Bankruptcy Counseling
If you and your attorney have determined that bankruptcy is the best option for you, you can complete the federally required education courses online.
WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM THIS SERVICE?
Whether you are considering or thinking about bankruptcy but are unsure as to whether this is the right path for you, or whether you have begun the filing or discharge process and need a certificate, we can assist you.
WHAT IS BANKRUPTCY COUNSELING AND EDUCATION?
Before filing for personal bankruptcy, consumers are required to complete a pre-filing counseling session with a provider such as CCCSMD. CCCSMD is approved to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an Agency’s services.
Before receiving a bankruptcy discharge, debtors are also required to complete an instructional course focused on personal financial management. These provisions are designed to provide consumers (debtors) going through bankruptcy with the skills and tools needed to avoid future financial problems. CCCSMD is here to assist you.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
CCCSMD offers convenient, easy-to-access online options for both pre-filing as well as pre-discharge. See below for more information.
Explore Your Options, Decrease Stress
The rules surrounding bankruptcy are complicated. CCCMD’s experts will help you understand what it will mean for your credit score and your employment, and explain your options. We’ll help you create a road map to financial stability.
Federal Requirements for Bankruptcy
The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 requires anyone filing for bankruptcy to show a certificate of completion for Pre-file Bankruptcy Counseling and Pre-discharge Bankruptcy Education through a U.S Trustee-approved nonprofit credit counseling agency. CCCSMD is approved to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an Agency’s services.
Bankruptcy FAQs
How long will a personal bankruptcy stay on my credit report?
A chapter 7 or 11 bankruptcy or a non-discharged or dismissed chapter 13 bankruptcy remains on your credit file for 10 years from the date it is filed. A discharged chapter 13 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for seven years from the date it was filed.
Why do I have to get credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy? Why do I have to attend a financial workshop before my bankruptcy is discharged?
The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 mandates counseling and education for all individuals filing for bankruptcy. This must be done through a U.S. Trustee-approved, non-profit credit counseling agency. CCCSMD is approved to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an Agency’s services. A certificate of completion for both the pre-file counseling and the pre-discharge education class must be obtained from the counseling agency. Pre-file counseling helps clients determine if bankruptcy is the best option available for dealing with their debts. The pre-discharge workshop helps them gain the financial skills they need to become financially fit.
What is covered during the pre-bankruptcy counseling session?
During the online session, you will explore the various reasons for filing bankruptcy and how the process works, including common consequences of bankruptcy. You’ll also learn where you stand financially, explore alternatives to bankruptcy (if available), and receive a personal budget plan. The online pre-file bankruptcy counseling session includes a brief check-in with one of CCCSMD’s Financial Advocates.
What are CCCSMD credentials to provide bankruptcy counseling and education?
CCCSMD has been providing reliable quality counseling since 1966 and is approved to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an Agency’s services. We’ve helped millions of individuals and families resolve their money management problems; we’ve also provided free financial literacy education to children and adults throughout Maryland and Delaware. Our team of certified counselors is trained to listen and to offer competent advice to help you through this most trying time.
Pre-file & Pre-discharge
Both pre-file and pre-discharge courses are available online. They are an affordable and convenient way to meet the bankruptcy requirements.
If you plan to file bankruptcy, federal law requires you to complete pre-file bankruptcy counseling before you file and pre-discharge education after you file in order to have your debts discharged. CCCSMD is approved to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code in all states except Alabama, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an Agency’s services.
Online Pre-file Bankruptcy Counseling
If you have already completed pre-file bankruptcy counseling and have your bankruptcy case number, see pre-discharge education below.
-
- The online course has a one-time fee of $19.95 for an individual or $29.95 for a couple and includes a brief call with one of CCCSMD’s certified Financial Advocates.
- When you have completed the pre-file bankruptcy counseling, you will receive the certificate that is required to file bankruptcy. The certificate is good for 180 days.
- CCCSMD can issue certificates only if you file bankruptcy in a Judicial District in a state where CCCSMD is approved.
Online Pre-discharge Bankruptcy Education
To enroll in CCCSMD pre-discharge bankruptcy education, you must have completed the following steps.
- You have completed a pre-file bankruptcy counseling session through an approved counseling agency and received a certificate. If you have not, you must make an appointment for pre-file bankruptcy counseling before you can enroll in pre-discharge bankruptcy education.
- You have filed bankruptcy in a Judicial District in a state in which CCCSMD is approved. CCCSMD is approved to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code in all states except Alabama, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an Agency’s services.
- You have your bankruptcy case number.
- The online course has a fee of $14.95 for an individual or $19.95 for a couple.
- Under limited circumstances, you may be eligible to have this fee reduced or waived. Individuals with household income under 150 percent of the poverty guideline for their applicable family size as published in the Federal Poverty Guidelines may be entitled to a fee waiver. Please let us know if you have any concerns about your ability to pay the online course fee(s).
- If you meet all of the above criteria, you may enroll in CCCSMD pre-discharge bankruptcy education class.
After Pre-discharge Bankruptcy Education
- You or your attorney is responsible for filing your certificate with the court. CCCSMD does not file certificates or represent you in court.
Returning Bankruptcy Client
All clients can return to their online courses using the following links:
6315 Hillside Court, Suite B,
Columbia MD 21046
1-800-642-2227