Pre-Filing Credit Counseling

Required before you can file.

What It Is

Credit counseling is a federally required course that helps you understand your options before filing for bankruptcy. It covers your financial situation, potential alternatives to bankruptcy, and a brief budget analysis. The course takes approximately one hour and must be completed through a U.S. Trustee Program-approved provider.

Why It's Required

Federal law (11 U.S.C. § 109(h)) requires every individual debtor to complete an approved credit counseling course within 180 days before filing. Without this certificate, your case may be dismissed.

What to Expect

Select a U.S. Trustee-approved provider for your state

Complete the ~1-hour course (online, phone, or in-person)

Receive your completion certificate

Save your certificate — you'll file it with your petition

Upload certificate to your JustiPal™ Document Vault

Completion Checklist

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I have selected a U.S. Trustee-approved provider

I have scheduled or started my credit counseling course

I have completed my credit counseling course

I have received my completion certificate

I have uploaded my certificate to my Document Vault

I understand my certificate must be filed with my petition

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Your Status

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Common Questions

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JustiPal™ is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, bankruptcy counseling, or credit counseling services. Users are responsible for selecting an approved provider and complying with all court requirements. Educational and informational purposes only.