
- "look back" requirements -- periods of time during which personal or business actions have created obstacles to filing for bankruptcy
- how filing bankrupty stops creditors from coming after you (the "automatic stay")
- how to put a value on business assets, including good will and intellectual property
- exemptions that protect a small business owner's property
- what happens to a house in bankruptcy
The book contains all the forms you need for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, plus all the instructions you need to fill them out and file them in federal bankruptcy court.
Keep as much of your property as possible and tackle business debt so you can move on to your next venture with Bankruptcy for Small Business Owners.
In Paperback and eBook (Adobe Reader)
Edition: 1st (March 2010)
Cover price $39.99
"The most prominent U.S. publisher of self-help legal aids."
Time Magazine
"The nation’s largest publisher of self-help legal books and software."
-The Wall Street Journal
Credit Repair
After bankruptcy, or even if you never file, there are things you can do to repair your credit and get the benefits of a higer credit score.
Credit problems? Get the acclaimed plain-English guide to fixing your credit report!
Nearly 80 percent of credit reports contain errors. In a tough economy when credit is tight, you need to be certain that your financial records are correct and up-to-date. A less-than-flattering report can hurt your chances of qualifying for credit card, loans, renting an apartment or even finding a job.
But a bad credit report can almost always be improved or corrected. Credit Repair shows you how to fix your credit situation quickly and easily, explaining the necessary steps in plain English. Learn how to:
- avoid overspending
- establish a realistic budget
- get out of debt now
- build a financial cushion
- read and understand your credit report
- get mistakes on your credit report fixed
- protect your social security number
- avoid credit discrimination
- get positive information added to your credit report
- negotiate with creditors
Credit Repair includes dozens of forms and letters on CD-ROM that will help you spruce up your credit report as easily as possible!
In Paperback and eBook (PDF)
Pub. Date: May 2011
Edition: 10th
Pages: 268 pp
ISBN: 9781413314205
Forms: 39 forms
Buy now: Nolo
(publisher)
Alternatives to Bankruptcy
Feeling overwhelmed by your debts? If you're ready to regain your financial freedom, feeling the squeeze of the housing bust or simply get smarter about managing your money, you'll find everything you need in this complete guide. Solve Your Money Troubles shows you how to:
- prioritize debts
- create a budget
- negotiate with creditors
- stop collector harassment
- challenge wage attachments
- contend with repossessions
- respond to creditor lawsuits
- qualify for a mortgage
- rebuild credit
- decide if bankruptcy is the right option for you
To make the process easier, the 12th edition of Solve Your Money Troubles includes all-new sample letters to creditors which reflect changing financial times, as well as worksheets and charts to calculate your debts and expenses and help you create a repayment plan. You'll also get fully updated state laws and new information on dealing with foreclosure.
In Paperback and eBook (Adobe Reader)
Pub. Date: April 2011
Edition: 13th
Pages: 536 pp
Foreclosure
Keep Your House or Walk Away With Money In Your Pocket
(3rd ed, September 2011)
by Attorney Stephen R. Elias
Facing foreclosure? Know your options!
If you're having trouble making your mortgage payments or are already in jeopardy of foreclosure, The Foreclosure Survival Guide compassionately gives you the practical information you need, step by step.
An essential tool for anyone at risk of foreclosure, The Foreclosure Survival Guide provides key information about:
- mortgages, including adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs)
- short sales
- deeds in lieu of foreclosure
- judicial and non-judicial foreclosure
- credit counseling
- liens, and
- using bankruptcy to deal with foreclosure.
The Foreclosure Survival Guide gathers all the information Attorney Stephen R. Elias has used to help hundreds of clients over 30 years of practicing law and shows you how to deal with foreclosure.
Like many hardworking people facing foreclosure in this rough economy, you deserve answers to your pressing questions. Thorough and easy to understand, The Foreclosure Survival Guide can help you stay in your home or walk away with money in your pocket.
Books for Bankruptcy Professionals
The following books are written for lawyers and law students and
do not attempt to translate the law into plain English.
by David
G. Epstein
Don't expect a lot of plain English in this book. This is for people
who are comfortable with legal lingo and want a quick overview of
this area of law. Be sure you get the 2005 or later edition with the
blue cover.
Paperback: 474 pages
Publisher: West
7th edition
Buy from: Powell's :: Amazon
Contains the full text of the new Bankruptcy Code effective October
2005 including comparisons to the old Code; a checklist of key
changes and effective dates so practitioners can quickly know important
information.
Buy from: Powell's :
Pricey but highly recommended for bankruptcy professionals who want to keep up with the latest news and court cases interpreting the provisions of the new bankruptcy law. Provides articles, commentaries, and practice pointers to improve business. Excellent resource for consumer bankruptcy attorneys. Buy from: Amazon
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