Stephen Elias

Attorney · UC Law San Francisco

Until his death in late 2011, Stephen R. Elias was a practicing attorney, active Nolo author, and president of the National Bankruptcy Law Project. He was an important part of Nolo for more than 30 years, and was the author or coauthor of many Nolo books, including  Bankruptcy for Small Business Owners. Other titles include Special Needs Trusts: Protect Your Child's Financial Future, How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy,  Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, and Legal Research: How to Find and Understand the Law. He was also one of the original authors of Nolo's bestselling WillMaker software.

Steve held a law degree from UC Law San Francisco and practiced law in California, New York, and Vermont before joining Nolo in 1980. He was featured in such major media as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Good Morning America, 20/20, Money magazine, and more.  

Articles By Stephen Elias

Using Chapter 7 Bankruptcy to Delay Your Foreclosure Sale
The instant you file for bankruptcy, all foreclosure proceedings must cease.
Should I File Bankruptcy Now or Wait?
Timing a bankruptcy filing wisely can have a significant impact on your future.
Getting Rid of Judgment Liens in Bankruptcy
You may be able to get avoid (get rid of) judgment liens in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
How Can I File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Keep My House?
Learn when you can use Chapter 7 bankruptcy to save your home.
The Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process: An Overview
Learn about the typical steps in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Your Home in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides opportunities for homeowners to delay or prevent foreclosure and pay off back debt on their mortgages.
Keep Your House With Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a great tool for avoiding foreclosure.
What Happens to Contracts and Leases in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
What happens if you have a lease or contract that is still in force when you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Debts That Survive Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
After you complete your Chapter 13 plan, some of the remaining debts won't be discharged.