1.  Look at options- is bankrupty right for you.  Look at the options, is a legal debt settlement a possibility or a different type of chapter such as chapter 13.

2.  Find an attorney that can provide good advice.  Many attornies inclduing myself offer a free intitial meeting

3.  Be Honest- full disclosure is needed.  There is a trustee involved and you must provide assets, income, liabilities  and expenses.

4.  Know your rights as a consumer.  There are limits to creditor harrassment.

5.  Be prepared to take two debtor classes whcih can be done over the internet or phone.