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Bankruptcy

People overwhelmed with debt problems can get a fresh financial start by filing for bankruptcy relief. Bankruptcy can stop foreclosure on a house or mobile home, prevent repossession of a car or other property, stop wage garnishment or debt collection harassment, and prevent termination of utility services. In some bankruptcy cases, a plan can be approved to pay over time some or all of an individual's debts. After years of intense debate, Congress enacted an overhaul of the nation’s consumer bankruptcy laws in 2005.  The changes have made the process more complicated, but the basic right to file bankruptcy and most of the benefits remain the same for most individuals.


Special Reports & Press Releases


New Burdens but Few Benefits
An Examination of the Bankruptcy Counseling and Education Requirements in Massachusetts Report


Additional Resources

Six Things Legal Services and Pro Bono Lawyers Should Know About the Attorney Provisions in the 2005 Act


Related Publications

Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Practice, 2009 9th edition
The definitive consumer bankruptcy treatise, updated with the latest case law and Bankruptcy Code, forms and rules changes, by Henry Sommer, the nation’s leading author on consumer bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy Basics, 1st edition 2007
Who's Afraid of the 2005 Bankruptcy Act? This one package provides everything attorneys new to bankruptcy need to file their first case, with examples of forms to file, easy-to-use software, and more

Policy Analysis


The Private Student Loan Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2010
Testimony of Deanne Loonin for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law regarding, April 22, 2010

Is There a Role for Bankruptcy Courts?
Testimony of John Rao before Senate Judiciary Subcommittee: Mortgage Modifications During the Foreclosure Crisis

The United States Trustee’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Application Procedures for Approval of Providers of a Personal Financial Management Instructional Course
Comments  of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and the National Consumer Law Center

Credit Cards and Bankruptcy: Opportunities for Reform
Testimony  of John Rao at Senate Committee on the Judiciary field hearing on "Credit Cards and Bankruptcy: Opportunities for Reform", at Rhode Island College

Questions and Answers about the Mortgage Modification Bankruptcy Bills
(H.R. 200 and S. 61)
What is the status of the bills? What is the most significant feature of the bills which would make modification for home mortgages different than under current law for other loans? Q&A