To qualify for bankruptcy, you must show that you received credit counseling from an approved provider within the 180 day period prior to the filing of your petition. Fortunately, this requirement can be met not only in person but by phone and even online. Once you complete the counseling, the agency will email or fax you a certificate showing that you completed the requirement. If you are represented by an attorney, you will want to make sure that the attorney receives a copy of the certificate for filing.
The purpose of credit counseling is to give you an idea of whether you really need to file. Though the agency may make a proposal to you regarding a repayment plan, you are free to discard the agency’s suggestion.
