Bankruptcy Counseling and Education
We know that bankruptcy is not an easy choice. The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 mandates that consumers receive financial counseling prior to the bankruptcy petition being filed and requires consumers to participate in a financial education course before debts are discharged. If you are filing bankruptcy with a spouse, both must attend the counseling and educational course. Consumer Credit Counseling Service has been approved* by the Executive Office of the U.S. Trustee (EOUST) to conduct Pre-filing counseling and Pre-discharge education within the Northern and Southern Ohio judicial districts. CCCS does not receive or pay fees or other consideration for the referral of clients.*Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an agency’s services.
Bankruptcy Pre-filing Counseling
Counselors have experience in helping with financial problems. They cannot provide you with legal advice. The 90 minute 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 certified counselor will complete budget analysis, review the bankruptcy process, explore possible alternatives and review the consequences of your choices so that you can make an informed decision.In-Person or Telephone Counseling
In-person or telephone pre-bankruptcy counseling sessions are available for those within the Northern and Southern Ohio judicial districts at our Dayton, Springfield and Sidney, Ohio locations. To help cover the cost of providing service, this agency charges a fee of $50 for an individual or couple. Payment may be made only in the form of cashier’s check or money order. Fees may be reduced or waived based on financial ability to pay.
Internet Counseling
Internet counseling sessions are available for a fee of $40 per person. Fees may be reduced or waived based on financial ability to pay. If you think you qualify for a fee waiver, please contact us at 937-643-2227. Course and briefing materials are provided through the Internet via an interactive learning module. The Internet course can be accessed online at the student’s convenience.
Get Started Now
Counselors/Educators are available to respond to questions, provide further required instruction, and to certify completion Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, after which time a certificate will be provided. Pre-filing counseling certificates are valid for up to 180 days from the date of counseling completion.
Please read the following disclosure before proceeding:
Counseling disclosure, client rights and privacy notice [PDF] Click here.
Click here to conduct an online bankruptcy counseling session with a follow-up phone call by a certified counselor.
Bankruptcy Pre-discharge Education
If your bankruptcy petition has been filed, then you need to complete the financial management course. This course is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge to make a fresh start after the discharge of debts. Pre-discharge education is $40 per person, whether you attend in-person or online. For in-person education, payment may be made only in the form of cashier’s check or money order. Fees may be reduced or waived based on financial ability to pay. To attend education sessions, you must have a 7-digit case number and provide state issued photo identification.In-Person Education
Pre-discharge education has a requirement of two hours instruction. If you have attended in-person, pre-filing counseling, you will receive a discount coupon (valued at $20 each) to attend our in-person Pre-discharge education in our Dayton or Springfield locations.
Classes are offered in our Dayton and Springfield, Ohio locations. Space is limited. Please call 937-643-2227 to reserve a seat.
Click for Dayton.
Click for Springfield.
Internet Education
Two hours of class time is required via the Internet and can be taken from the comfort of your own home. Each spouse must enroll in online education individually. If you are taking the class online and think you qualify for a fee waiver, please contact us at 937-643-2227. Counselors/Educators are available to respond to questions, provide further required instruction, and to certify completion Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, after which time a certificate will be provided.
Please read the following disclosure before proceeding:
Counseling disclosure, client rights and privacy notice [PDF] Click here.
Click here to complete the self-study online course.
If you have questions, please contact us for more information.
