Named one of the best business books of 1991 by both Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, The Bankruptcy Kit has helped thousands of individuals and small businesses on the brink of financial collapse. Now, readers can turn to the second edition of this bestseller to find complete coverage of the latest-breaking information on this timely topic.

More Americans filed for bankruptcy during the first quarter of 2003 than in any other previous quarter in history, according to data released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Overall, bankruptcy filings rose 7.1 percent in the 12-month period ending March 31, 2003. The Bankruptcy Kit has helped thousandsof individuals and small businesses on the brink of financial collapse. Now, readers can turn to the third edition to find complete coverage of latest-breaking information affecting those consumers contemplating bankruptcy. The Bankruptcy Kit helps readers understand:The different types of bankruptcy The little-known changes in the bankruptcy law How bankruptcy can save one's home from foreclosure Taxes, divorce, and bankruptcy Federal and state exemptions How to make a fresh startThis new edition provides readers with the legal tools, support, and encouragement they need to transform a troubled period into the beginning of a brand-new, financially sound future.

Every year more than 600,000 people file for bankruptcy, and the numbers are growing. Bankruptcy itself is financially and emotionally difficult, but the stress is compounded when those filing don't know what to expect from the process. Here is welcome guidance from an expert attorney.

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.

An extremely lucid account of the concepts, implications and procedures regarding bankruptcy filings. Describes the four most commonly used forms of bankruptcy and what can and can't be accomplished. Covers the roles of trustees, bankruptcy court, statuses, priorites and the rights of creditors. Contains step-by-step sequences required for each bankruptcy process. The appendix features a significant amount of essential forms needed for or useful in bankruptcy procedures.

Everything needed to prepare a Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy is in this legal guide, including all official bankruptcy forms and easy instructions. Clear, concise and legally-valid in all states.

Stop creditors and get more time to pay. Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy stops creditors, lawsuits, wage garnishments, bank levies, and other collection actions immediately, giving you time to restructure your debts. Yes, you’ll pay into a three- or five-year repayment plan in Chapter 13. But your money will go toward the debts that matter most—like your mortgage, car loan, support obligations, and taxes. Remaining debts, such as credit card, medical, and utility bills, usually receive only a fraction of what you owe. Also, Chapter 13 offers unique debt solutions not available in Chapter 7, sometimes making Chapter 13 the better choice even for those who qualify for Chapter 7. For instance, only in Chapter 13 can filers do the following: keep all property avoid foreclosure and vehicle repossession pay the fair market value for a car, and in some cases, eliminate a junior mortgage loan. This plain-English Chapter 13 guide covers the Chapter 13 process from start to finish, explaining how to determine if you qualify for Chapter 13, what’s required to catch up on your mortgage and keep your home, and how to rebuild your credit after bankruptcy. You’ll also learn more about the following: how much you’ll pay in a repayment plan which debts get erased when the case ends, and how to find and hire the right lawyer The revised edition explains where to find legal updates, bankruptcy forms, and state-specific information.