How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Book

I. Introduction
How to Use This Book
What This Book Doesn't Cover
If You Need More Help
The New Bankruptcy Law: A Work in Progress

1. Should You File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy in America: The Big Picture
An Overview of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Who Can File for Chapter 7?
Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Make Economic Sense?
Alternatives to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

2. The Automatic Stay
Actions Prohibited by the Stay
When the Stay Doesn't Apply
Evictions

3. Your Property and Bankruptcy
Property in Your Bankruptcy Estate
Property That Isn't in Your Bankruptcy Estate
Property You Can Keep
Property Exemption Worksheet
Selling Nonexempt Property Before You File

4. Your House
How Bankruptcy Affects a Typical Homeowner
If You're Behind on Your Mortgage Payments
Will You Lose Your Home?
Ways to Prevent the Loss of Your House

5. Secured Debts
Secured Debts
What Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Does to Secured Debts
Ways to Deal With Secured Debts in Bankruptcy
Choosing the Best Options
Step-by-Step Instructions

6. Complete and File Your Bankruptcy Paperwork
Gather the Necessary Documents
Get Some Information From the Court
For Married Filers
Required Forms and Documents
Form 1 -- Voluntary Petition
Form 6 -- Schedules
Form 7 -- Statement of Financial Affairs
Form 8 -- Chapter 7 Individual Debtor's Statement of Intention
Form 21 -- Statement of Social Security Number
Form 22A -- Statement of Current Monthly Income and Means Test Calculation
Form B201: Notice to Individual Consumer Debtor Under § 342(b) of the Bankruptcy Code
Mailing Matrix
How toFile Your PapersAfter You File

7. Handling Your Case in Court
Routine Bankruptcy Procedures
Amending Your Bankruptcy Papers
Filing a Change of Address
Special Problems

8. Life After Bankruptcy
Newly Acquired or Discovered Property
Newly Discovered Creditors
Postbankruptcy Attempts to Collect Debts
Attempts to Collect Clearly Discharged Debts
Attempts to Revoke Your Discharge
Postbankruptcy Discrimination
Rebuilding Credit

9. Which Debts Are Discharged
Debts That Will Be Discharged in Bankruptcy
Disputes Over Dischargeability

10. Help Beyond the Book
Debt Relief Agencies
Bankruptcy Petition Preparers
Bankruptcy Lawyers
Legal Research

Glossary

Appendixes

1. State and Federal Exemption Tables
2. Worksheets and Charts
3. Tear-Out Forms
Index