Bankruptcy Counseling

Q: How much does bankruptcy counseling and education cost?

Each bankruptcy counseling and education session costs $50 to complete. The cost is the same if you are filing jointly or as an individual. MMI is able to waive fees for consumers whose household income is equal to or less than 150 percent of the estimated poverty threshold for their applicable family size as published in the current Federal Poverty Levels Guidelines.

Q: More questions?

Check out our complete list of bankruptcy counseling and education FAQs .

Before filing for personal bankruptcy, consumers are required to complete a pre-filing counseling session; and before receiving a bankruptcy discharge, debtors are required to complete an instructional course concerning personal financial management. These provisions are designed to provide debtors in bankruptcy with the skills and tools needed to avoid future financial problems.

We offer counseling options to help those either beginning the bankruptcy process or wrapping it up.

How it Works

Bankruptcy Pre-Filing Certificate

We understand that each person that seeks assistance has a unique financial situation. During your pre-filing bankruptcy counseling session, a certified credit counselor will work with you one-on-one to develop a detailed personal financial assessment. Your counselor will review your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. This in-depth bankruptcy credit counseling process will provide you with a true and accurate picture of your financial situation, a reasonable and manageable spending plan, a detailed action plan, and short and long-term financial goals.

Counselors are available by telephone from 8am to 5pm (CT), Monday-Friday. Counseling services are available in Spanish with more than 150 other languages available upon request.

Upon completion of the bankruptcy counseling session, you will be promptly issued a certificate of participation that allows you to proceed with the bankruptcy filing process. Timely certificate delivery is offered by email, fax, or mail.

Bankruptcy Pre-Discharge Certificate

The pre-discharge education course covers a variety of financial and budgeting topics, assuring you have the tools necessary to build a strong financial foundation.

During the bankruptcy education program, you will receive tips and tools for wise money management and credit use. You will also discover how to set achievable financial goals, calculate your net worth, create a livable budget, and build a savings plan. In addition, the program facilitator will share with you how to obtain credit reports, establish or re-establish credit, dispute errors, and protect yourself from identity theft.

Upon completion of the pre-discharge bankruptcy course, you will be promptly issued a certificate of participation that allows you to proceed and apply for the bankruptcy discharge certificate. Timely certificate delivery is offered by email, fax, or mail.

Who Can Benefit?

Those unsure if bankruptcy is the right path for them (pre-bankruptcy counseling).
Those who have begun the bankruptcy process and need the required certification to continue.
Those who have complete their bankruptcy filing and need the required certification to complete the discharge process.

Listed below are questions clients ask us frequently. If you can't find the answer to a question you have or you would like to know more details, please feel free to contact us using the form.

Are services available in Spanish?

Services are available in English and Spanish. Additional languages are available via an interpreter service.

How much does bankruptcy counseling and education cost?

Each bankruptcy counseling and education session costs $50 to complete. The cost is the same if you are filing jointly or as an individual. MMI is able to waive fees for consumers whose household income is equal to or less than 150 percent of the estimated poverty threshold for their applicable family size as published in the current Federal Poverty Levels Guidelines.

How long is a bankruptcy counseling/education session?

Pre-filing bankruptcy counseling typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour. Pre-discharge education courses usually require a minimum of two hours to complete.

Do I need an attorney to file for bankruptcy?

You are not required to use an attorney when filing for bankruptcy, however bankruptcy laws can be complicated. Working with a trusted attorney can help ensure a smooth process.

Does the bankruptcy counseling certificate expire?

Bankruptcy regulations require consumers to receive counseling within 180 days of filing. If you choose to file more than 180 days past the date of your initial bankruptcy counseling session, you will need to schedule another appointment to talk with a trained bankruptcy counselor.

More questions?

Check out our complete list of bankruptcy counseling and education FAQs.

"I'm beyond satisfied with the service I have received from MMI. Even though I was embarrassed about my situation, your reps never made me feel badly about myself and they made me feel confident that I would reach my goal. Thank you!"

Jaime B.
"The hardest part of using MMI was being brave enough to make the initial phone call. Thank you so much!! I have referred a family friend years ago, and she FINALLY got brave enough to make the call!"

Lisa T.
"I had my doubts in the beginning, but as soon as I got on the phone with MMI I knew I made the right choice. Very easy to contact and the process is quick. Thank you so much MMI! I've already started referring friends and coworkers! They need to know there are people really trying to help!"

Mercedes

Simplify the bankruptcy process. Connect with MMI to begin your pre-filing counseling or pre-discharge education session today!

Pre-filing bankruptcy counseling

Begin now or schedule an appointment.

877-895-2227

Financial education courses and workshops.

Pre-discharge bankruptcy education

Connect to begin your education course.

866-745-2227

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Department of Housing and Urban Development

MMI is certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide consumer housing counseling. The mission of HUD is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD provides support services directly and through approved, local agencies like MMI.
Council On Accreditation

MMI is proudly accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), an international, independent, nonprofit, human service accrediting organization. COA’s thorough, peer-reviewed accreditation process is designed to ensure that organizations like MMI are providing the highest standard of service and support for clients and employees alike.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling

MMI is a longstanding member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®), the nation’s largest nonprofit financial counseling organization. Founded in 1951, the NFCC’s mission is to promote financially responsible behavior and help member organizations like MMI deliver the highest-quality financial education and counseling services.