Bankruptcy Counseling fRequently asked questions

Below are a list of Bankruptcy Counseling Frequently Asked Questions to review. Just click on the question of interest and it will jump to the answer. If you have other questions, you can contact a counselor via the form on the left. When you are finished, you can start bankruptcy counseling.

1: Which type of bankruptcy should I file?

2: How long does bankruptcy take?

3: How much does the course cost?

4: Are the courses offered jointly?

5: How will I get my certificate(s)?

6: What is the Pre-Petition Credit Counseling?

7: What is the Pre-Discharge Financial Management Course?

8: How do I pay for the course(s)?

9: How long is the certificate good for?

10: What are your hours?

11: What information do I need prior to beginning the course(s)?

12. Is Alliance approved by the Executive Office for United States Trustees (EOUST)?

13. Do I need to meet with an attorney before I can speak to a counselor at Alliance?

14. Can I call Alliance again for help in the future?

1: Which type of bankruptcy should I file?

A: That is a great question for your attorney. While we don’t offer legal advice, you will find that, in general, there are two main types of consumer bankruptcy. The first is called “Chapter 7,” “liquidation,” or sometimes “straight bankruptcy.” Most of your assets are sold to pay your creditors. The assets you are allowed to keep will partly depend on the state where you live. The second type is called “Chapter 13,” “reorganization,” or “wage earner’s plan.” You can usually keep most of your assets in return for a court-approved repayment plan. The particular type of bankruptcy you file will depend on your circumstances. A competent attorney can help you make the decision.

2: How long does bankruptcy take?

A: The length of time to complete the bankruptcy process will depend on what type of bankruptcy you file and on your particular situation. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can typically be completed in three to six months. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy requires repayment plan, which are typically three to five years.

3: How much does the course cost?

Course DeliveryFiling TypePrice
Online Course Certificate Before or After FilingSingle Filer / Joint Filers$19
Telephone/In-Person Before Filing OnlySingle Filer / Joint Filers$49
Note: You may qualify for a fee waiver or reduction.

4: Are the courses offered jointly?

A: Yes, if you’re filing jointly. Your attorney can help you determine the appropriate filing status.

5: How will I get my certificate(s)?

A: After a counselor has certified your completion of the course, a certificate of completion will be sent to you. A copy of the certificate can also be sent to your attorney, by email, fax or mail, at your request.

6: What is the Pre-Petition Credit Counseling?

A: The Pre-Petition Credit Counseling, sometimes called budget briefing, must include an analysis of your current financial condition, a review of factors that led to this condition, information about alternatives to bankruptcy, and assistance developing a plan to respond to the financial condition without incurring more debt. The counseling typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. The counseling must be provided, before you file for bankruptcy by a non-profit credit-counseling agency, approved by the U.S. Trustee’s Office.

7: What is the Pre-Discharge Financial Management Course?

A: The Pre-Discharge Personal Financial Management Course, sometimes called debtor education, must include written information and instruction on budget development, money management, wise use of credit, and consumer information. The course must be a minimum of two hours. The course must be provided by an agency approved by the U.S. Trustee’s Office. For Chapter 7 cases, the certificate of completion must be filed prior to the 45th day after the creditors meeting (341 meeting) and for Chapter 13 cases, it must be filed no later than the date of the last payment made under the repayment plan or the date of the filing of a Motion for a Discharge prior to completion of the plan.

8: How do I pay for the course(s)?

A. Payment can be made by debit card, VISA, MasterCard, Money-Gramm, Cashiers Check, Money Order .

9: How long is the certificate good for?

A: The certificate is valid for 6 months (180 days) from the date listed at the top of your certificate.

10: What are your hours?

11: What information do I need prior to beginning the course(s)?

For Pre-Petition Credit Counseling you will need documentation of:

  • Monthly household income
  • Monthly household expense
  • Asset information (real-estate, vehicles (including recreational) savings, 401k, IRA’s…etc)
  • Unsecured debt (credit cards, personal loans) Account numbers not required, only creditors name and current balance
  • Secured debt (mortgage, car) No account numbers needed, only creditors name and current balance

For Pre-Discharge Financial Management Course:

  • Bankruptcy case number
  • District of bankruptcy filing (obtain from your attorney).

12. Is Alliance approved by the Executive Office for United States Trustees (EOUST)?

A. Yes. Alliance is approved by the EOUST to issue Pre-petition Bankruptcy Counseling Certificates in compliance with the bankruptcy code. Such approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an agency‘s service by the EOUST.

13. Do I need to meet with an attorney before I can speak to a counselor at Alliance?

A. We always advise to consult an appropriate legal professional before starting down this path. Nevertheless, you can talk to a counselor at Alliance before or after you meet with an attorney.

14. Can I call Alliance again for help in the future?

A. Yes. Our counselors are always happy to assist you with questions you might have in budgeting, financial education, etc.

LEGAL DISCLOSURE: THE INFORMATION YOU OBTAIN AT THIS SITE IS NOT, NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE, LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONSULT AN ATTORNEY FOR INDIVIDUAL ADVICE REGARDING YOUR OWN SITUATION.