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Bankruptcy Counseling

Pre-Filing Bankruptcy Counseling

Bankruptcy laws require consumers seeking bankruptcy protection to complete a bankruptcy counseling session and recieve a certificate of completion before a bankruptcy can be filed. This provision ensures that consumers understand all of their options, and that they have the necessary knowledge and tools to develop a sound financial plan for their future.

Advantage Credit Counseling Service (ACCS) is approved* by the Executive Office of the United States Trustees (EOUST) to provide the required pre-filing bankruptcy counseling and issue certificates in all judicial districts in the following states:

Approved States*

Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • District of Columbia • Florida • Hawaii • Kentucky • Louisiana • Nevada • New Mexico • New York • Ohio • Pennsylvania • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Washington • West Virginia • Wyoming

Contact Us Today! 1-866-409-2227

Immediate bankruptcy counseling
Certified credit counselors
100% confidential
Approved member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
In Good Standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

The purpose of personal bankruptcy is to give severely debt-burdened consumers the opportunity for a new financial start. If you are considering bankruptcy, it is best to approach it the same way you would if you were considering having surgery. To help you make the best decision you would likely ask the surgeon questions such as: what caused the problem, how severe is the problem, are there options other than surgery that are just as or perhaps more suitable, what are the consequences of not having surgery, and finally, what are the short and long term risks associated with the surgery. Prior to filing bankruptcy, you need to ask these same questions. Additionally, just as optimal health often requires life changes in addition to surgery, optimal financial health usually requires life changes in addition to bankruptcy.

What to expect:

Keep in mind that counselors may not offer you legal advise. Your counselor will provide you a broad overview of the new bankruptcy law; however, the key purpose of bankruptcy counseling is to develop a picture of your current financial situation and to give you the knowledge you need to determine if there are options other than bankruptcy that will enable you to eliminate your debts in a reasonable time period and to maintain a balanced budget. Bankruptcy counseling will also get you started on building a financial plan for your future.

In order to clearly see your current financial situation, a certified counselor will work with you to determine your net income and expenses for an average month. Some expenses, such as your rent or car payment are easy to determine. Others may be more difficult. For instance, how much do you spend on holiday or birthday gifts, vending machines, lottery tickets, lunches out and car repairs in a month’s time? To get the most out of your session, take some time and review your checkbook register, MAC card receipts, credit card statements and other bills to determine what you spend money on and how much you typically spend. Based on your input, your counselor will create an income and expense analysis. Like many, your expenses may exceed your income.

The first step in building a sound financial plan is to balance your expenses against your income. This is true whether you file for bankruptcy or not. Your counselor may recommend ways to increase your income and/or cut back on expenses. In addition, your counselor will refer you to other state or national resources (if you meet eligibility criteria) that may be of help. The Agency also offers a special debt management program that may be suitable for some individuals. Your counselor will also provide you with various money management techniques.

Upon completion of your bankruptcy counseling session, your counselor will issue you a certificate that is required in order to proceed with a bankruptcy filing. If you decide to proceed, keep in mind that the agency does not make referrals to individual attorneys. Your counselor may refer you to your local Neighborhood Legal Service agency (if you meet its eligibility criteria) or to your local bar association.

Contact us at 1-866-409-2227 for an immediate bankruptcy counseling session or to schedule an appointment.

*ACCS is approved by the Executive Office of the Unites States Trustee to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of the Agency’s services.div>

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