Before you can file for bankruptcy under either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, you must complete credit counseling with an agency approved by the United States Trustee's office. The purpose of this counseling is to give you an idea of whether you really need to file for bankruptcy or whether an informal repayment plan would get you back on your economic feet.
Within 45 days after your meeting of creditors, you'll have to complete another counseling session, this time to learn personal financial management. Only after you submit proof to the court that you fulfilled this requirement can you get a bankruptcy discharge wiping out your debts. Failure to file this certificate and the official form B23 is the most common reason for denial of a discharge.
Click on one of these links for an approved agency to provide you with the pre-filing Credit Counseling Certificate and the post-filing Certificate of Debtor Education. For a complete list visit the web page of the U.S. Trustee's office by clicking here.
Cricket CredAbility Hummingbird InCharge GreenPath DebtorWise D.E.C.A.F. Abacus Clear Point Consumer Credit Counseling of Ventura DBSM, Inc. Consumer Credit Counseling of Orange County Springboard Free Credit Counseling (Tides) Ypside Start Fresh Today (English and español)