General Resources

For general information on bankruptcy: what it is, who is eligible, are there alternatives, how do I do it?, use the bankruptcy page at Nolo Press. Also helpful will be their books on bankruptcy (The New Bankruptcy: Will It Work for You; Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Keep Your Property and Repay Your Debts by Robin Leonard; How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy by Stephen Elias are particularly relevant), available in print at your library or online through your library.

 

For information specific to this area, go to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California, which serves San Mateo County. They include lots of information for filing without an attorney as well as information helpful if you use an attorney.

 

Counseling

 

The current bankruptcy law may require you to attend debt counseling. For low-cost counseling on bankruptcy and other debt-related issues, try the non-profit Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco. It serves San Francisco and San Mateo Counties. Counseling is available in Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog as well as English.

 

Finding an Attorney

 

To find a bankruptcy attorney in San Mateo County, try the San Mateo County Bar Association, Lawyers Referral Service. They will set up with a low-cost 30 minute consultation with a qualified attorney.

 

Nolo also has lists of qualified bankruptcy attorneys.