Do You Have to Get Credit Counseling According to the Missouri or Illinois Chapter 13 Rules?
By: JamesBrown | Posted: 12th April 2010
Among the list of requirements for filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Missouri and Illinois is credit counseling. Before you can file a Chapter 13, you must complete a credit counseling course over the internet or on the phone. The counseling is simply an informative session on bankruptcy and what other choices you can make. The bankruptcy court must approve any agency that gives the credit counseling.
So, why do you have to take the course? Isn't it pretty clear whether Chapter 13 is right for you by the time you are ready to file your case? Of course, but it is still nice to have information from a neutral party. You can then be confident that you made a positive and informed decision before your St. Louis, Missouri bankruptcy attorney files your case.
There is a second session that you must also take after you file your case called a "debtor education" course. The course is designed to teach you some tips and tricks to help you avoid another bankruptcy in the future. What a relief to have so many people looking out for your best interests!
Plus, by picking a really great St Louis Missouri or Fairview Heights Illinois bankruptcy attorney, you can rest assured that he or she will also want to help you understand the process and what your behavior should be afterwards. How? They can provide you with free information--like articles, blogs, and even publications--about life after bankruptcy!
Make sure you also have a bankruptcy attorney in St. Louis who is aware that a credit counseling course is required for you to get bankruptcy protection. Not only does it give you great information but your attorney also can't file your case without you having completed the first session. And if you don't complete the debtor education course after your case has been filed, your case can be dismissed without a discharge.
That means after all that work, time, and money that you put into your bankruptcy, you could still be without protection from foreclosure, credit card debt help, or relief from your creditors.
As you can see, there are a lot of little hurdles that you must jump in order to get Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection. While none of them are too complicated, if you miss just one, it could cost you your case. Now, i'm sure you can see how vital it is to have an experienced St Louis or Wentzville, Missouri bankruptcy attorney as opposed to one with limited experience filing cases!
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Missouri Bankruptcy attorney James Brown has been working to relieve the debt of hard-working American families for over 15 years. He has dedicated his career to educating consumers about options for debt relief and has released 5 publications, including, "Get Out of Debt: Secrets Your Creditors Don't Want You to Know." You can request a free copy at http://www.castlelaw.net
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Tags: time and money, chapter 13 bankruptcy, credit card debt, foreclosure, tips and tricks, bankruptcy court, work time, st louis missouri, credit card debt help, bankruptcy protection, bankruptcy attorney, illinois bankruptcy