Dealing with Debt sets forth an overview of the various types of debt facing consumers today, the manner in which different categories of debt are treated, and ways a consumer can manage debt and solve financial problems without having to resort to drastic measures, such as bankruptcy. The almanac also discusses debt consolidation and credit counseling, and advises the consumer on how to negotiate directly with creditors and tax collectors regarding debt before the debt collection process begins. The author describes the debt collection process and provides an overview of the law applicable to debt collection, and highlights the things the debtor should expect when debts go unpaid, including judgments, wage garnishment, repossession, and foreclosure. Dealing with Debt specifically addresses the state and federal laws designed to protect the debtor from harassment, threats, and other illegal tactics used by those seeking to collect on a debt, as well as scenarios where bankruptcy may be the preferred route once all other options have been considered are also presented. Special attention is paid to an overview of the new rules governing consumer bankruptcies that took effect pursuant to the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. Finally, this almanac discusses credit rehabilitation, and ways in which a debtors can begin to repair their damaged credit rating once they have been able to resolve their financial problems. The Legal Almanac Series consists of over 70 handy guides for the lay-person on all aspects of the law. Each volume includes an overview of the topic followed by chapters on the major issues in that subject. Each volume contains an Appendix containing several primary source documents as well as practical forms and checklists. A Glossary defines any technical terms used in the text.