Credit Counseling

Professional Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Litigators

Bankruptcy Pre-Filing & Credit Counseling
Before people can file for bankruptcy in the United States, they must complete credit counseling.  Credit counseling is mandatory and must be completed 180 days before people file their bankruptcy petitions.  This counseling must be led by a person or an agency that is approved of by the U.S. Trustee or else the session is not considered valid.  During credit counseling, people will review their debt and income with a qualified professional.  The counselor will provide the person with an evaluation of his/her individual financial situation.  Then, the counselor will then discuss the bankruptcy process, debt management and address questions the bankruptcy filer may have.

In most cases, credit counseling will last between 60 – 90 minutes and cost approximately $50.  After counseling has ended, people will receive a certificate of completion, which they must submit with their bankruptcy petition.  In order to reduce fraud, the certificate is generated by an automated system that is regulated by the U.S. Trustee Program.  In order to know if a counselor or company is approved of by the U.S. Trustee, people can visit www.usdoj.gov.   

Bankruptcy Post-Filing & Debtor Education Program
After people file for bankruptcy, they will also have to complete a debtor education program.  During the program, people will be provided with tips on money management, budget planning and avoiding overspending.  This educational program may be completed in person, on the phone or online.  Usually, the program takes 1 – 2 hours to finish and costs $50 - $100.  Once people have fulfilled requirements of the program, they will receive certificates of proof.

If people have any questions about credit counseling or the U.S. Trustee’s debtor education program, they should consider contacting the knowledgeable staff at The Arizona Bankruptcy Law Firm for more information. 

Arizona Bankruptcy Lawyers
If you are having a difficult time keeping up with your financial obligations, now is the perfect time to review your options with an experienced Arizona bankruptcy lawyer, like the lawyers at The Arizona Bankruptcy Law Firm.

The Arizona Bankruptcy Law Firm is committed to helping individuals throughout the state of Arizona file for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 so they can get out of debt quickly.