DMCC understands that filing bankruptcy can be a difficult process. We also understand that each person seeking assistance has a unique financial situation. We have certified credit counselors who are prepared to provide you with the counseling you need. During your pre-filing counseling session a counselor will work one-on-one with you to develop a detailed personal financial assessment as required by the U.S. Trustee.
We will review your income, expenses, assets and liabilities, and determine your net worth. This will provide a clear understanding of your financial situation. From this point, we will create a plan of action that will assist you with your financial goals.
You may complete your pre-filing counseling session online, by telephone from the comfort of your home, or you may visit our office for face-to-face counseling. We are available Monday through Thursday from 9:00am until 5:00pm and on Friday from 9:00am until 2:00pm ET.
Prior to providing us any of your information or obtaining our counseling services, we must provide you the following disclosures:
To help cover the cost of providing this counseling for you, DMCC charges a fee. You may be eligible to have this fee waived. DMCC offers this course to debtor students without regard to a debtor student’s ability to pay.
DMCC serves all members of the community. DMCC does not engage in the practice of discrimination in the selection and participation of applicants in its programs or services with respect to race, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, color, gender, national origin, or handicap. DMCC provides services to clients with limited English proficiency, for languages other than the languages DMCC provides, DMCC is willing to work with client’s family members or friend of a client to accommodate the completion of this counseling in languages other than those provided at DMCC. Those clients who cannot understand English or Spanish and do not have family or friends assisting them, must provide a translator at their cost.
DMCC is organized and operates in accordance with Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Certified credit counselors employed by DMCC each has obtained and maintains certification from an independent accreditation organization recognized by industry regulators and creditors.
DMCC receives funding in the form of grants from creditors, government and private corporations, and funding from voluntary fair share contributions from creditors whose clients participate in our debt management programs. DMCC does not pay or receive fees or other consideration for the referral of consumers to or by our organization.
Upon completion of the the counseling course, DMCC is obligated to provide a certificate promptly. The certificate of completion will be needed if you filed for bankruptcy; and will be issued no later than one business day after the completion of the counseling. DMCC is approved to issue certificates evidencing completion of the counseling in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of the Provider’s services. The certificate of completion is valid for 180-days following the completion of the counseling. You will receive the required certificate only if you complete our counseling services and pay the appropriate fee, if any.
Filing for bankruptcy may have a negative effect on your credit report. If you elect to enroll in a debt management plan as an alternative to filing bankruptcy, your creditors may report it as “consumer credit counseling” or “CC” on your credit report and as a result, your credit rating and score may be adversely affected. DMCC has no control over credit reporting or interpretation, as it is strictly a credit and lender decision.
DMCC will not disclose or provide any information about this session to a credit-reporting agency. DMCC may disclose information to the United States Trustee in connection with the United States Trustee’s oversight of the provider, or during on-site visits, or during quality of service reviews.
You may have the opportunity to obtain an alternative debt management plan for the payment of your unsecured debts for additional fees. DMCC provides these services, but not in every state. If you reside in a state that DMCC does not provide this service, we can refer you to another approved agency that does.
The United States Trustee and the Bankruptcy Administrator have reviewed only the provider’s counseling and instructional services. The United States Trustee has neither reviewed nor approved any other services the provider may offer.
The counseling fee for both individuals and couples filing jointly is $50 for telephone or in-person, and $30 for online counseling. There are no fees to generate your certificate once you have completed the counseling. Payment for counseling may be made by credit card or debit card.
Fee Waiver Policy: Fees are waived if the Courts have waived your filing fee: No fees charged per case. Fees will also be waived if your annual gross income falls below 150% of the current year HHS Poverty Guidelines.
Written verification must be provided in order for fees to be waived. Send DMCC your court paperwork or complete our Income Verification Form and send this form to DMCC by fax to 954-208-1213 or email to bkservices@dmcconline.org.
Fee Schedule
Classification | Fee |
At or Below 150% of Poverty Level | $0.00 |
Online | $30.00 |
In Person or Phone | $50.00 |
Under penalty of perjury, I certify to the best of my knowledge that all of the information I provided is true, correct and complete and made in good faith. I certify that I will personally complete the Pre-Debtor Counseling Course. I understand that knowingly making a false or fraudulent statement or misrepresentation about my identity or completion of the counseling is a violation of the requirements of Federal law.
I am filing bankruptcy voluntarily and no one is forcing me to file against my will.
Although a counselor may answer general questions about bankruptcy, the agency does not provide legal or tax advice. If legal or tax advice is needed, you should seek the appropriate assistance from an attorney or tax professional.
It is illegal for someone other than you to complete DMCC’s Pre-Debtor Counseling Course. DMCC will not issue a certificate if it is found that the person taking the Pre-Debtor Counseling Course is not you.
To schedule a pre-bankruptcy phone counseling session, please call 866-724-3328 and ask to speak to a bankruptcy counselor.
To proceed and register for the online course, please complete the form below.
