Consumers facing bankruptcy have a new option for completing the bankruptcy counseling courses required by law. Take Charge America, a national non-profit credit counseling and debt management agency based in Phoenix, now offers bankruptcy counseling to help consumers understand and navigate the complex process of filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 11.
Individuals filing bankruptcy are legally required to complete an individual budget briefing session with an approved, nonprofit budget and credit counseling agency during the 180-day period preceding the date of filing the bankruptcy petition. Once consumers have completed this session and filed their bankruptcy petition, they must complete an approved personal financial management instructional course in order to be eligible for a bankruptcy discharge.
Take Charge America has been approved by the Executive Office for United States Trustees to provide both the bankruptcy counseling and debtor education courses. The agency’s counselors educate consumers on what it means to file for bankruptcy, alternatives they may wish to consider, the nuances of the filing process and the management of future financial goals.
“The economy is improving, but many people are continuing to suffer the ripple effects of a terrible recession,” said Mike Sullivan, chief education and operations officer for Take Charge America. “For some, bankruptcy is the only option, but the process of declaring bankruptcy is very complicated. We help people understand the ins and outs of petitioning for bankruptcy while also providing counseling services to get them back on the road to financial wellbeing.”
Take Charge America offers pre-filing credit counseling and post-filing debtor education online or through audio courses. Consumers who wish to learn more about bankruptcy counseling may visit bankruptcycounseling.org or call Take Charge America at (866) 750-9634 to speak directly with a counselor.
