Filing for Bankruptcy? We’re here to help
Why work with the Credit Counseling Center
The Credit Counseling Center has helped thousands of consumers, like you, complete their bankruptcy counseling requirement.
The new bankruptcy laws require consumers filing bankruptcy to complete financial counseling before filing, and a debtor education program after filing.
Whether you’re located in Pennsylvania or anywhere in the United States, you can utilize our services. We are approved by the Executive Office of the U.S. Trustees to provide both the required pre-filing counseling and pre-discharge education.
We are approved to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code.
Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an Agency’s services. We will generate the certificates of completion necessary for your bankruptcy as you complete the programs.
Bankruptcy Steps
STEP 1
Before you file: Pre-filing
Pre-filing bankruptcy counseling is completed PRIOR to filing.
The Credit Counseling Center is an approved provider of pre-filing bankruptcy counseling, required within 180 days before filing for Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy protection. This counseling can be received over the phone, Zoom, online, or in-person.
To begin the pre-filing bankruptcy process, call 215-348-8003.
When you have your password and are ready to continue with the fee, please continue with the button below.
STEP 2
After you file: Pre-discharge Debtor Education Course
Pre-discharge bankruptcy education is completed AFTER the attorney filed your case and gives you a bankruptcy case number.
The Credit Counseling Center is an approved provider of pre-discharge bankruptcy education, required before a Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy case is discharged. This course can be completed online.
Again, this is required before your case is discharged.
To begin the pre-discharge bankruptcy education online, click below, or call 215-348-8003 to register for the course.
Credit Counseling Center Bankruptcy Counseling Disclosures
There are two types of personal Bankruptcy; Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. A Chapter 7 filing, also referred to as Liquidation Bankruptcy or Fresh Start allows for the discharge of all or some of your debts and a Chapter 13 filing, also called a Wage Earners Plan allows for the repayment of debt over a period up to 5 years or 60 months. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 require Pre-Filing Credit Counseling and Pre-Discharge Debtor Education.
Credit Counseling Center is approved to provide both Pre-Filing Credit Counseling and the Pre-Discharge Debtor Education Course to residents of all 50 U.S. states. Our Pre-Filing Credit Counseling is available In-Person, Phone, Remote (Zoom/Skype), or Online (available 24/7). Our Pre-Discharge Debtor Education Course is available Online Only (available 24/7).
Clients will receive a Certificate of Counseling for the Pre-Filing Credit Counseling ONLY if the client completes counseling. Clients will receive a Certificate of Debtor Education for the Pre-Discharge Education Course ONLY if the client completes the course.
This counseling and course are designed to help you understand your options for dealing with debt and how to manage your finances in the future. Both the Pre-Filing Credit Counseling and Pre-Discharge Debtor Education counseling and course are just $39 per individual or $39 per couple. Credit Counseling Center is a nonprofit organization supported by fees, grants, and creditor fairshare contributions.
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Benefits of filing for Bankruptcy |
Cons of filing for Bankruptcy |
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Immediately after a bankruptcy case is filed, an injunction (called the “Automatic Stay”) is generally imposed against certain creditors who want to start or continue taking action against a debtor or the debtor’s property. |
The negative mark of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing will remain on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing for 7 years. No matter how high your credit score was before a bankruptcy, there will be a noticeable drop immediately after filing. Over time, though, the impact is less. |
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Bankruptcy stops wage garnishments. When you claim bankruptcy, your Trustee will notify your employer, the court, and the creditors t stop the wage garnishment. |
Some credit obligations may not be included in the bankruptcy filing such as student loans, tax debt, and child support. You may also have to pay high interest rates for new credit. |
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Chapter 13 lets filers protect their homes from foreclosure by allowing the debtor to repay the debt over a period of up to 5 years. |
Cosigners are not protected from collection on debts that you discharge through personal bankruptcy. A cosigner may get harassed over the remaining balance on discharged debt unless you pay it off. |
Bankruptcy Counseling Mandatory disclaimer:
Credit Counseling Center is approved to issue certificates evidencing completion of a credit counseling course and personal financial management instructional course in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of a provider’s services.
Have Questions?
Filing for bankruptcy can feel overwhelming. Our team can help. If you’re confused about which next step is right or would feel more comfortable talking with our team before getting started, contact.
It all starts here
Want to talk to someone now?
Or call
833-838-1160
We also offer Remote Video Conferencing via Zoom on your phone or computer
Business hours vary by location - please make an appointment
Inside The First National Bank & Trust Co. of Newtown
832 Second Street Pike
Richboro, PA 18954
Located Inside Penn Community Bank
208 Levittown Parkway
Levittown, PA 19054
Lower Bucks Epstein Campus
1304 Veterans Highway
Bristol, PA 19007
Upper Bucks Campus
One Hillendale Road
Perkasie, PA 18944
About Credit Counseling Center:
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- We’ve helped 100,000+ individuals & families
- A non-profit founded 25+ years ago
- County, state, and federally funded to help you!
