You are not eligible to file for bankruptcy relief unless you first receive a certificate of credit counseling within 180 days of the petition’s filing date from an approved consumer debt counseling agency. For your convenience, many course providers offer counseling via internet and phone. Though the choice in course selection is yours, we refer our clients to a low-cost debt counseling agency that directly provides our office with your certificate as soon as it is completed.

You must also complete an instructional course in personal financial management after the bankruptcy petition has been filed before the Court can discharge you of your debts. Like the consumer credit counseling certificate, we are happy to provide you the names of low-cost course providers. Please note, however, that Chapter 13 debtors may attend this course free of charge through the Chapter 13 Trustee’s office.