What is credit counseling?  Where do I send my credit counseling certificate?

Credit counseling is a pre-bankruptcy counseling session with an approved credit counseling organization and should include an evaluation of your personal financial situation, a discussion of alternatives to bankruptcy, and a personal budget plan. A typical counseling session should last about 60 to 90 minutes, and can take place on the phone or online.  To find a list of approved credit counseling organizations visit the United States Department of Justice website.  The counseling organization is required to provide the counseling free of charge for those consumers who cannot afford to pay. If you cannot afford to pay a fee for credit counseling, you should request a fee waiver from the counseling organization before the session begins. Otherwise, you may be charged a fee for the counseling, which will generally be about $35, depending on where you live, the types of services you receive, and other factors.  The counseling organization is required to discuss any fees with you before starting the counseling session. 

Once you have completed the required counseling, you must get a certificate as proof. The agency that you select should state on their home page if they are EOUST approved. Credit counseling organizations may not charge an extra fee for the certificate.

After you receive your credit counseling certificate you must provide our office with a copy.  Most credit counseling organizations will fax or email your certificate directly to us.  Please ask that the certificate be sent to our office by fax to (815) 877-7965 or email to info@balsleylawoffice.com .

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