Bankruptcy Resources

Many of our firm’s clients undertake significant research before filing bankruptcy.  We offer this page to help focus them.  The websites on this page are filled with significant information and practical ways to approach bankruptcy.   We encourage our friends and clients to take advantage of these resources.

Chapter 7 Questions and answers by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.  The Court itself has a wealth of information including “alternatives to Chapter 7”, “background”, Chapter 7 Eligibility”, “How Chapter 7 Works”, “Role of the Case Trustee” and “the Chapter 7 Discharge.”

Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court This is the official website of the Bankruptcy Court in Massachusetts

Bankruptcy Court Opinions and Rules

Very few of our bankruptcy clients will have the time or interest to read federal Bankruptcy Court opinions.  However, they are a wealth of information on how the Court will handle particular situations.  Furthermore, in our legal malpractice cases, they are a necessity when there is a bankruptcy legal malpractice case.

Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court Opinions This is where you can find opinions of the Court in Massachusetts bankruptcy cases.

U.S. Bankruptcy CodeThe Bankruptcy Code, or law, as passed and amended by the U.S. Congress.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Rules of Procedure 
he Federal Rules of Procedure in the Bankruptcy Court.

U.S. Trustee Program The office that represents debtors and administrates the personal bankruptcies.

Credit Reports

Free Annual Credit Report. Each year you are entitled to one copy of your credit report for free.  There are three main credit agencies:  Equifax; Experian; and Transunion.  The report we ask clients to use is the U.S. Postal Service delivered Experian (1-888-322-5583) report.  This seems the most comprehensive.  It is the one that US Trustees have asked us for if there is an issue.

Credit Counseling Required for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

The 2005 amendments to the bankruptcy laws require those filing for personal bankruptcy to obtain certification that they have taken two classes.  The first, called “Credit Counseling” and a second class called “Financial Management.”  These can be taken over the internet, or phone, and are relatively easy once you focus your attention on them.  There is a nominal fee.

Credit Counseling Agencies
The Bankruptcy Court’s list of approved credit counseling agencies in Massachusetts.

Credit counseling often goes under discussed and utilized in the system.  While some say it was a paternalistic approach put into law under the second George Bush administration, with a strong push by the banks and credit lenders, others say there is insufficient financial education in this country and this offers an excellent opportunity to provide a service, to the folks who are clearly the most in need.  We welcome clients and others to respond to this 2005 law.