How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Book

Bankruptcy laws are changing! If you're going to file, do it now.

Around the beginning of October 2005, a radical change in the bankruptcy laws will take effect, making Chapter 7 bankruptcy available to far fewer people. If you are pinned beneath an unmanageable debt burden, you should consider filing for bankruptcy now.

Turn to How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy to get the plain-English legal information, practical advice and bankruptcy forms you need -- and avoid expensive attorney fees. It will guide you through each step of the process, showing you how to:

stop harassment by creditors and agencies prevent wage garnishments and attachments decide if bankruptcy is the right step to take fill out and file all forms cancel the largest amount of debt possible identify which debts will remain after bankruptcy keep the maximum amount of property remove liens on property figure out if you can keep your home deal with secured debts represent yourself in routine court hearings dismiss your case if you change your mind start rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy The 12th edition is updated with the latest statutes and cases affecting Chapter 7 bankruptcy in all 50 states, plus new forms that help protect your identity.

Please note: This book does not cover business bankruptcies, farm reorganizations or individual repayment plans (Chapter 13). For Chapter 13 bankruptcy, see Nolo's Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Repay Your Debts.

List of Forms Personal Property Checklist Worksheet: What Property Can You Keep in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy? Letter to Bankruptcy Court Form 1 -- Voluntary Petition Form 21, Statement of Social Security Number(s) Form 16A, Caption (Full) Exhibit "C" to Voluntary Petition Form 6, Schedule A -- Real Property Form 6, Schedule B -- Personal Property Form 6, Schedule C -- Property Claimed as Exempt Form 6, Schedule D -- Creditors Holding Secured Claims Form 6, Schedule E -- Creditors Holding Unsecured Priority Claims Form 6, Schedule F -- Creditors Holding Unsecured Nonpriority Claims Form 6, Schedule G -- Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases Form 6, Schedule H -- Codebtors Form 6, Schedule I -- Current Income of Individual Debtor(s) Form 6, Schedule J -- Current Expenditures of Individual Debtor(s) Form 6, Summary of Schedules Form 6, Declaration Concerning Debtor's Schedules Form 7 -- Statement of Financial Affairs Form 8 -- Chapter 7 Individual Debtor's Statement of Intention Mailing Matrix Form 3 -- Application to Pay Filing Fee in Installments Notice to Creditor of Filing for Bankruptcy Form 20A -- Notice of Motion or Objection Amendment Cover Sheet Notice of Change of Address Supplemental Schedule for Property Acquired After Bankruptcy Discharge Daily Expenses Pleading Paper Proof of Service by Mail