The Credit Counseling Class before Filing

[CoCoChanel]

I have heard that as a pre-filing procedure, it is required of all persons who will file bankruptcy of any kind that they attend a credit counseling class. If this is true, I have only requested my credit reports and nothing else. Should I be signing up for the class now or wait until I get my credit reports back, sign up for the class, get documentation and then file....what should be done first?

[HHM]

Yes, the credit counsel is required before you file.

[JRScott]

To do the Pre BK filing CC you will need to know your income, expenses, as well as your relative debt level to all creditors. You can do it before or after you get your credit report. However they are only good for so long. So depending on when you plan to file is when you'd want to do it. If its more than 6 months away (I think that's the time limit) then you'd want to wait til the date was closer.

[lrprn]

Yes, the credit counsel is required before you file.

The course you take must also approved for your state by the US Trustee's office - here's the link to the approved courses by state - http://www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/cc_approved.htm . Select your state from the drop-down box in the first row - all the courses you can take that will count are there. Some will be in your state, but most will not. There are live classes, classes over the telephone, and classes over the Internet. Pick the one that fits your needs best. Prices to take the course vary - the average is around $50-60.