If you are preparing to file bankruptcy, one of the first steps you must complete is the required pre-bankruptcy credit counseling course. This course is mandatory under federal bankruptcy law and must be completed before your bankruptcy case can be filed with the court.

The good news is that the course is generally straightforward and designed to help you review your finances, budget, and available options. Most clients complete it online or by phone in about 60–90 minutes.

Why the Course Is Required

Before filing bankruptcy, every individual debtor must complete an approved credit counseling course through a court-approved provider. Once completed, you will receive a certificate of completion that must be filed with your bankruptcy paperwork. Failure to complete the course before filing can delay or even prevent your case from being filed properly.

We commonly use Urgent Credit Counseling for this requirement because they are approved in all jurisdictions and offer convenient online and telephone options.

Don’t Stress About Perfection

Many clients worry that they must complete the budget perfectly or provide exact numbers for every expense category. That is not necessary.

The purpose of the course is educational. Do your best to provide accurate information, but it does not need to be perfect down to the penny. Estimates are acceptable if you are unsure of certain expenses.

The important thing is that you complete the course honestly and thoroughly enough to finish the counseling session and obtain your certificate.

Tips for Completing the Course

• Set aside about 60–90 minutes of uninterrupted time.
• Have a general idea of your monthly income and expenses.
• Use reasonable estimates if you do not know exact figures.
• Read each question carefully and answer truthfully.
• Save or print your certificate when finished.
• Make sure our office receives a copy of your certificate promptly.

What If You Have Problems During the Course?

Technical issues and login problems occasionally happen. If you run into difficulties, do not panic. Contact the course provider directly for assistance.

For help with Urgent Credit Counseling, you can contact them at:

• Phone: (866) 233-1940
• Website: Urgent Credit Counseling Contact Page

Their support team can usually help with:

• Login issues
• Payment problems
• Technical errors
• Course access questions
• Certificate retrieval

Final Reminder

Your bankruptcy case cannot be filed until this course is completed and the certificate is issued. Please complete the course as soon as possible to avoid delays in your filing.

Remember: do your best, don’t overthink the budget section, and contact the provider if you need assistance.