Bankruptcy Counseling
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.