Bankruptcy Counseling and Education
When the U.S. Congress passed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention Act in the fall of 2005 it changed the way consumer’s file for bankruptcy protection. The Act requires consumers to complete a credit counseling session prior to filing bankruptcy and an education class prior to case discharge. The purpose of these sessions is to provide the consumer with the tools and knowledge to make sound financial decisions which will help them rebound from the bankruptcy and avoid problems in the future.
As an approved provider of these services for Southern WV, Eastern KY and Southern OH, our NFCC certified counselors/educators can help guide you through this process successfully, while maintaining your privacy and dignity.
Pre-Filing Bankruptcy Counseling
By law, you must complete pre-filing bankruptcy counseling within 180 days before you file bankruptcy. As part of this 60-90 minute session, a CCCS counselor will evaluate your personal financial situation, discuss alternatives to bankruptcy, and help you create a personal budget plan that meets your resources and needs.
This counseling is offered by:
• Telephone: call 888-534-4387 or 304-522-4321 to schedule appointment. Once scheduled our counselor will call you for the appointment. You may wish to complete an online counseling form to expedite the process. Upon submission of the form you will be sent an email advising you to call our office to schedule a phone session or if you prefer by noting on the application, we will call you to schedule your appointment. If you are filing jointly with your spouse, you will both be required to be on the line for the counseling session.
• In Person: call 888-534-4387 or 304-522-4321 to schedule your face to face counseling session. You may still fill out the online application prior to your in person session. (online counseling form) We will have the information before you arrive which will cut down on the time you will be in our offices. If you are filing jointly with your spouse, you will both be required to be in attendance at the counseling session.
You will need to provide our office with the last four numbers of your social security, verification of your income, date of birth and mothers maiden name. We currently charge up to $30 per person for our pre-filing counseling session (We accept money orders, personal check, debt or credit card). In limited circumstances, based on your household income and size, your fee may be waived entirely. Upon completion of the counseling session and receipt of the any verifications that we need, your certificate will be issued to you.
Pre-Discharge Bankruptcy Education
By law, before your bankruptcy case can be discharged—which means debts are considered satisfied—you must complete pre-discharge bankruptcy education. The course lasts about two hours and covers a variety of topics including:
• Setting realistic financial goals
• Information on your credit report
• Obtaining or re-establishing credit
• Managing budgets
• And more
This course must be completed within 45 days of your scheduled meeting of creditors. If it is not completed you may get your case dismissed. A dismissal means that you will have to start all over and will have to pay additional fees to your attorney and the courts. You want to avoid this by calling our office as soon as you receive your bankruptcy case number.
There are three ways to complete this course:
Internet:
Call 888-534-4387 or 304-522-4321 to schedule and get your unique id and password issued to you. Needed forms will be emailed to you with your id and password. Already registered? Click Here
In Person:
Call 888-534-4387 or 304-522-4321 to schedule your in-person course.
Bankruptcy Case Number will be required in order for you to be scheduled. This can be found on your Notice of Filing issued to you by the court. Verification of your case number will also need to be provided to our office so don’t lose it.
Required forms and payment of the appropriate fee will need to be received by our office before certificate is issued and released. We currently charge up to $35 per person for our debtor education counseling session (money order, debit or credit card, and personal checks are accepted.) In limited circumstances, based on your household income and size, your fee may be waived entirely.
All certificates for Pre-Filing Counseling and for Pre-Discharge Bankruptcy Education are given to you, the debtor. Our only responsibility is to provide you with the required certificate. Not your attorney. However, if you provide us with your attorneys email address we may email the certificate to your attorney. If you file on your own, the court house will not accept emailed or faxed certificates. You will be required to take it to them directly. CCCS of Huntington does not pay or receive fees or other consideration for the referral of debtor students to or by the Provider.
For bankruptcy education, click here: http://www.acce-online.com/moneyinmotion/index.htm.