pre-bk filing credit counseling before or after retaining a lawyer?

[deeptrouble]

should i just go ahead and do it before i retain a lawyer or retain one first and then do it?

so many steps... so confused

[JRScott]

As long as you make sure that the company offering it is approved in your district you can take it before retaining a lawyer. I took mine that way.

Keep in mind they are only good for so long. So its best to wait til close to the time you plan to file so it doesn't run out and you have to do it again.

[lrprn]

should i just go ahead and do it before i retain a lawyer or retain one first and then do it?

If you are going to file in a hurry to stop court action or save your home from foreclosure, I would do the counseling now. Check here to be certain the course you do will be accepted by the bankruptcy courts in your state - http://www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/cc_approved.htm . Just select your state from the first drop-down list.

If you aren't in a hurry to file, then some lawyers actually can give you the required counseling themselves right in the office or will have recommendations about who to use. If you aren't in a rush to file, then I would find your lawyer first.

[deeptrouble]

i've read that it is 180 days, correct?

[JRScott]

i've read that it is 180 days, correct?

Yes they are good for 180 days.