Do I have to have credit counseling

[jl0816]

Do I have to have credit counseling 6 months before filing chaper 7 I'm being sued now and the case will come up before that and I will lose, when l lose can I file on the judgement.One was a secured debt,the bank repoed and I have a balance left.Since I lost my business I'm low income now and only have been able to find part time work(I was self employed for 20 years).Is there something I can do before they take what little money I make now I have a 9 year old child.HELP!.

[StaciMM]

The credit counseling is NOT a major issue. Its not that you have to be in credit counseling for 6 months, but you need to do an evaluation within 6 months of filing BK. Consult with 3 attorneys-call around and try to make appointments over the next 2 weeks. The credit counseling part should be under a couple of hours (maybe under 20 minutes) and is mainly an assessment of your income, you debts, and your expenses. They can also provide budgeting info, and financial strategy/advice.

[jl0816]

so I dont have to get credit counseling six months before.

The credit counseling is NOT a major issue. Its not that you have to be in credit counseling for 6 months, but you need to do an evaluation within 6 months of filing BK. Consult with 3 attorneys-call around and try to make appointments over the next 2 weeks. The credit counseling part should be under a couple of hours (maybe under 20 minutes) and is mainly an assessment of your income, you debts, and your expenses. They can also provide budgeting info, and financial strategy/advice.

I thought that you had to get counseling six months before filing.Can you file then get counseling after filing.

[FoolAndHisMoney]

If it's an emergency filing such as trying to stop a garnishment, forclosure or repo then you probably will be able to go to counceling just after you file. A lawyer would best answer this.

The law states that you need to go to credit counceling within 6 months as a way to see if you can work things out with them before filing. This mostly applies to consumer debts. If you said that you had a small business. Are your debts considered business related? If they are then neither the means test nor counceling will be required. Again a lawyer would best assist you. We're all "assuming" based on extensive research. Hopefully some new law filers will join us and explain their situations.

Good luck!

[FoolAndHisMoney]

The credit counseling is NOT a major issue. Its not that you have to be in credit counseling for 6 months, but you need to do an evaluation within 6 months of filing BK. Consult with 3 attorneys-call around and try to make appointments over the next 2 weeks. The credit counseling part should be under a couple of hours (maybe under 20 minutes) and is mainly an assessment of your income, you debts, and your expenses. They can also provide budgeting info, and financial strategy/advice.

This can even be done on line by US Trustee approved centers.

[StaciMM]

I've read about people doing it (by computer) from their BK attorney's office. Most likely, an attorney that you consult with can direct you how/where to meet the requirement, and they'll want you to do it before they actually file your case. That is my theory, just because failing to turn in required paperwork can get your case dismissed

[bkfiler]

you can sign up yourself and take it at home. i pretty much took the second step myself but took it in person so i could ask questions. i wasnt there to complete the requiredments because i filed bk under old laws. i was there to learn some things. and did too. it was free since i didnt need the certificate.

cheapo isa goodo knowa whata ia meano?

[StopNAF]

Pre Bk credit counseling

The pre bk credit couseling is free if you take it before January 1st, but that might depend on which state you are from.

My wife and I called the credit couselor to set our appointment and they will try to do everything to put you off until the 1st of the year so they can charge you for this service. I had to tactfully get a little angry with them and make them realize I'm not getting off the phone until I get service. The couseling takes about 30 to 45 minutes and they will generally email or fax your certificate.


Hope this helps.