Bankruptcy Counseling and Education
Click here to start online counseling
If you are thinking about bankruptcy, you have made the right choice to contact CCCS. It is important to get help and advice from experts who know and understand the pros, cons and alternatives to bankruptcy and are at the same time supportive of your needs. We know this is a difficult time and based on consumer and attorney feedback, we have created a few friendly ways for your to review your options and attain pre-filing counseling and pre-discharge education certificates. We offer our services in-person, online, or via the phone.
According to federal law, all consumers must complete both a counseling session and an education program prior to the discharge of their debt. Within 180 days prior to filing, you are required to complete the pre-filing bankruptcy counseling session. The entire counseling process will take you approximately 75 minutes and will include a review of your budget, debt, options and alternatives. If you are filing jointly, both filers must participate.
Prior to the discharge of the debt and within 45 days from your first meeting with the creditors (341 Meeting), the law requires you to complete a two hour Personal Financial Management Course. The course covers sound financial management principles including budgeting, insurance, and credit and requires both co-filers attendance.
CCCS is approved to issue pre-filing in the state of California. and pre-discharge certificates in every state except Oregon. Click here to review some frequently asked questions about bankruptcy counseling. Attorneys, click here to review some frequently asked questions that you may have regarding our services. We appreciate your referrals!
Pre-Filing Bankruptcy Counseling
(Must be completed before you file. CCCS is approved to issue certificates in California.)
Internet Counseling $45
For your convenience, you can complete the online counseling forms in approximately one-half to one hour in an individual session or in multiple sessions. Start the process with three easy steps:
- First, click here to pay for your service.
- Second, click here to create your login and begin entering your financial information.
- After completing the financial information, you will participate in a half hour appointment with a Certified Credit Counselor. If you are joint filers, you will both need to complete the online forms together and participate in the phone counseling session. Once you complete the online information, call 1-800-540-2227 to schedule a convenient time for the appointment. Feel free to contact us at any time with questions at cccsonlineservices.org
Phone Counseling $75
To schedule your one hour phone counseling session:
3. Then simply call 800-540-2227. After you have completed the counseling session, CCCS will issue your certificate within 24 hours or earlier upon your request.
In-Person Appointment $75
If you prefer an in-person appointment, simply call 800-540-2227 to schedule a time at one of our locations in the Ventura through Santa Clara County area.
Bankruptcy Education Pre-Discharge
(Complete after you file bankruptcy and 45 days after meeting with your creditors. CCCS is approved in all states with the exception of Oregon.)
Interactive, Online Video Education Course, Life or Debt, $35 / $52.50 for Joint Filer
The state of the art video education program Life or Debt is fun, interactive and easy to use. You can start and stop it at your convenience.
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Once you have completed the agreement, you will be linked to a page to pay online. Once payment is made, you will be automatically sent to the interactive online video education program.
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Inorder to meet the legislative education requirements, joint filers will each need to register and complete the course separately. The co-filer will receive a voucher for a reduced fee of $17.50.
Phone Conference Education $60
Call 800-540-2227 to schedule for our group seminar. Couples will participate during the same call and pay one $75 fee. To allow adequate mail time for you to receive the book and materials, you must register four business days prior to the course. We normally offer one to two courses per week.
Please have your bankruptcy case number and driver's license numbers when you call to schedule the workshop. You will need to complete the Agreement for Financial Education, Pre & Post Education Surveys, and an evaluation form prior to the issuance of your certificate. These forms will be mailed to you with your book or you may download them from FORMS.