LegalConsumer.com :: Free Bankruptcy Information, Means Test Calculator, Bankruptcy Exemption Laws


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Bankruptcy Info for Your Zip Code

 

Free . . . anonymous . . . for Your Zip Code  


What, When, Where
& How to File Bankruptcy

Learn how to file bankrupcty with overview of what is involved in filing for bankruptcy. Then check out the free downloadable bankruptcy forms where you can get the forms that you'll (or your lawyer) will need to fill out if you decide to file.

The local bankruptcy court info page provides maps and information about your local federal district bankruptcy court and how to find the courts "local rules."

50 State Bankruptcy Exemption Laws

The state bankruptcy exemptions (also known as asset protection laws) show you the bankruptcy property exemption laws for your state

 


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Free Means Test Calculator

A free bankruptcy means test calculator applies the local income and expense deduction standards for your state, county and metropolitain area to help you determine whether you pass the "means test" for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

You will be assigned a random number that will track your means test by setting a cookie. NOTE: You must allow cookies to use the calculator.

NEW! November 2009 median income standards!

 

Bankruptcy Lawyers Serving Your Zip Code

Want help?

The local bankruptcy services page uses your zip code to connect you with local credit counsellors, lawyers and other service providers who can help you if need want advice or help with the filing process.

Bankruptcy Portal: —
Consumer Bankruptcy on the Internet

The topic of bankruptcy is larger than this website.
It takes the whole internet to cover all aspects of a topic like bankruptcy.
When we find good stuff, we link to it.
Law, policy, legislation, politics, discussions, news.

Bankruptcy Links - Bankruptcy News - Bankruptcy Blogs


 

 

About LegalConsumer.com

 

Congress changed the bankruptcy laws to make it harder for people to file. I created this website to make it easier.

The "Bankruptcy Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2005" (BAPCPA) is a bad law. Some lawyers and law professors have taken to calling it the "Bankruptcy Abuse Reform Fiasco" (BARF). It's based on false assumptions about why people get into financial trouble and imposes additional rules and paperwork on people already overwhelmed by bad luck and unpayable debt.

Despite these new obstacles, bankruptcy law still provides valuable benefits to those who need it. It helps you get on with your life. Indeed, "getting on with your life" is the whole point of bankruptcy -- to put your debts behind you and go forward with a "fresh start." This website helps you learn about the benefits of bankruptcy and how to obtain them. It lists relevant and affordable products and services that can help you file for bankruptcy with a minimum of expense and hassle.

Information is not advice. Although this website will give you a lot of information about bankruptcy law and procedure, it does not -- and cannot -- tell you, specifically, how this information applies to your exact situation. Nor can it advise you which course of action is right for you.

Also, I attempt to keep this information up to date, but you are responsible for confirming its accuracy before relying on it. This website is intended as a supplement to other materials, such as the book I co-author.

The listings of bankruptcy products and services are not endorsements. They are intended to expose you to the full range of tools and services that can help you file for bankruptcy. Think of these listings as a phone book, not a referral. It is up to you to evaluate the quality of those products or services and make your own purchasing decisions. If there are third-party reviews of products or services, I attempt to quote or link to them.

Remember to bookmark this website if you have found it helpful so far. You won't find a more comprehensive collection of bankruptcy resources and information anywhere on the Web. Make it your starting point for your bankruptcy research. And tell your friends.

Best of luck to you as you traverse your financial troubles.

 

Albin Renauer, RelationalVision, LLC
co-author of How to File For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Nolo)

 

 

 

 

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Note: Some of our advertisers use forms to collect email addresses and other identifying information. These forms lead directly to their server. LegalConsumer does not collect this information.

 

Want to talk to a lawyer about your bankruptcy?

Call (877) 257-9043 or fill out the form below to connect with a local bankruptcy attorney through TotalBankruptcy.com.

 


What is Total Bankruptcy?

Total Bankruptcy is sponsored by consumer bankruptcy attorneys from across the country, and provides hundreds of pages of free consumer bankruptcy information, articles, blog posts, and other resources on its website at www.TotalBankruptcy.com.  Total Bankruptcy’s President, Kevin Chern, is the former managing partner of the largest consumer bankruptcy law firm in the United States, and has personally filed thousands of consumer bankruptcy cases.

Although Total Bankruptcy provides extensive free information about Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy and regular updates on bankruptcy news and developments, many consumers need help understanding how the bankruptcy laws apply in their particular circumstances and making good decisions about their next steps.  A consumer bankruptcy attorney may be the best source of that information, so Total Bankruptcy makes it easy for consumers by scheduling free, no-obligation calls with local bankruptcy attorneys.

Consumer Bankruptcy In the News...

Welcome, users of Nolo's

How to File for Chapter 7 BankruptcyHow to File For Bakruptcy


LegalConsumer.com helps you find local information and services to help you file for bankruptcy.

If you don't own the book, you can still use this site and the free means test calculator.

Don't own a copy?

Learn more...

How to File For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Nolo, 16th ed, 2009)

Buy or download now @
Nolo (publisher)

  • Designed to be "your legal companion" as you go through the bankruptcy process under the new laws.
  • Takes you through the process of filing and explains the impact of the new bankruptcy laws.
  • Step-by-step instructions cover the nuts and bolts of how to prepare and file each form, and alert you to situations that require a lawyer.

In Paperback and eBook (Adobe Reader)
Pub. Date: Oct 2009
Edition: 16th
Pages: 576 pp
ISBN: 9781413310603
Forms: 38 forms

Buy & download now @
Nolo (publisher)

 

Press Reviews

"Exceptionally clear."
The New York Times
"How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy advises on everything from how to file court papers to how to respond to threats from creditors.... A do-it-yourself bankruptcy book for people who can’t afford expensive lawyers."
Newsweek
"An in-depth guide to filing under Chapter 7, including state-by-state and federal exemptions as well as forms for do-it-yourself filers."
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine
"Can help you decide if bankruptcy is the right option for you."
Detroit News
"A valuable, easy-to-understand workbook."
Los Angeles Times
"Includes clear instructions on when and how to fill out all the necessary forms, which assets you may legally keep, even advice on whether your case is complicated enough to make it worth your while to hire a lawyer."
Forbes
"The best [bankruptcy books] I know are published by Nolo."
Harry S. Gross, host of
“Speaking of Your Money”
"Covers all the recent changes to the bankruptcy law, and shows you how to get through the entire process with the least damage."
Accounting Today

Customer Review

"I bit the bullet, and purchased Nolo's How to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. I represented myself in court and I was granted a discharge of all debts five months later."
Danielle A.,
Richmond, VA

Buy & Download now: Nolo (publisher) :: Powell's:: Amazon

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy:
Keep Your Property & Repay Your Debts Over Time
(9th ed, 2008)

How to File For Bakruptcy
Are you behind on your mortgage, taxes or other bills? Are creditors threatening foreclosure or repossession? Consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which can provide you an affordable repayment plan -- and let you keep your house, car and other property

In Paperback and eBook (Adobe Reader)
Pub. Date: May 2008
Edition: 9th
Pages: 496 pp
ISBN: 9781413308556
Forms: 29 forms

List Price: 39.99
Buy now:
Nolo (publisher) :: Powell's :: Amazon

Press Reviews

"In Nolo’s usual thorough fashion, here is a guide to an alternative to the typical Chapter 7 Bankruptcy."
Orange County Register
"An excellent book that can guide you through the [Chapter 13] process."
Forbes Magazine
"Chapter 13 Bankruptcy will save you a fortune in attorney fees and confusion."
The Midwest Book Review
"This is the best book going if you choose to file alone or if you want background on the Chapter 13 process."
Attorney Gary Klein,
co-author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Practice
"An excellent resource..."
Consumers Digest
"Contains many tear-out forms, federal and state exemptions charts, and the most recent legal documents and instructions on how to fill them out. "
Reference & Research Book News

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.

The New Bankruptcy: Will It Work For You? (New Bankruptcy)

The new bankruptcyby Attorney Stephen Elias. 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 (Adobe Reader)
Pub. Date: May 2009
Edition: 3nd
Pages: 400 pp
ISBN: 9781413310252
Forms: 22 forms

Buy this Book: Nolo (publisher's site) :: Powell's :: Amazon

Press Reviews

"Authoritative, comprehensive and packed with helpful advice and useful information, including state-specific details."
Eric Tyson, best-selling author of
Personal Finance for Dummies
and Mind Over Money
"With last year's change in the bankruptcy laws creating unprecedented confusion in the field, it's important to know whether it remains a viable option, and this book will offer both explanations and reassurances..."
Accounting Today

Foreclosure Survival Guide

Keep Your House or Walk Away With Money In Your Pocket (2nd ed, Sep 2009)


by Attorney Stephen R. Elias

Book $15.99 :: Download $9.99

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.


LegalConsumerLogoLegal Consumer - Bankruptcy Means Test
Bankruptcy Info For Your Zip Code

BANKRUPTCY COURTS: Website :: Maps to Courthouse

BANRKRUPTCY MEANS TEST CACLULATOR: Calculator :: State & Local Standards (Nolo edition of bankruptcy means test calculator)

BANKRUPTCY FORMS: Federal Forms :: Local Forms :: PDF Forms & Tools

BANKRUPTCY EXEMPTION LAWS: Homestead :: Insurance :: Pensions & IRAs :: etc.

LOCAL BANKRUPTCY LAWYERS: Google Maps, Lawyer Listings for your town.

 

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Website and calculator content by Albin Renauer, co-author of How to File For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Nolo 2008)
LegalConsumer.com website & means test calculator © 2009 -- RelationalVision, LLC. All rights reserved.