Pre-Filing Counseling

If you are an internet client and have already been given a user name and password, please select the login button at the top right hand side of your screen to access your program.

If you are a Facilitator attorney and have already been given a user name and password, please select the login button at the top right hand side of your screen to access your web portal.

 

Summary

This page provides detailed information about the Institute’s bankruptcy related Pre-Filing Counseling services. 

 

What do I need?

To complete this program, clients will need to provide enough information to construct a monthly budget for analysis. We recommend that clients gather the following information before starting their counseling session:

• Pencil, paper and calculator
• Income records, such as pay stubs or support checks
• Tax payments including home and auto taxes
• Monthly bills
• Support or assistance paid
• Any insurance premiums paid
• An estimate of home and auto repairs
• An estimate of medical expenses
• An estimate of other purchases
• Balance and minimum monthly payments for unsecured debts
• The Institute for Financial Literacy will not collect asset information.

 

How much does it cost?

The cost of the Institute’s Pre-Filing Counseling session is $50 for a household (single or couple) regardless of whether it is done through the internet, by telephone or in person. 

 

How long will it take?

The United States Trustees and Bankruptcy Administrators require the Pre-Filing Counseling session to last an average of 60-90 minutes.

 

How does it work?

Internet Counseling (All Judicial Districts, All States)

Internet counseling is ideal for clients with internet access at home, a friend's house or the local public library. It uses a simple text interface so it is accessible even to older clients. The process for internet counseling clients is as follows:

1. Client signs up for the program by calling 1-866-662-4932, or is signed up by a Facilitator.
2. Client receives their user name and password or an email with instructions on creating their own.
3. Client logs in to the system using their unique user name and password to begin the program.
4. Client goes through informational screens and budget analysis.
5. Client does not have to complete the program at one time.  When a client leaves the program, they pick up where they left off when they return.
6. After a client completes the online portion of the program, they must call the toll free number (1-866-662-4932) and speak with a counselor who will review their information and address the client’s questions, if any.
7. The counselor issues the Certificate of Completion after speaking with the client.
8. The client and Facilitator (if any) will then both receive the Certificate by email and be able to access it through their respective web portals.

 

Telephone Counseling (All Judicial Districts, All States)

Telephone counseling is ideal for clients without internet access. The process for telephone counseling clients is as follows:

1. Client signs up for the program by calling 1-866-662-4932, or is signed up by a Facilitator.
2. Client immediately completes the counseling session (no appointment required).
3. The counselor issues the Certificate of Completion after finishing the counseling session.
4. The counselor will immediately fax, email or mail the Certificate to the client.
5. The Facilitator (if any) will receive the Certificate by email and be able to access it through their web portal.

 

In Person Counseling (Maine Only)

1. Client signs up for the program by calling 1-866-662-4932, or is signed up by a Facilitator.
2. Client sets up an appointment.
3. Client completes counseling session at the Institute's offices.
4. Client receives a certificate of completion at the end of the counseling session.
5. The Facilitator (if any) will receive the Certificate by email and be able to access it through their web portal.

Facilitators and Registered Attorneys automatically receive client certificates by email.  The Institute will also email or fax certificates to direct referral attorneys upon the client’s request, but the client is responsible for confirming their attorney received the certificate.

 

Post-Filing Debtor Education
More about the Institute’s bankruptcy related Post-Filing Debtor Education services.

Get Started
Learn how to sign up for the Institute’s bankruptcy related services and what information you need to get started.

Bankruptcy FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the financial counseling and educational requirements for individuals filing bankruptcy and the Institute’s Bankruptcy Related Services.

Hours of Operation

Forms
A complete list of forms related to the Institute’s bankruptcy related services.