Entering into bankruptcy is a significant decision, one that should be made with careful consideration of your unique circumstances. It's not a step to take lightly, but it can be the right choice if you find yourself struggling to meet your basic living expenses due to unforeseen challenges like medical emergencies, job loss, the loss of a spouse, or unexpected repairs. Bankruptcy may also be a viable option if you're working to prevent the foreclosure of your home, repossession of your automobile, wage garnishment, or dealing with persistent harassment from debt collectors.
Ultimately, the decision to file for bankruptcy is a personal one. We strongly recommend that you thoroughly explore all your options and seek professional advice from a credit counselor and a bankruptcy attorney before committing to this course of action. Your financial well-being is our top priority.
As part of our pre-filing bankruptcy counseling, one of Consumer Debt Counselor's certified credit counselors will engage with you to review your financial situation comprehensively. They will work with you to identify potential alternatives to bankruptcy and assess whether it truly is the best solution for your situation.
Additionally, your attorney will provide invaluable guidance on essential matters, including which chapter of bankruptcy to file, what to expect during the bankruptcy process, and the associated filing and court fees. Their expertise is instrumental in ensuring that you make informed choices regarding your financial future.
It's essential to have a clear understanding of how bankruptcy can impact your financial future. While it can provide relief from debt, it may also have negative consequences, such as a temporary hit to your credit score and credit history. You might encounter challenges when seeking personal loans or employment opportunities in the future.
Consumer Debt Counselors is here to guide you on your financial journey. Our Bankruptcy Counseling Course is designed to empower you with knowledge and support as you navigate the complexities of bankruptcy. We want you to make informed decisions about your financial future.
If you'd like to speak with one of our certified credit counselors to explore other debt management options, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (800) 820-9232 or request an appointment online. Your financial well-being is our priority, and we're here to assist you every step of the way.
Please review these consumer disclosures for our pre-filing bankruptcy counseling services carefully. You are required to accept or decline these terms prior to purchasing access to the Counseling in Motion course.
Consumer Debt Counselors charges $30 for pre-filing bankruptcy counseling and $25 for the post-filing debtor education course. This fee is the same regardless of whether you choose to complete the program alone or jointly with a partner as a couple. There are no further fees associated with receiving a certificate upon completion of either program.
Pre-filing bankruptcy counseling and post-filing debtor education courses must be paid for with a debit card online. Credit cards are not accepted for pre-filing bankruptcy counseling or the post-filing debtor education course.
Consumer Debt Counselors will waive the fees normally received for pre-filing bankruptcy counseling services and for the post-filing debtor education course when the client has an income that is less than 150% of the federal poverty guidelines as last published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that are applicable to a family of the size involved in the 48 contiguous states, Alaska, or Hawaii. You will be entitled to a 50% reduction in the fee if your income is greater than 150% but less than or equal to 175% of the poverty guidelines for a family of your size.
All clients who complete an instructional course are eligible to receive a certificate of completion at no additional charge. We have an obligation to provide the certificate promptly upon completion of instruction. You will only receive the certificate if you complete the counseling.
Consumers have the opportunity to negotiate an alternative payment schedule with regard to unsecured consumer debt. Consumer Debt Counselors can assist clients with setting up an alternative payment schedule such as a debt management program. If we are unable to provide a service needed by a client, we will refer him or her to another approved agency.
Consumer Debt Counselors does not notify credit reporting bureaus of your participation in credit counseling. Also, we will not inform your creditors unless you elect to pursue a course of action that requires us to do so, such as a debt management plan (DMP). Creditors may report participation in a DMP to credit bureaus. As a result, participation may negatively impact a credit report. Participating in a DMP will not have any adverse effect on your credit score, and, by the end of the term, will be a beneficial factor in terms of your credit. Filing for bankruptcy may negatively affect your credit score and access to credit. Our counselors will be happy to discuss the consequences of either of these decisions with you.
The Executive Office for the United States Trustees (EOUST), a division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), has approved Consumer Debt Counselors, Inc. to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an Agency's services. UST has reviewed only the agency’s counseling/instructional services and has neither reviewed nor approved other services the agency may provide.
Our team of qualified counselors is trained and certified by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Each counselor can be trusted with personal financial information, and all are qualified to help clients step-by-step make important choices about their finances.
Upon request, bilingual counseling services will be provided at no additional cost. Online courses are available in both English and Spanish.
Most of the funding for the debt management program comes from a combination of grants and voluntary contributions. Some of these contributions are from creditors who participate in our debt management programs. Consumer Debt Counselors neither receives nor pays referral fees for the referral of clients, except under a fair share agreement.
Most of our contributions come from clients.
Consumer Debt Counselors, Inc. may disclose some client information to the Executive Office for the United States Trustees (EOUST), a division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with EOUST’s oversight of Consumer Debt Counselors. Disclosure of client information may also be made during the investigation of complaints, during on-site visits by the EOUST or during quality of service reviews.
For more detailed information on how Consumer Debt Counselors handles personal information, please see our Privacy Policy.
If you are completing an EOUST-approved bankruptcy education course and have limited proficiency in English, you have the right to free bilingual instruction or assistance from a professional interpreter. Please contact us for assistance.
These disclosures are a reflection of our policies that directly impact our bankruptcy education program. Other agency disclosures are available in our Statement of Counseling Services.
By accepting these terms, you agree that you have read the consumer disclosures and that you understand the information on qualifying for a fee waiver. Upon acceptance, you will be taken to our fee waiver calculator.
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