Bankruptcy Services
Guiding You to Debt Relief
Filing bankruptcy is a big decision and may seem daunting, but that’s why we’re here! Our counselors will give you the education and strategies you need for a successful bankruptcy process.
We will take the time to get to know you and your financial situation. We will also help you explore all options available to you, including ways to avoid filing bankruptcy if possible. As a result, you will be prepared to move forward and take control of your financial future.
All individual bankruptcy filers are required to complete pre-bankruptcy credit counseling and pre-discharge debtor education. These may not be provided at the same time. Credit counseling must take place before you file for bankruptcy; debtor education must take place after you file.
Certificates of completion for both credit counseling and debtor education are required before the filer’s debts can be discharged. Only credit counseling organizations and debtor education course providers that have been approved by the U.S. Trustee Program may issue these certificates.
What Do Our Bankruptcy Services Include?
We have approval from the Executive Office of the U.S. Trustee to offer pre-bankruptcy counseling and pre-discharge education. We can also issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code 11 U.S.C. 111. Please note that the completion of both the pre-filing counseling and the pre-discharge education is required by law.
Our bankruptcy pre-filing course has four key steps:
Educating you on the bankruptcy process
Reviewing your finances in detail to fully understand your situation
Discussing all your financial options
Developing a personalized plan for your financial success
Before a court finalizes your bankruptcy, you will also need to take our pre-discharge course.
Our bankruptcy pre-discharge course also includes four core steps:
Budget preparation; distinguishing between wants and needs
Money management; keeping accurate records, setting goals
Wise credit usage; rebuilding credit and navigating financial products without falling into debt
Crisis management; developing plans for coping with unexpected financial emergencies
We offer these bankruptcy counseling courses online or in person, and each class takes approximately two hours to complete. At the end of each session, you will receive a Certificate of Completion.
“Approved to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an Agency’s services.”
How Much Do These Courses Cost?
As a nonprofit credit counseling service, we try to keep the costs of these services to a minimum. Here is a breakdown of the fees:
*Please note that no one is denied services due to inability to pay a fee.
**We offer a reduced rate for the pre-discharge online course if you completed the pre-filing course at CCCS.
Individuals with a gross household income under 150% of the federal poverty guidelines may also be entitled to a reduced fee or fee waiver.
Course |
In-Person |
Online |
Fees* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Filing Course | ✓ | ✓ | $50 (Individual), $75 (Joint Filing) |
Pre-Discharge Course |
✓ | $50 (Individual) $75 (Joint Filing) | |
| Pre-Discharge Course | ✓ | $40 (Individual), $25 for Reduced Rate** $60 (Joint Filing), $45 for Reduced Rate** |
What Are the Benefits of Bankruptcy Counseling?
Bankruptcy is not an easy or quick fix to your financial problems. However, by working with CCCS, you will gain many benefits to make your journey easier. These include:
Comprehensive knowledge of the bankruptcy process
Awareness of alternative options to bankruptcy available to you
A personalized plan for debt relief and rebuilding your finances
Valuable skills for long term financial stability