LEGAL SELF-HELP BOOKS
A selection of informative guides explaining the law for the layperson
These books are available at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library.
Animal Law
Frasch, Pamela. Animal Law in a Nutshell. West, 2011. 346.0469 F841a
Randolph, Mary. Every Dog’s Legal Guide. Nolo, 2007.
346.047 R194e
Art Law
Crawford, Tad. Legal Guide for the Visual Artist. 5th edition. Allworth Press, 2010.
340.0247 C899L
DuBoff, Leonard. The Law (in Plain English) for Photographers. 3rd edition. Allworth Press, 2010.
343.0787 D815L
Fishman, Stephen. The Public Domain: How to Find & Use Copyright-Free Writings, Music, Art & More.
5th edition. Nolo, 2010. 346.0482 F537p
Garon, Jon. The Independent Filmmaker’s Law and Business Guide: Financing, Shooting, and Distributing
Independent and Digital Films. 2nd edition. Chicago Review Press, 2009. 384.83 G237i
Poe, Randy. The New Songwriter’s Guide to Music Publishing. 3rd edition. Writer’s Digest Books, 2006.
070.5794 P743n
Stim, Richard. The Craft Artist’s Legal Guide. Nolo, 2010.
Stim, Richard. Music Law. 6th edition. Nolo, 2009.
343.0787 S858c
344.097 S858m
Business Law
Advani, Asheesh. Business Loans from Family & Friends. Nolo, 2009. 658.1526 A244b
The American Bar Association Legal Guide for Small Business. 2nd edition. Random House Reference,
2010. 343.07 A512a
Daily, Frederick. Tax Savvy for Small Business. 14th edition. Nolo, 2011. 343.05 D133t
DeSimone, Rebecca. Incorporate in Pennsylvania. 2nd edition. Sphinx Pub., 2007.
346.0662 D457i
DuBoff, Leonard. The Law (in Plain English) for Restaurants and Others in the Food Industry.
Sphinx Pub., 2006. 344.0464 D815L
Fishman, Stephen. Deduct It!: Lower Your Small Business Taxes. 7th edition. Nolo, 2011.
343.0526 F537d
Fishman, Stephen. Home Business Tax Deductions. 7th edition. Nolo, 2010.
McKeever, Mike. How to Write a Business Plan. 11th edition. Nolo, 2012.
343.7305 F537h
658.1522 M154h
Mancuso, Anthony. Business Buyout Agreements. 5th edition. Nolo, 2010.
Mancuso, Anthony. LLC or Corporation? 5th edition. Nolo, 2012.
Mancuso, Anthony. Nolo’s Quick LLC. 6th edition. Nolo, 2011.
346.0652 M269b
346.0668 M269L
346 M269n
Mancuso, Anthony. Your Limited Liability Company. 6th edition. Nolo, 2010.
Nottonson, Ira. Forming a Partnership. Entrepreneur Press, 2007.
346.0668 M269y
346.0682 N923f
Pakroo, Peri. The Small Business Start-Up Kit. 7th edition. Nolo, 2012. 346.0652 P152s
Pakroo, Peri. The Women’s Small Business Start-Up Kit. 2nd edition. Nolo, 2012.
Sargent, Dennis. Retire—and Start Your Own Business. Nolo, 2008.
658.1108 P152w
658.11 S245c
Silverman, Peter. The Client’s Guide to Mediation and Arbitration. American Bar Association, 2008.
347 S587c
Spadaccini, Michael. Entrepreneur Magazine’s Ultimate Guide to Incorporating in Any State. 2nd edition.
Entrepreneur Press, 2011. 346.0662 S732u
Spadaccini, Michael. Forming an LLC in Any State. Entrepreneur Press, 2007.
346.0668 S732f
Steingold, Fred. Legal Forms for Starting & Running a Small Business. 7th edition. Nolo, 2012.
346.0652 S822L
Steingold, Fred. Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business. 12th edition. Nolo, 2011.
346.0652 S822L
Consumer Law and Individual Rights
Annas, George. The Rights of Patients. 3rd edition. Southern Illinois University Press, 2004.
344.032 A613r
Barron, Nancy. Return to Sender: Getting a Refund or Replacement for Your Lemon Car. National
Consumer Law Center, 2000. 343.08 B277r
Benrey, Ronald. Know Your Rights: A Survival Guide for Non-Lawyers. Sterling, 2011.
The Consumer Action Handbook 2012. The Center, 2012.
349 B473k
381.34 C758c
Jasper, Margaret. Consumer Rights Law. Oxford University Press, 2008.
Jasper, Margaret. Privacy and the Internet. 2nd edition. Oceana, 2009.
343.071 J39c
342.0858 J39p
Jasper, Margaret. Transportation Law: Passenger Rights and Responsibilities. Oceana, 2009.
343.093 J39t
Lapidus, Lenora. The Rights of Women. 4th edition. New York University Press, 2009.
346.0134 L313r
Levy, Robert. The Rights of People with Mental Disabilities. Southern Illinois University Press, 1996.
346.0138 L668r
Pevar, Stephen. The Rights of Indians and Tribes. 3rd edition. Southern Illinois University Press, 2002.
342.0872 P514r
Understanding Patient Rights. Channing L. Bete Co., 2011.
MC 3621.1 U55u
Contract Law
The American Bar Association Legal Guide to Home Renovation. Random House Reference, 2006.
343.0786 A512a
Feldman, Steven. Government Contracts in a Nutshell. West, 2011.
Fishman, Stephen. Working for Yourself. 8th edition. Nolo, 2011.
346.023 F312g
343.0526 F537w
Jasper, Margaret. Hiring Household Help and Contractors. Oceana Publications, 2005.
Plimpton, Laura. Business Contracts. Entrepreneur Press, 2007.
346.02 P728b
Ray, James. The Complete Book of Business Legal Forms. Sphinx Pub., 2008.
Rohwer, Claude. Contracts in a Nutshell. West/Thomson, 2010.
344.0111 J39h
346.02 R263c
346.02 R739c
Stim, Richard. Contracts: The Essential Business Desk Reference. Nolo, 2011.
Stoner, Katherine. Prenuptial Agreements. 4th edition. Nolo, 2012.
346.7302 S917c
346.0166 S881p
Copyright, Patent, and Trademark Law
Butler, Rebecca. Copyright for Teachers & Librarians in the 21st Century. Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2011.
346.0482 B986c
Castle, Janessa. Your Complete Guide to Making Millions with Your Simple Idea or Invention. Atlantic Pub.
Group, 2011. 608.773 C353y
Docie, Ronald. The Inventor’s Bible. 3rd edition. Ten Speed Press, 2010.
608.0688 D637i
Elias, Stephen. Trademark: Legal Care for Your Business & Product Name. 9th edition. Nolo, 2010.
346.0488 E42t
Hitchcock, David. Patent Searching Made Easy. 5th edition. Nolo, 2009. 608.7 H674p
Koller, J. W. Jack. How to Make Your Own Patent Drawings and Save Thousands. Atlantic Pub. Group,
2011. 608 K81h
LaFrance, Mary. Copyright Law in a Nutshell. 2nd edition. West, 2011. 346.0482 L169c
Pressman, David. Patent It Yourself. 16th edition. Nolo, 2012.
346.0486 P295p
Stim, Richard. Getting Permission: How to License & Clear Copyrighted Materials, Online & Off.
4th edition. Nolo, 2010. 346.0482 S858g
Stim, Richard. Patent, Copyright & Trademark. 12th edition. Nolo, 2012. 346.048 P295p
Stim, Richard. Patent Pending in 24 Hours. 6th edition. Nolo, 2013.
Stim, Richard. Profit from Your Idea. 7th edition. Nolo, 2011.
Tancs, Linda. Understanding Copyright Law. Oceana, 2009.
Tancs, Linda. Understanding Patent Law. Oceana, 2010.
346.486 S858p
346.7304 S858p
346.0482 T162u
346.0486 T162u
Tancs, Linda. Understanding Trademark Law. Oceana, 2009.
Beat Your Ticket. 6th edition. Nolo, 2010.
346.0488 T162u
Courts
345.0247 B369b
Bergman, Paul. The Criminal Law Handbook. 12th edition. Nolo, 2011.
Bergman, Paul. Represent Yourself in Court. 7th edition. Nolo, 2010.
345.05 B499c
347.0504 B499r
Boston, John. Prisoners’ Self-Help Litigation Manual. 4th edition. Oceana, 2010.
Green, Victoria. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Lawsuits. Alpha Books, 2010.
344.0356 B747p
347 G798c
Spadaccini, Michael. Small Claims Court Guidebook. Entrepreneur Press, 2008.
347.28 S732s
Warner, Ralph. Everybody’s Guide to Small Claims Court. 14th edition. Nolo, 2012.
Education Law
Rothstein, Laura. Special Education Law. 4th edition. Sage Publications, 2010.
347.28 W283e
344.0791 R847s
Siegel, Lawrence. The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child. 7th edition.
Nolo, 2011. 371.9 S571c
Siegel, Lawrence. Nolo’s IEP Guide: Learning Disabilities. 5th edition. Nolo, 2011.
Elder Law
Benefits & Rights for Older Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania Dept. of Aging, 2013.
Frolik, Lawrence. Elder Law in a Nutshell. 5th edition. West, 2010.
371.9097 S571n
613.0438 B464b
346.013 F929e
James, Vaughn. The Alzheimer’s Advisor. AMACOM—American Management Association, 2009.
344.7304 J29a
Matthews, J. L. Long-Term Care: How to Plan and Pay for It. 9th edition. Nolo, 2012.
O’Reilly, James. How to Protect Elders from Harm. Oceana, 2009.
362.1606 M439L
346.0323 O66h
Sember, Brette McWhorter. Seniors’ Rights. 2nd edition. Sphinx Pub., 2006.
342.0877 S471s
Employment Law
DelPo, Amy. Dealing with Problem Employees. 6th edition. Nolo, 2011. 658.3045 D363d
DelPo, Amy. The Manager’s Legal Handbook. 5th edition. Nolo, 2009. 344.01 D363m
Fontana, P. K. What to Do When You are Fired or Laid Off. Atlantic Pub. Group, 2010.
Guerin, Lisa. Create Your Own Employee Handbook. 4th edition. Nolo, 2009.
344.0125 F679w
658.301 G932c
Guerin, Lisa. The Essential Guide to Federal Employment Laws. 3rd edition. Nolo, 2011.
344.01 G932e
Guerin, Lisa. The Essential Guide to Workplace Investigations. 2nd edition. Nolo, 2010.
658.314 G932e
Hood, Jack. Workers’ Compensation and Employee Protection Laws in a Nutshell. 5th edition. West, 2011.
344.021 H776w
Jasper, Margaret. Workers’ Compensation Law. 2nd edition. Oceana, 2008.
344.021 J39w
Mader-Clark, Marjorie. The Job Description Handbook. 2nd edition. Nolo, 2008.
Paetkau, Tyler. Hiring and Firing. Entrepreneur Press, 2007.
658.306 M181j
658.311 P126h
Sack, Steven. The Employee Rights Handbook. Revised and enlarged 3rd edition. Legal Strategies
Publications, 2010. 344.01 S121e
Steingold, Fred. The Employer’s Legal Handbook. 10th edition. Nolo, 2011.
Steingold, Fred. Hiring Your First Employee. Nolo, 2008.
344.7301 S822e
658.311 S822h
Estate Planning
Ashar, Linda. The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate in Pennsylvania. Atlantic Pub. Group, 2010.
346.748 A819c
Ashar, Linda. The Complete Guide to Wills. Atlantic Pub. Group, 2011.
346.054 A819c
Ashar, Linda. The Complete Power of Attorney Guide for Consumers and Small Businesses. Atlantic Pub.
Group, 2010. 346.029 A819c
Ashar, Linda. Your Pennsylvania Wills, Trusts, & Estates Explained Simply. Atlantic Pub. Group, 2011.
346.748 A819y
Clifford, Denis. Make Your Own Living Trust. 10th edition. Nolo, 2011. 346.052 C637m
Clifford, Denis. Plan Your Estate. 11th edition. Nolo, 2012.
346.052 P699p
Condon, Jeffrey. Living Trust Advisor. John Wiley & Sons, 2008.
346.052 C746L
Elias, Stephen. Special Needs Trusts: Protect Your Child’s Financial Future. 4th edition. Nolo, 2011.
344.01 E42s
Hanks, Liza. The Trustee’s Legal Companion. 2nd edition. Nolo, 2012. 346.052 H241t
McNulty, John. Federal Estate and Gift Taxation in a Nutshell. 7th edition. Thomson/West, 2011.
346.053 M169f
Nass, Herbert. The 101 Biggest Estate Planning Mistakes. John Wiley & Sons, 2010.
346.052 N265o
Planning Your Advance Health-Care Directives: Self-Care Handbook. Channing L. Bete Co., 2008.
MC 346.052 P712p
Randolph, Mary. 8 Ways to Avoid Probate. 9th edition. Nolo, 2012.
346.052 R194e
Randolph, Mary. The Executor’s Guide: Settling a Loved One’s Estate or Trust. 4th edition. Nolo, 2010.
346.056 R194e
Shenkman, Martin. Estate Planning: for People with a Chronic Condition or Disability. Demos Medical
Pub., 2009. 346.052 S546e
Stern, W. Rod. Estate Planning, Wills, and Trusts: for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs. Entrepreneur
Press, 2007. 346.305 S839e
Welch, Stewart. J. K. Lasser’s New Rules for Estate and Tax Planning. 4th edition. Wiley, 2012.
343.7305 W441j
Family Law
Doskow, Emily. The Legal Answer Book for Families. Nolo, 2011.
346.015 D723L
Hicks, Randall. Adopting in America: How to Adopt within One Year. 5th revised edition. WordSlinger
Press, 2012. 363.734 H631a
Jasper, Margaret. How to Change Your Name. Oceana Publications, Inc., 2005.
346.012 J39h
Ramsey, Sarah. Children and the Law in a Nutshell. 4th edition. Thomson/West, 2011.
346.0135 R183c
You and Your Aging Parents: Guide to Legal, Financial, and Health Care Issues. Random House Reference,
2009. 646.79 Y67y
Woodhouse, Violet. Divorce & Money: How to Make the Best Financial Decisions during Divorce.
10th edition. Nolo, 2011. 346.0166 W889d
Zemmelman, Mimi. Building a Parenting Agreement That Works. 7th edition. Nolo, 2010.
346.0174 Z53b
Financial Law
Baker, Sandy. The Complete Bankruptcy Guide for Consumers and Small Businesses. Atlantic Pub. Group,
2011. 332.75 B168c
Carr, Tracy. How to Survive and Prosper after a Financial Misfortune. Atlantic Pub. Group, 2011.
346.078 C312h
Elias, Stephen. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. 10th edition. Nolo, 2010.
346.078 E42c
Elias, Stephen. How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. 17th edition. Nolo, 2011.
Leonard, Robin. Credit Repair. 9th edition. Nolo, 2009.
346.078 E42h
332.743 L531c
Leonard, Robin. Solve Your Money Troubles: Debt, Credit & Bankruptcy. 13th edition. Nolo, 2011.
346.07 L581s
Maeda, Martha. How to Legally Settle Your Personal Credit Card Debt for Pennies on the Dollar: without
Filing Bankruptcy. Atlantic Pub. Group, 2011. 332.024 M184h
Forms
Warner, Ralph. 101 Law Forms for Personal Use. 8th edition. Nolo, 2011.
347.55 W283o
Health Care Law
Boumil, Marcia. Medical Liability in a Nutshell. 3rd edition. Thomson/West, 2011.
Hall, Mark. Health Care Law and Ethics in a Nutshell. 3rd edition. West, 2011.
346.0332 B764m
344.0321 H178h
Immigration Law
Bray, Ilona. Becoming a U. S. Citizen: A Guide to the Law, Exam & Interview. 6th edition. Nolo, 2012.
342.083 B827b
Bray, Ilona. Fiancé & Marriage Visas. 7th edition. Nolo, 2012.
Bray, Ilona. How to Get a Green Card. 10th edition. Nolo, 2012.
342.082 B827f
342.082 B827h
Bray, Ilona. U. S. Immigration Made Easy. 15th edition. Nolo, 2011.
342.082 B827u
Weissbrodt, David. Immigration Law and Procedure in a Nutshell. 6th edition. Thomson/West, 2011.
342.082 W432i
Landlord-Tenant Law
DeSimone, Rebecca. The Landlord’s Legal Guide in Pennsylvania. 2nd edition. Sphinx Pub., 2008.
346.0434 D457L
Fishman, Stephen. Every Landlord’s Tax Deduction Guide. 6th edition. Nolo, 2009.
343.0523 F537e
Hill, David. Landlord and Tenant Law in a Nutshell. 5th edition. Thomson/West, 2011.
Jasper, Margaret. Your Rights as a Tenant. Oceana Publications, 2007.
346.0434 H645L
346.0434 J39y
Lederer, William. The CompleteLandlord.com Ultimate Landlord Handbook. John Wiley & Son, 2009.
346.4104 L473c
Portman, Janet. First-Time Landlord. Nolo, 2009.
333.3388 P853f
Portman, Janet. Renters’ Rights. 7th edition. Nolo, 2012.
346.0434 P853r
Stewart, Marcia. Every Landlord’s Legal Guide. 10th edition. Nolo, 2010.
346.0434 S851e
Stewart, Marcia. Leases & Rental Agreements. 8th edition. Nolo, 2009. 346.0434 S851L
Legal Research
Elias, Stephen. Legal Research: How to Find & Understand the Law. 16th edition. Nolo, 2012. 340 E42L
Feinman, Jay. Law 101. 3rd edition. Oxford University Press, 2010.
349 F299L
Gifis, Steven. Law Dictionary. 6th edition. Barron’s Educational Series, 2010.
Hudson, David. The Handy Law Answer Book. Visible Ink Press, 2010.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster, 2011.
Nolo’s Encyclopedia of Everyday Law. 8th edition. Nolo, 2011.
340.03 G458L
349.73 H885h
340.03 M568m
349 N796n
Tucker, Virginia. Finding the Answers to Legal Questions. Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2011.
340.072 T894f
Nonprofit Organizations
Bray, Ilona. Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits. 3rd edition. Nolo, 2010.
Bray, Ilona. The Volunteers’ Guide to Fundraising. Nolo, 2011.
Fishman, Stephen. Every Nonprofit’s Tax Guide. Nolo, 2009.
658.1522 B827e
658.1522 B827v
343.0526 F537e
Fishman, Stephen. Nonprofit Fundraising Registration: The 50 State Guide. Nolo, 2010.
Masaoka, Jan. The Nonprofit’s Guide to Human Resources. Nolo, 2011.
658.3 M394n
Pakroo, Peri. Starting & Building a Nonprofit. 4th edition. Nolo, 2011. 658.048 P152s
346.064 F537n
Taylor, Scott. The Law of Tax-Exempt Organizations in a Nutshell. West, 2011.
346.064 T246L
Real Property Law
Blain, Michelle. Your Real Estate Closing Explained Simply. Atlantic Pub. Group, 2007.
346.0437 B634y
Bray, Ilona. Nolo’s Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home. 3rd edition. Nolo, 2011.
643.12 B827n
Jasper, Margaret. Home Mortgage Law Primer. 3rd edition. Oceana, 2009.
Jordan, Cora. Neighbor Law. 7th edition. Nolo, 2011.
346.0436 J39h
346 J82n
McKernan, Philip. Fire Sale: How to Buy U. S. Foreclosures Now! Wiley, 2010.
332.6324 M157f
Maeda, Martha. The Complete Guide to Preventing Foreclosure on Your Home. Atlantic Pub. Group, 2010.
346.0436 M184c
Schroeder, Alayna. Selling Your House in a Tough Market. 2nd edition. Nolo, 2011.
Warda, Mark. Homeowner’s Rights. Sphinx Pub, 2004.
643.1209 S381s
346.0432 W264h
Social Security and Retirement Law
Matthews, Joseph. Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions. 16th edition. Nolo, 2011.
368.4 S678s
Morton, David. Nolo’s Guide to Social Security Disability. 5th edition. Nolo, 2010.
Slesnick, Twila, IRAs, 401(k)s & Other Retirement Plans. 10th edition. Nolo, 2011.
Slesnick, Twila. Nolo’s Essential Retirement Tax Guide. Nolo, 2008.
Tax Law
Block, Sandra. Easy Ways to Lower Your Taxes. Nolo, 2008.
343.7305 S632i
332.024 S632n
343.052 F537e
Botkin, Sanford. Lower Your Taxes—Big Time! McGraw-Hill, 2011.
Daily, Frederick. Stand up to the IRS. 10th edition. Nolo, 2009.
362.42 M889n
343.0523 B749L
343.042 D133s
Fishman, Stephen. Tax Deductions for Professionals. 4th edition. Nolo, 2009.
343.067 F537t
Veterans’ Rights and Benefits
Hill, Janelle. The Wounded Warrior Handbook: A Resource Guide for Returning Veterans. 2nd edition.
Government Institute, 2012. 362.1086 P571w
Jasper, Margaret. Veterans’ Rights and Benefits. Oceana, 2009.
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MAK
343.011 J39v