J.K. Lasser's the New Bankruptcy Law and You (J.K. Lasser--Practical Guides for All Your Financial Needs)

A comprehensive guide to the new bankruptcy law—and what it means for you

Sweeping changes to U.S. bankruptcy law—the first major changes to the law in twenty- seven years—are occurring right now. If you're unfamiliar with the new bankruptcy law and how it could affect you, this book will quickly get you up to speed. While J.K. Lasser's The New Bankruptcy Law and You thoroughly covers this latest reform, along with its options and alternatives, it also answers must-know bankruptcy questions, such as: how do you decide whether bankruptcy is the right path to take, and if it is, when should you file? Other topics discussed include:

• The new law versus the old law
• The basics of bankruptcy law that apply to all bankruptcies
• Preparing to file for bankruptcy
• The liquidation option: Chapter 7
• The payment plan option: Chapter 13
• The basics of debtor-creditor law
• Preparing for a bright financial future
• And much more

With over twenty years of experience as bankruptcy attorneys, and a dozen years of experience educating people about money, authors Nathalie Martin and Stewart Paley can help you successfully navigate the world of bankruptcy and show you how to put yourself in a position where you'll never have to think about it again.

Filled with in-depth insights and expert advice, J.K. Lasser's The New Bankruptcy Law and You can help you make more informed financial decisions when dealing with complicated bankruptcy issues.

NATHALIE MARTIN has been a bankruptcy attorney for well over a decade. Currently, she is on the faculty of the University of New Mexico School of Law. Martin has published articles on bankruptcy as well as elder law. She is the author of The Glannon Guide to Bankruptcy: Learning Bankruptcy Through Multiple-Choice Questions and Analysis.

STEWART PALEY has been a bankruptcy attorney for a decade and a partner at the Philadelphia law firm of Klehr, Harrison, Harvey, Branzburg & Elhers LLP. He is currently a Visiting Professor of Law at the University of New Mexico School of Law.

Foreword.

Introduction.

1. How Did I Get into This Mess? A Story about Proliferating Credit, Volatile Job Markets, Rising Health Care Costs, and You.

2. Psychology of Debt 101: It’s Not All Your Fault So You Needn't Feel Guilty.

3. Happiness Through Saving.

4. The Economics of Consumer Credit.

5. The Basics of Debtor–Creditor Law: A Quick Vocabulary Lesson.

6. Do I Need a Bankruptcy at All?: Assessing Your Situation.

7. The New Law versus the Old Law If I Need to File, Should I File Now or Later?

8. Preparing to File for Bankruptcy: Don't File without Reading This!

9. Basics of Bankruptcy Law That Apply to All Bankruptcies.

10. The Treatment of Secured Creditors in Bankruptcy.

11. Basic Bankruptcy Procedures.

12. The Chapter 7 Discharge and Its Limitations.

13. Keeping Secured Property in a Chapter 7 Case.

14. Dismissal of a Chapter 7 Case: The New Issue in Consumer Bankruptcy.

15. Chapter 13 Payment Plan Cases.

16. Business and Bankruptcy Law.

17. Investing and Your Future.

Appendix—Chart of State Law Exemptions.

Glossary.

References.

Index.