Bankruptcy Counseling and Education
The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act became effective on October 17, 2005. The new law requires that consumers considering filing bankruptcy be provided with information to make an informed decision and with the skills and tools needed to avoid future financial problems. Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) has been approved by the Executive Office of the U.S. Trustee to offer pre-bankruptcy counseling and pre-discharge financial education.* CCCS offers affordable, convenient programs to meet all bankruptcy counseling and education requirements.Pre-Bankruptcy Counseling
Our certified professional counselors have experience in helping with financial problems. They cannot provide you with legal advice. In fact, this session is designed to provide you with information and alternatives; it is not intended to take the place of a consultation with an attorney to explore your legal rights and options. Our role is not to be judgmental, but to provide assistance. A certified counselor will complete a budget analysis, review the bankruptcy process, explore possible alternatives and review the consequences of your choices so that you can make an informed decision.
To help cover the cost of providing this service to you, this agency charges a fee of $50 per session. Payment may be made only in the form of a cashier’s check or money order. In limited circumstances, you may be eligible to have this fee waived. In-person and telephone pre-bankruptcy counseling sessions are available for those within the Southern Ohio judicial district at our Dayton, Springfield and Sidney, Ohio locations. Internet services are not available.
CCCS will issue a certificate at the conclusion of the session that you will need, should you decide to file for bankruptcy. The certificate is valid for up to 180 days.
Pre-Discharge Debtor Education
You are about to complete the bankruptcy process. Your personal financial life has undergone significant changes and you may have experienced some unpleasant side affects. CCCS will provide you with the tools and knowledge to build a new financial life based on sound financial principals.
Pre-discharge workshops are offered only at our Dayton office. Internet workshops are not available. To attend the course, you must have filed your bankruptcy petition and must provide a 7-digit bankruptcy case number. The cost is $40 per participant. Payment must be made at the time of the class by either a cashier’s check or money order. In limited circumstances, you may be eligible to have this fee waived. Space is limited, so please call to reserve a seat. You will need to bring payment, state-issued photo identification and your case number to check in the day/evening of your class.
Click here to see a current schedule of pre-discharge classes.
Upon successful completion of the pre-discharge educational class, individuals will be issued a certificate, which is required to obtain a discharge from Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy filing. Contact us to schedule attendance in the next workshop.
*Approved to issue certificates in compliance with Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an agency’s services.