Filing for Bankruptcy

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.

Making a difficult process easy

Bankruptcy is not a simple process. It can be a painful decision, even when it's the right decision. The last thing you want to do is make your bankruptcy filing more complicated than it needs to be.

Who needs bankruptcy counseling and education?

While MMI's bankruptcy services are available to anyone, the target audience for pre-filing counseling and pre-discharge education is consumers who have already decided to begin the bankruptcy filing process. We recommend working with a qualified attorney to help you navigate this sometimes tricky process.

If you're unsure whether or not bankruptcy is the right path for you, consider first speaking with a certified credit counselor. Credit counseling is free and may help you better understand the severity of your situation. Your counselor can also provide potential alternatives to bankruptcy, if appropriate.

Learn more about credit counseling

Begin when you're ready

Pre-filing counseling (required to begin the filing process)

877-895-2227 | counselors available 8am-5pm (CT) M-F

Pre-discharge education (required prior to discharge of debts)

866-745-2227 | counselors available 8am-5pm (CT) M-F

Here's how it works

Once you've consulted with an attorney and decided that bankruptcy is the right course of action for you, your next step will be to complete your mandatory counseling session.

Pre-filing bankruptcy counseling involves a thorough review of your current finances, including your debts, assets, and income. There is also important information about the filing process and potential impact of filing for bankruptcy. Within 24 hours of completing counseling you will receive your certificate.

Before your debts can be discharged, you'll need to provide proof that you've completed the required bankruptcy education course.

Pre-discharge bankruptcy education is designed to give you the knowledge and insight needed to build a strong financial foundation following your bankruptcy. You will learn how to set and meet goals, build a positive credit history, and live within your means. Following the completion of the course, you will receive a certificate which will allow you to complete the filing 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.

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.

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.

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.

Do both joint filers need to complete the counseling?

Joint filers only need to pay for one counseling session and one education course as long as both filers are present during the corresponding session or class.

"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

Making the decision to file for bankruptcy is just the start of the journey. If you haven't already, be sure to find a trustworthy attorney who can help you navigate the entire process. And once you're ready to complete your required bankruptcy counseling and education courses, consider working with MMI. We have decades of experience helping consumers get out from under debt and start over on surer footing.

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.