Since the passage of the 2005 Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA), filing for bankruptcy has become a much more complicated process. 

In order to complete a bankruptcy filing, you will now be asked to provide much more information than you would have previously.  Additionally, because these laws were enacted to discourage unnecessary bankruptcy filings, you will now have to fulfill more qualifications in order to file a bankruptcy. 

As a result of these new requirements, it is in your best interest to consult an Atlanta bankruptcy attorney before you make the decision to file for bankruptcy.  A legal professional can help guide you through this complex process as well as assist you in evaluating all of your options for rebuilding your financial life. 

The best place to start is by evaluating your current financial situation.  The 2005 law actually mandates that bankruptcy filers complete a consumer credit counseling course prior to filing their bankruptcy.  The organizations approved to provide this counsel are listed on the U.S. bankruptcy trustee’s Web site. 

The law requires that these courses cost the debtor no more than $50.  The debtor will receive a certificate of completion at the end of this course and should bring this with them to their meeting with their selected Atlanta bankruptcy lawyer.  The certificate will be included in your bankruptcy filing. 

Another step you should take in preparation for your bankruptcy filing is to request copies of your current credit reports.  These reports will show all of your creditors and the amount you owe to each. 

There are three national credit reporting agencies:  Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.  There are also several Internet sites that will combine the information from the three agencies and provide you with a free report. 

All of this information will help you and your Atlanta bankruptcy lawyer develop a plan that will be best for you while satisfying the more stringent requirements of the BAPCPA.