The Bankruptcy Pre-Filing Requirement
Before your bankruptcy petition can be filed, there is one small step you must take. The law requires you to complete an approved credit counseling course. The purpose is to explore your options and to make sure you understand bankruptcy.
At the Nashville law firm of David F. Cannon, we have the same philosophy. Before we let you take that big step, we explain the pros and cons of bankruptcy and ensure that it is the right solution for your debt problems. Our lawyers handle consumer and business bankruptcy (Chapter 7, 13 and 11), and we can also help you find an approved provider for the credit counseling requirement.
Tennessee Credit Counseling Attorney
When Congress changed the bankruptcy law in 2005, it added a pre-filing credit counseling requirement. We know that most people reflect long and hard before they decide to file, but the Bankruptcy Court has no jurisdiction to consider a bankruptcy petition until you have been officially briefed by an approved agency.
This short class will explain what bankruptcy is and also explore non-bankruptcy debt relief alternatives. A typical course includes an analysis of your budget and sometimes a debt management plan.
The briefing is a 30 minute class and the cost usually ranges from $5 to $50, depending on the provider. Our law office can recommend a provider for you. Many courses can be completed by phone or over the Internet, at your pace and at a convenient time for you. Both spouses must complete the course if filing jointly.
When you have finished the course, you will receive a certificate of completion, which must be filed with your bankruptcy petition. After filing for bankruptcy, federal law also requires you to take a second course on financial management course prior to receiving a discharge of debts.
Bankruptcy and Debt Management Attorney in Nashville
David F. Cannon is certified as a Consumer Bankruptcy Specialist by The American Board of Certification and The Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization. His practice is solely devoted to bankruptcy and he has helped thousands of Tennessee clients discharge or restructure their debts since 1991.
We look forward to guiding you through this humbling process and taking maximum advantage of a bankruptcy filing. Call 615-800-3725, toll free at 877-696-8680, or e-mail our law firm today to arrange a confidential consultation.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
