If you have been doing your homework on personal bankruptcy, you know that before you file, you (and your spouse if you are filing together) must take a credit counseling class. You can find a list of providers here.
Once you find an agency that has been approved for your state, you may want to ask them additional questions. The Federal Trade Commission has the following list of questions you should ask:
- What services do you offer?
- Will you help me develop a plan for avoiding problems in the future?
- What are your fees?
- What if I can’t afford to pay your fees?
- What qualifications do your counselors have? Are they accredited or certified by an outside organization? What training do they receive?
- What do you do to keep information about me (including my address, phone number, and financial information) confidential and secure?
- How are your employees paid? Are they paid more if I sign up for certain services, if I pay a fee, or if I make a contribution to your organization?