Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a complicated and lengthy process that requires multiple qualifications and certifications, as well as the assistance of an attorney, to complete. While Consumer Credit Counseling Foundation hopes to assist customers with these processes in the future, at this time we can offer you the following information:
Where You Begin
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 is a complicated and lengthy process that requires multiple qualifications and certifications, as well as the assistance of an attorney, to complete. While Consumer Credit Counseling Foundation hopes to assist customers with these processes in the future, at this time we can offer you the following information:
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.
From the comfort of your home, you can complete your pre-filing bankruptcy counseling online or by telephone. Counselors are available by telephone from 8am to 5pm (Pacific Time) Monday-Friday.
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 to you 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.
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.
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.
Bankruptcy is a major undertaking, so it is important that you work with an agency that can help guide you through the process with empathy and expertise. When choosing a bankruptcy counseling and education provider, consumers should:
Verify that the bankruptcy counseling agency of choice is approved by the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees and equipped to deliver the necessary counseling and education. A list of approved agencies can be found on the U.S. Department of Justice website.
Check that the organization has the capacity to help better their clients’ overall financial situation through continuing counseling and financial education.
Consider the organization’s commitment to quality. Make sure the organization is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Consumer Federation of America. Verify that they are accredited by an independent third-party organization, such as the Council on Accreditation (COA).
Bankruptcy regulations require consumers to receive counseling within six months of filing. If you choose to file more than six months past the date of your initial bankruptcy counseling session, you will need to schedule another appointment to talk with a trained bankruptcy counselor.
CONTACT
New Client Inquiry: 800-918-6709
Existing Clients Only: 800-656-6207
E-mail: info@cccfusa.org
Our office is open from
7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pacific Standard Time.