Book Description

Written in plain English, the information in this comprehensive reference book will guide readers through the entire bankruptcy process in a simple step-by-step manner. Sample filled-in documents, worksheets, checklists, and straight-forward instructions allow readers to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and cancel their major debts.Revised to contain the latest changes to bankruptcy law. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

"SHE DID AN EXCELANT JOB"
"SHE DID AN EXCELANT JOB", IS WHAT WAS SAID WHEN I FILED MY BANKRUPTCY FORMS. FOR MONTHS, I STRUGGLED WITH THE KIT ON MY OWN. I COULDN'T GET ANY HELP FROM THE COURT CLERKS, AND I EVEN TRYED AN ONLINE CHAT WITH A LAWYER(HE WAS JUST AS LITTLE HELP AS THE CLERKS). MY OPTIONS BECAME: EITHER CALL IT A LOSE, OR ORDER A BOOK AND TRY ONE MORE TIME. WELL!, NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT TOOK ME TWO DAYS TO READ THE BOOK AND GATHER THE INFORMATION THAT I NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE KIT. I HAD BEEN WRESTLING WITH THE KIT FROM MAY TO AUGUST BEFORE I ORDERED THE BOOK. BELIEVE IT OR NOT, IT TOOK ME TWO HOURS TO COMPLETE THE KIT IN IT'S ENTIRETY, AFTER READING THE BOOK. I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE RESAULTS OF "DEBT FREE". I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANY ONE SET ON FILLING A CHAPTER SEVEN BANKRUPTCY, AND JUST CAN'T AFFORD THE FEES OF A PROFESSIONAL.

Great book if you are interested in filing Chap 7 bankruptcy
I found this book to be helpful for filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy as it has forms with instructions and examples along side. This is not the book for you if you are exploring other ways to correct your financial situation or if you want to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy. It has appendixes which list all state and federal exemptions. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive text covers an overview of bankruptcy; commencing and maintaining a bankruptcy case; automatic stay; jurisdiction and procedure; property of the estate; enhancing the estate—trustee's avoiding power; payment of claims; executory contracts and unexpired leases; exemptions; discharge; reorganization under Chapter 11; debt adjustments under Chapter 13 (individuals); and debt adjustments under Chapter 12 (family farmers). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This book is a must have!
This is a top-notch book by a pioneer in the field of bankruptcy law. It is a definite must have for any bankruptcy practitioner. Not only does Tabb clearly and effectively explain fundamental as well as esoteric bankruptcy principles, but he also provides excellent practical examples of the Bankruptcy Code in action. Hands down the best book I have seen on bankruptcy. ... Read more

Book Description

This major new work provides a complete analysis of theEC Council Regulation on Insolvency Proceedings, which takes directeffect in Member States without need for national legislation. TheRegulation has a considerable impact upon insolvency proceedingsthroughout the EU, and is also of major significance to parties basedoutside the EU which have any kind of credit-based relationship withparties operating within the EU, or which have property interestslocated inside the EU. The book contains a series of topic-basednarrative chapters, followed by a detailed article-by-article commentary on the Regulation itself, with cross-references to thepreceding chapters. It is written by a small team of top specialists,including the three editors, and also draws upon the comments of ateam of consultant experts across Europe. It will have internationalappeal to all law firms, libraries and institutions with a specialismin corporate or commercial law. ... Read more

Book Description

The potential failure of a large bank presents vexing questions for policymakers. It poses significant risks to other financial institutions, to the financial system as a whole, and possibly to the economic and social order. Because of such fears, policymakers in many countries—developed and less developed, democratic and autocratic—respond by protecting bank creditors from all or some of the losses they otherwise would face. Failing banks are labeled "too big to fail" (or TBTF). This important new book examines the issues surrounding TBTF, explaining why it is a problem and discussing ways of dealing with it more effectively.

Gary H. Stern and Ron J. Feldman, officers with the Federal Reserve, warn that not enough has been done to reduce creditors’ expectations of TBTF protection. Many of the existing pledges and policies meant to convince creditors that they will bear market losses when large banks fail are not credible, resulting in significant net costs to the economy. The authors recommend that policymakers enact a series of reforms to reduce expectations of bailouts when large banks fail. ... Read more

Book Description

Maximize your bankruptcy filing benefits. If you have to file a personal bankruptcy case, you can find the accessible, authoritative guidance you’ll need to do it right in order to get the fresh start you deserve. One of America’s top bankruptcy lawyers, Henry J. Sommer, clearly and carefully takes you through the process of filing under chapter 7 and chapter 13…helps you determine which course is better…alerts you to the legal protections you enjoy under the sweeping Bankruptcy Code…assists you in getting the right legal counsel…and helps remove concern about the stigma associated with bankruptcy. This plain-English version of Sommer’s definitive manual, Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Practice, provides you with a lucid overview of how bankruptcy works, then helps you:

• Determine if bankruptcy is finally the best path for you to take
• Select an alternative means of financial restoration if it is not
• Understand the myriad forms involved when filing
• Prepare for the sometimes complex proceedings once the paperwork is done
• Effectively use such "shields" as automatic stays and exemption provisions
• Capitalize on the many advantages of using bankruptcy court as a forum
• Work more wisely with your attorney—and much, much more!

Reviews (2)

Generally good but laws have changed since 1994
This book is a basic one with good general facts, but many of the bankruptcy laws have changed since 1994 when the book was published.

The Best Book on Bankruptcy
I have reviewed a lot of books on consumer bankruptcy -- and this one is the best. It is comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate. If you are thinking about bankruptcy, are owed money by someone who has filed for bankruptcy (or who might file for bankruptcy) or if you have filed for bankruptcy -- you should buy it. You won't regret it. ... Read more

Download Description

Carol Costa is a professional writer with a business background in accounting and real estate. She recently completed Alpha Teach Yourself Accounting in 24 Hours. Carol has first-hand knowledge of the bankruptcy process as she herself has filed it and survived it. James R. Beaman, J.D., has been practicing law in Arizona since 1974 and handles bankruptcy cases on a regular basis. He is the attorney who handled Costa's bankruptcy case. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Good job.
The author did a good job organizing the information in this book.

I would also recommend Surviving Financial Disasters by Tiffany R. Love which comes with a CD ROM and actual sample court documents from someone who has been there and done that.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Surviving Bankruptcy
What a great book! I recommend this book to anyone who is drowning in debt. Good advice and solutions that you can put to use right away.

Very Helpful Book
This book provided all the information I needed to deal with my current situation. It is very well written, and explains all the complicated issues in a clear and concise manner.

If you truly are an ..., then you will like this one.
This book was completely worthless to me. It has no specific information about how to file bankruptcy or avoid it. If you need someone to pat you on the back and say "everything will be all right" but not offer any constructive solutions, then this might just be the book for you. For those with more substance in mind, I would suggest one of the NOLO books. They actually know what they are talking about.

CASH IN ON THE ESSENTIAL BANKRUPTCY GUIDE
For those of you (and, yes, this means us) who are complete idiots when it comes to spending money - too much money, and then not knowing how we are going to pay for all those unwanted "necessities" - this book should be deposited directly on your book shelf. Carol Costa and James R. Beaman lay it all out, simply and succinctly: how to decide if bankruptcy is, indeed, the right option; a step-by-step guide to the actual process (with all those big words and legal language explained clearly and concisely), foolproof advice on dealing with those annoying creditors and their annoying phone calls, little-known ways to decrease monthly payments and expert advice on how to reestablish your credit. Yes it can be done, slowly and odically ... remember, says Costa, an expert as she herself has filed bankruptcy and survived it, there are no immediate magical solutions. "Just as it took many months, maybe even years, for your financial problems to develop," "she reminds us, "it may take some time for them to totally disappear." So, if you're in over your head, and drowning in a sea of debts, don't despair. Gather your bills, read the book, then decide. ... Read more

Book Description

Trying to decide whether or not to file for bankruptcy? This book from consumer-debt expert Robin Leonard addresses questions and concerns that may be keeping you up into the wee hours of night, including:

*Will I wipe out all of my debts?
*Will I lose my house?
*Will I lose my apartment?
*Can I keep my car and other property?
*Can I keep my credit cards?
*Will I lose my job?
*Will I lose custody of my children?
*Will I go to jail?
*Will someone from the bankruptcy court visit my home or business?
*Can I move?
*Can I change jobs?
*Can I get divorced?
*Will my friends and neighbors find out?
*Is it hard to file?
*Will I be able to get credit in the future?
*Will I be able to rent an apartment in the future?
*Is bankruptcy even necessary?

With these compassionate answers in hand, you'll be able to make the best decisions for your financial future. The 2nd edition is completely revised to reflect the latest bankruptcy rules, including changes in your state's exemption laws that let you protect your property. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great, Fantastic.
This is really a must have. I handled my own chapter 13, start to finish with this one. Even handled the emergency filing to get mean ole nasty pasty creditors that were harassing me intentionally off my case. I was even able to file a complaint with them thru the bankruptcy courts. This book references this, and I called the clerks office, and checked out web sites, and this book gave me the confidence, to file a complaint against these creditors. The interderagatorys are fanstasic. THese really helped me out, at my creditors meetings. I was able to even able to pursue a wage garnishment out of my soon to b X's pay check. This was the only way I was going to keep my stuff. I really enjoyed I must say representing my self. It is really not that hard, and more of u folks out there need to try it. They really don't chew ya up and spit ya out like everyone believes. It was not that stress ful, after everything was filed. Actually, It was nice to bask in the quiteness of the emeregency filing. My phone quit ringing. It was soooo nice. This one belongs rite up there with my bible. It was a thrill I must say to stand in line to file my paper work, schedules, and yes, I even filed a motion.! It was great standing there next to some of my towns high power bankruptcy attorneys. ONly thing, I have to say, when attorneys, start offering free advise, have a pen ready to write. I also learned be nice as pie to the clerks. They are so busy, and swamped with work. U will be glad you had patience. Patience is a virtue on this one as far as filings go. THe creditors meetings went well, I even drafted my own propsals of what I wanted, to happend. I even learned how to contest the amount of my truck, and did so, and requested the interest rate be dropped. I got just what I wanted. It actually was not as a terrible as we are taught in society to think. Oh my she/he file bankruptcy. It was not that bad, and also the bankruptcy court I went to, had a class on how to balance your budget, and it was very informational. Dom't feel bad if you have to do this someday. It happens to the bestest of us. IF you do this is definitely the book you wanna seek. I have compared up to some of the competetions, and I felt this one was the easy one to use. Plainest english. Simplest terms. I didnot feel intimidated at all by this book. This book covered all the bases, and then some. Others books I feel were not as complete as this one was. I researched books and sat down and looked thru them at my local book store. THis one won hands down. I must say, it is flexible, easy to tote with you, easy to put in babys bag, and easy to tote on bike with grocerys, and easy to clean up. I spilled coffee on mine... wipes up great. Later, Betty Hogges. :) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good job
The author did a good job organizing the information in this book.

I would also recommend Surviving Financial Disasters by Tiffany R. Love which comes with a CD ROM and actual sample court documents from someone who has been there and done that. Also tells what to expect after you filed your papers. ... Read more

Book Description

In 1982 Johns-Manville, a major asbestos manufacturer,declaresitself insolvent to avoid paying claims resulting from exposure to itsproducts.A year later, Continental Airlines, one of the top ten carriers in theUnitedStates, claims a deficit when the union resists plans to cut laborcosts. Laterstill, oil powerhouse Texaco cries broke rather than pay damagesresulting froma courtroom defeat by archrival Pennzoil. Bankruptcy, once a term that sent shudders up a manager's spine, has nowbecomea potent weapon in the corporate arsenal. In his timely and challengingstudy,Kevin Delaney explores this profound change in our legal landscape,wherecorporations with billions of dollars in assets employ bankruptcy toachievespecific political and organizational objectives. As a consequence,bankruptcycourt is rapidly becoming an arena in which crucial social issues areresolved:How and when will people dying of asbestos poisoning be compensated? Cancompanies unilaterally break legally negotiated labor contracts? Whatare theethical and legal rules of the corporate takeover game? In probing the Chapter 11 bankruptcies of Johns-Manville, FrankLorenzo'sContinental Airlines, and Texaco, Delaney shows not only that bankruptcyispursued by managers more and more as a strategy, but that it is becomingaccepted by the business community as a viable option, and not just alast-ditchsolution. This searing expos of current corporate practices will incite debateamongcorporate executives, lawyers, legislators, and policy makers. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Excellent to understand corporate strategies
This was a very clear and cleverly written overview of the ways in which corporations and commercial creditors use bankruptcy in new ways-- as strategies to gain things they desire. The author makes a very convincing argument that bankruptcy does not mean that you are broke anymore. In fact, if you hear about a company declaring bankruptcy, there is a good chance that there is some strategy behind it. After reading this book, you will never look at business bankruptcy the same way again.

The politics of corporate bankruptcy: top-rate
This book is not about the financial aspects of bankruptcy and it is not about how to turn around companies. It is about the politics of major corporate bankruptcies. It is clearly written and well documented. It is amazing how prescient the book is given what has happened at WorldCom and at Enron. For anyone that is interested in politics and the ways that Chapter 11 can be used as a strategy, this book is the best. If you want to understand why some huge companies might actually CHOOSE bankruptcy and gain some advantages by doing so, check out this book.

Don't Bother
The author should have stuck with sociology or at least taken an accounting class before writing this book. Overall, the book is what you would expect from a sociologist writing about business.

Corporate bankruptcy can be a STRATEGY!
I wanted to learn more about the asbestos problem and the bankruptcy filing of John-Mansville since I knew someone who had lung problems from asbestos. I heard about this book and got it. This is the first thing that I have read that really helped me to understand what happened when Mansville, the biggest asbestos company went bankrupt. The book is clear and explains complicated bankruptcy cases to the lay person. Now, I finally understand why people with asbestosis ended up going through years of delay in BANKRUPTCY court of all places! What is most amazing is how people who get asbestos end up being treated like "unsecured creditors" as if they lent their life to the corporation like a bank loan! Truly amazing.

Great book
I read this book for a college class. I expected it to be boring because it was about bankruptcy but instead it was really interesting... The cases do come alive and you realize bankruptcy means something different than you thought it did. This book has me interested in taking bankruptcy classes in law school, something I thought I'd never do! ... Read more

Book Description

Know your legal rights without spending a fortune in legal fees; get the advice of an expert for the cost of a book. It happens to everyone. You need legal help, but you have no idea what you're getting into or where to begin. The thought of hiring a personal attorney--and shelling out outrageous amounts of money in hourly legal fees--makes you cringe. Isn't there a better way? The Ask a Lawyer series arms you with practical, usable advice about common legal situations, answering your questions and familiarizing you with legal procedure before you ever set foot in a lawyer's office. Each book walks you through simple explanations of the law, legal definitions, tips, and sample scenarios, describing what will happen and what your options are. In some cases, these books can keep you from spending money on a lawyer you really never needed. Whether you ultimately decide to handle the matter by yourself or use an attorney's assistance for the completion of your plans, these books can easily save you thousands of dollars in the process.

You're in serious debt. It doesn't matter how you got there, but you're in way over your head and can't pay back your creditors. This book takes you through the steps you need to follow when you're having financial problems, including cleaning up your credit report, knowing when to file for bankruptcy and what to expect when you do, differences between a Chapter 7 and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, keeping your property, and reestablishing credit. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent, Beginner's Guide To Bankruptcy
Steven D. Strauss' Debt and Bankruptcy is an excellent, if not short, book on the personal bankruptcy process.

Because of its small size (around 140 pages, plus appendices), this is obviously not an exhaustive review of the entire legal process of bankruptcy, but manages to pack a lot of very useful and interesting information within its covers. I read the entire book over the course of a weekend, and was very impressed with how easy to read and understand the material was.

I have not read many other books on the bankruptcy process, but I certainly did learn quite a few useful things that I did not previously know from reading it.

Although the book briefly touches on other forms of bankruptcy, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the two, main types covered. There is a strong bias towards Chapter 7, which is probably the best solution for the majority of consumers seeking debt relief under bankruptcy protection.

Strauss' writing style is enjoyable and to the point. Most chapters are fairly brief, and delve right into the subjects at hand. There are some examples sprinkled throughout the book, but they are extremely limited in scope, and usually only a few sentences long. However, the information presented elsewhere makes the law easy enough to understand that examples are largely unnecessary.

I certainly enjoyed reading this book, and found it very useful, informative and entertaining. It is certainly well worth the modest cover price. For those of you contemplating personal bankruptcy, this is an excellent resource, especially if you are largely unfamiliar with the bankruptcy process itself. My only complaint is that it could have obviously been much longer and more detailed. Still, for its size, you are definitely getting your money's worth. ... Read more

Book Description

The complete do-it-yourself Bankruptcy Kit with all theforms required to discharge consumer debts under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, including judgement liens, non-purchase money liens, tax liens, medical bills and credit card charges, plus information regarding the dischargeability of Student Loans. Includes completed examples of each form. ... Read more

Book Description

Updated to reflect latest changes in bankruptcy law, this book explains which debts are discharged by bankruptcy and shows readers how to determine the worth of their property before filing for bankruptcy. An overview of the bankruptcy system and bankruptcy court is followed by guidance in typical bankruptcy procedures in states where filing can be done without an attorney. There is advice on subsequently reestablishing credit, and seeking out alternatives to bankruptcy. Approximately 60 pages of the book are devoted to legal blank forms. Barron’s Legal Ease books guide users through business details that are often put in the hands of lawyers, but which can be dealt with by practical men and women who have no formal legal training. Legal-Ease titles present advice and instruction from accredited legal and business experts, and serve as reliable guides for owners of small-to-mid-sized business firms and private individuals. They also make good supplementary texts for business students. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good job.
The author did a good job organizing the information in this book.

I would also recommend Surviving Financial Disasters by Tiffany R. Love which comes with a CD ROM and actual sample court documents from someone who has been there and done that. ... Read more

Book Description

Practicing Attorneys, Institutional and Corporate Counsel, Chief Financial Officers, Business Executives, and a host of others will immeasurably add to their comprehension of bankruptcy law in general, and Chapter 11 in particular, by reading and keeping readily available this handy, concise, eminently practical reference book. Drawing on the authors extensive experience and expertise in bankruptcy and corporate reorganization, the Fundamentals of Bankruptcy and Corporate Reorganization provides the legal fundamentals that underlie our bankruptcy system and focuses on corporate reorganization by offering the reader a practical guide through the complex labyrinth of Chapter 11. Messrs. Crames and Edelman, who have spent their entire careers immersed in the field and have represented clients with problems covering the spectrum of bankruptcy issues, provide the kind of practice points, observations and insights that make this work uniquely valuable. They have been on the cutting edge as bankruptcy law has evolved and reorganization cases have become more complex and sophisticated. ... Read more

Book Description

WE THE PEOPLE

No lawyers. Save money.

We The People is America's largest legal document services company. Dedicated to helping every American avoid the high cost of legal fees, We The People gives you the information you need to handle your own legal filings quickly, easily, and inexpensively. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have already liberated themselves from the tyranny of attorneys' fees—and now you can too!

We The People's Guide to Bankruptcy makes filing for bankruptcy as affordable and painless as possible—all without the added hassle of hiring a lawyer. This practical, nuts-and-bolts guide covers all the basics of do-it-yourself bankruptcy, and includes insider tips and the personal stories of other people who overcame tough financial challenges. Extra resources—a glossary of legal terms, a Q&A chapter, and sample forms and worksheets—make this the best resource available for handling your own bankruptcy. Plus, when you purchase We The People's Guide to Bankruptcy, you'll be able to download important legal forms to complete your bankruptcy filing. Inside, you'll learn all the basics and more:

• What bankruptcy is
• Whether bankruptcy is right for you
• Different types of bankruptcy
• Where to find the legal forms you need
• How to download legal forms you need
• The ins and outs of Chapter 7
• How to handle your creditors' meeting
• How to get back on your feet after bankruptcy

Bankruptcy isn't the end of the world. In fact, it can mean a new beginning for you and your family, and it's easier than you think. Do it right, do it inexpensively, and do it yourself—with We The People's Guide to Bankruptcy. ... Read more