On October 17, 2005 the Bankruptcy Code was amended. The changes will have little affect on your ability to file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and virtually no affect on Chapter 13 filings.

The following changes to the Bankruptcy Code will be addressed and handled by your attorney:

1. Your median household income may raise certain issues regarding the filing of your Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

If you were qualified to file a Chapter 7 under the old law, you are almost certain to be qualified now.

2. Each person must obtain a "debt counseling" or "briefing certificate" before filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Your attorney knows how to direct you to a reputable credit counseling agency to obtain the "briefing certificate" and to obtain one additional "education certificate" needed during the course of your case.

The amount charged by at least one reputable credit counseling service is $95.00 for an individual and $110.00 for a married couple. The fee covers all required counseling and certificates. The credit counseling is done on the telephone or on the internet, is very simple, and can be arranged by your attorney.

3. The Chapter 7 filing fee, charged by the court, has increased from $209.00 to $299.00.

4. Attorney fees may have increased slightly since more work is necessary. A written contract with your attorney is required.