Go to the free bankruptcy code resources first

The free Internet websites covering the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and the state bankruptcy codes are very helpful and good places to start with first.

I recommend: The Cornell University Legal Institute offers one of the best websites for the United States bankruptcy code, bankruptcy regulations and the most recent cases interpreting bankruptcy law. Findlaw is another place that gives you access to the federal material, in addition to providing information on bankruptcy attorneys in all fifty states. For state bankruptcy laws, one of the best resources is a site called Start Fresh Today, which has a state-by-state guide to bankruptcy codes.

Be prepared to pay for more comprehensive bankruptcy code resources

The most thorough websites containing bankruptcy codes and reguations are the ones you have to pay for.

I recommend: In terms of online legal research, Westlaw and LexisNexis offer the best resources, and they both have comprehensive looks at the bankruptcy code for the U.S. and all fifty states. They feature annotated laws, meaning bankruptcy codes that have cases interpreting their provisions tied into them, in addition to law reviews, practice guides and other resources analyzing bankruptcy codes. A lower cost and less comprehensive alternative is Loislaw. All of these sites offer credit card based flexible buying plans to access their information.

Utilize the extensive commentary on the Internet to understand the laws of bankruptcy better

You can find interpretations of the bankruptcy codes that will help you make sense out of the new bankruptcy laws.

I recommend: Nolo.com features FAQ's and articles on the new bankruptcy law passed in 2005 and its effect on both chapter 13 and chapter 7 filings. The Bankruptcy Law Network has an extensive archive of commentary that helps make the bankruptcy laws a little more clear.