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Credit Counseling Before Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Your Credit Counseling Requirement When Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

As you make your decision to file bankruptcy or not, Chapter13.Me is committed to giving you the information you need to meet all your requirements.

In this section, you will learn about credit counseling and debt management. The more you know about credit and debt management, the more ammunition you will have in your arsenal of knowledge to take control of your debts.

You connect with a nearby bankruptcy lawyer who can explain your Chapter 13 credit counseling requirement in more detail. All you have to do is fill out our free bankruptcy case evaluation form or call 888-632-0504, and we’ll quickly connect you with a local bankruptcy attorney from our nationwide network of sponsoring bankruptcy lawyers.

The Facts You Need to Know about Credit Counseling & Debt Management

It is federally mandated that before you can qualify to file bankruptcy, you must complete a pre-filing Credit Counseling Briefing. You can do this with an agency approved by the U.S. Trustee’s office.

You do not have a choice in this matter. If the certification is not filed with the court, your bankruptcy petition may be dismissed. There are three ways you can complete this course:

  • in person;
  • over the phone; or
  • online.

Simply choose the method which is best for you.  Your proof that you have completed this course will come in the form of a certificate.

Where Can You Locate an Approved Credit Counseling Agency?

For approved courses, you can check out the U.S. Trustee Program Web site.

How Much Will You Have to Pay for Credit Counseling?

How much you pay for your course will depend on where you live. Usually, the cost is around $50.00.

Another thing to keep in mind is that an agency is required to disclose its fees before you start your session and the agency is also not allowed to charge an extra fee for the certificate.

When Do You Have to Complete the Credit Counseling Briefing?

The briefing has to be completed six months before you file the bankruptcy petition.

What Do You Do with Your Credit Counseling Certificate?

The Certificate has to be filed with your petition. Your bankruptcy attorney can do this for you.

Are There Any Exceptions to the Credit Counseling Requirement?

Don’t hold your breath on this one. The courts don’t have a lot of discretion in this area. The exceptions are very limited and are stringently enforced.

Is There a Difference Between the Credit Counseling Briefing & the Debtor Education Course?

Yes! The Credit Counseling Briefing is what you take before the bankruptcy filing and the Debtor Education Course is what you take after your bankruptcy petition has been filed, but before the discharge is given.

Signing up for Credit Counseling Before Bankruptcy

Consumer debt in the United States recently reached the lofty average sum of $1,700 per household. This high level of debt has spawned a number of credit counseling agencies.

Some of these credit counseling agencies aren’t all they claim to be. Before signing up with a credit counselor, people in debt are often advised to do their homework:

  • Read the fine print. Go through the entire contract before you sign on the dotted line. If a credit counselor wants a large upfront payment, it may be a sign of a scam.
  • Check with the Better Business Bureau. Your local bureau will know if any complaints have been lodged against specific credit counseling agencies, which may help you separate the good from the bad.
  • Advocate for yourself. If you give your payment debt responsibilities to a credit agency, make sure it is making your payments on time, and reporting your activity to credit bureaus.

Credit counseling may keep some people out of bankruptcy, but it may also serve as a helpful supplement to a bankruptcy proceeding.

Explore Your Chapter 13 Requirements with a Local Bankruptcy Lawyer

If you choose to do so, you can explore your Chapter 13 bankruptcy requirements with a local bankruptcy attorney.

Just complete our free bankruptcy case evaluation form or call 888-632-0504. You can connect with a bankruptcy attorney near you today.