On October 17, 2005, the federal bankruptcy code was drastically changed and a myth was created that “bankruptcy is dead”.  However, the changes to the bankruptcy code only created more requirements for filing bankruptcy and made the system more complicated.  For example, individuals must now attend a credit counseling class prior to filing a bankruptcy case and they must attend a financial management class after they have filed for bankruptcy.  These classes may be completed via the Internet or by phone.  In addition, the amount of income that individuals earn in the six months prior to filing bankruptcy determines what type of bankruptcy case they can file.  Individuals may always file for bankruptcy relief, it just depends what type of bankruptcy case they qualify for under the new guidelines.  Filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is more limited than before the changes, but individuals may still file a Chapter 13 if they do not meet the requirements of a Chapter 7.  In addition, the changes to the bankruptcy code increased the amount of documentation relating to financial affairs that individuals must provide to their attorneys and the bankruptcy trustees. Bankruptcy is not dead, just more complicated.