While there are alternatives to bankruptcy, sometimes it is the most practical and realistic way for an individual to escape harassing creditors, confront financial difficulties, and achieve a fresh start. Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding that offers relief for debtors by providing a temporary or permanent stay on some or all of their debts. Consumer Bankruptcy (also called personal bankruptcy) can take two forms: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.  Chapter 7 involves the sale of all non-exempt assets in order to pay off creditors. Chapter 13 requires the creation of a debt repayment plan which can extend up to five years. The details of Consumer Bankruptcy changed dramatically on October 17, 2005, when The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act went into effect. Some of the changes include mandatory credit counseling, stricter eligibility for Chapter 7 filing, and additional burdens for lawyers. Understanding these changes is very important if one is considering filing for bankruptcy.