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Michigan Credit Counseling Attorney

Who is required to undergo credit counseling in Michigan?

If you have made the decision to file for bankruptcy in Michigan, it is important to understand that you will be required to complete numerous pre-filing requirements before submitting your petition to the court. In fact, your case could be dismissed or rejected if you fail to complete an approved credit counseling course within the 180 days leading up to your filing—as this became a mandatory requirement for all personal bankruptcies in October of 2005. For this reason, the Michigan bankruptcy attorney at Hensel Law Office, PLLC asks you to take the time to adequately prepare for the process ahead. While this may seem like nothing more than an inconvenience, credit counseling is a crucial part of any Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy case.

Understanding the Basics of Credit Counseling

In order to successfully request a discharge of debt from the bankruptcy court, you will need to first undergo a credit counseling course that has been approved by the U.S. Trustee's Office. It typically costs about $50 for a 60 to 90-minute session, but you can request a fee waiver if you cannot afford to pay. Once you have selected a credit counseling agency, you can complete the course in person, over the phone or online—wherein you will discuss all possible alternatives to bankruptcy, evaluate your finances and develop a personal budget plan. At the conclusion of the session, you will receive a certificate of completion that will need to be included in your bankruptcy petition. If this certificate is not submitted with the rest of your paperwork, your case could be rejected.

How do I know if the credit counseling agency is approved?

While you can find a credit counseling agency that has been approved by the U.S. Trustee's Office by signing up through a reputable online service, our firm recommends that you move forward under the advisement of a Michigan bankruptcy lawyer. In doing so, you can ensure that your case is not dismissed or subjected to any unnecessary delays. For this reason, we encourage you to get started today by contacting our office for a free consultation. Our firm welcomes the opportunity to walk you through the bankruptcy process step by step, so do not hesitate to reach out today.

When you call at (888) 258-0651, you will have the opportunity to schedule an appointment at your own convenience—even if it's in the evening or on the weekend.

Client Testimonials

  • Utmost dedication and professionalism.

    “I chose to work with Tom Hensel after meeting with several big name firms in the area. Tom handled my unique situation with the utmost dedication and professionalism. The personal service I received from him made all the difference in my case. My only regret is that I didn't call him first.”

    Craig

  • Tom was the most professional.

    “I researched 3 attorneys before signing with the Hensel Law Office for my bankruptcy proceedings. Tom was the most professional and he explained all of my questions without trying to make a quick buck on me. I would recommend Hensel Law Office to my friends or family going through a similar difficult situation.”

    Jerry

  • Mr. Hensel walked me through every step.

    “I would highly recommend the Hensel Law Office!! Mr. Hensel walked me through every step, got my garnishments stopped very quickly (even got garnished wages returned to me!) and told me what to expect along the way. He answered all of my questions in a very timely manner- no matter what time I sent an email or gave him a phone call. Also, I felt his price was very reasonable compared to some of the other places that I called. Mr. Hensel answered plenty of questions that I had before I even became a client.”

    Carl

  • I greatly appreciate your time and effort.

    “It was a great pleasure and relief working with you through that tough time. I greatly appreciate your time and effort on our case. I will gladly and confidently recommend you to anyone I know facing a tough financial time requiring your expertise.”

    Jay

  • We have and will continue to recommend you to others in need of a fresh start.

    “Dear Tom, my husband and I wanted to express our deepest thanks for the help you gave us during our embarrassing and stressful time. I was very impressed that you returned every phone call in a timely manner. You were able to explain exactly what was going to happen in words that "we" could understand. You answered every question we threw at you. The whole bankruptcy process from start to finish was complete in the time you told us it would take. Your professionalism yet friendliness made the whole experience for us almost enjoyable... almost! We have and will continue to recommend you to others in need of a fresh start.”

    Melissa