How to File Bankruptcy

Learn how to file for bankruptcy with an overview of the steps involved.

Bankruptcy Court Information

The local bankruptcy court page provides maps and information about your local federal district bankruptcy court and how to find the court's local rules.

Free Bankruptcy Forms

Check out the free downloadable bankruptcy forms, where you can get the forms that you (or your lawyer) will need if you decide to file.

Free Means Test Calculator

Our free bankruptcy means test calculator applies local income and expense deduction standards for your state, county and metropolitan area to help you determine whether you are eligible to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

New Means Test Income & Expense Standards nationwide effective November 1, 2019.

50-State Bankruptcy Exemption Laws

The state bankruptcy exemptions (also known as asset protection laws) show you what assets your state lets you keep if you file for bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy Lawyers Serving Your Zip Code

Need help? The local bankruptcy services page uses your zip code to connect you with local credit counselors, lawyers and others who can help you if want advice or help with the filing process.

How Much Does Obamacare Cost?

Learn about how the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) affects you where you live. Find answers to all of your Obamacare qustions, in plain English.

How to Sign Up for Obamacare

Learn how to sign up for Obamacare where you live, and how to take advantage of special programs and subsidies you may qualify for.

Obamacare by Zip Code Blog

• Five Things to Know About Choos­ing Health Insur­ance for 2020
• Your State’s Open Enroll­ment Dead­line for 2020 Health Plans
• Beware of Ads for Trump­care
• Six States Require Health Insur­ance For 2020
• One Way to Stay Out of Bank­ruptcy Court: Keep Your Health Insur­ance
• Seven Ways the ACA Pro­tects Peo­ple with Pre­ex­ist­ing Con­di­tions
• Fed­eral Judge Upholds Trump’s Cheap Health Insur­ance Plans
• Wom­en’s Health Care Rights Under the Afford­able Care Act (ACA)
• Health and Human Ser­vices Erases Afford­able Care Act (ACA) Infor­ma­tion for Native Amer­i­cans

How to Make a Medical Directive in Your State

Learn how to find the necessary healthcare forms for your state.

How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits

Learn how to sign up for unemployment benefits in your state.

Default? Cancellation? Bankruptcy?
How to Deal With Student Loan Debt

Learn how to deal with your student loan debt -- and avoid scams. Here, you'll find information you can trust about:

• Free, legal ways you can reduce or lower your payments
• Student loan cancellation rules
• Consequences of defaulting on student loans
• How to handle problems with your lender

What Are My Rights to Pay For Work?

Find out what your state's rules are for wage payment amounts, timing, and final pay.

State and Local Overtime Laws

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum standards for overtime pay. Many states have their own overtime pay laws but if those laws are less protective of employees than the FLSA, the FLSA overtime standards apply in the state.

What Can I Do If I Am Owed Pay?

If your employer has not paid you the full minimum wage, has not paid you overtime you earned, has not paid you for every hour worked, or has illegally kept your tips (among other things), you may have a legal claim for wage theft.

Does Your State Charge An Inheritance Tax?

Find out whether your state charges an inheritance tax and whether or not your estate will have to pay federal estate tax.

Will You Have to Go Through Probate?

Find out whether or not an estate needs to go through probate before it can be distributed and, if so, what the process is in your state.

Can I Use a Small Estates Affidavit?

If your estate falls below a certain threshold, you can collect and distribute property without having to go through probate at all. Find out what your state's small estate threshold is and how the procedure works.

How to Claim an Inherited IRA

If you are the named beneficiary of an IRA of someone who has died, find out how to claim your inherited IRA and how to manage it tax efficiently.

How Courts Make Child Custody Decisions in Your State

Understand the common factors judges use when making child custody decisions.

Get Parenting Plan Help

Here are the best ways to get help creating a child custody and visitation agreement in in your state.

How to Enforce a Child Custody Order

Answers to common questions about custody enforcement, including whether police will enforce a custody order.

Who Claims a Child on Taxes After a Custody Case?

The IRS usually gives the most tax benefits to the custodial parent. But there are ways to change the default rule.