Bankruptcy Counseling and Education

Among key provisions of the new bankruptcy law is a requirement, for the first time, that consumers must participate in credit counseling from an approved, non-profit credit counseling agency prior to filing for bankruptcy.  In addition, consumers who have filed for bankruptcy must participate in a financial education session before their debts are discharged. The required counseling must be provided by an agency or company designated by the United States Trustee’s Office.  These changes took effect on October 17, 2005. 

Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. (HCCI), a non-profit agency which has been offering consumer credit counseling services in Northeast Kansas for over 20 years, received this designation.  HCCI was the first agency in Northeast Kansas that received that designation.  The service package developed by HCCI to provide the necessary services is designed to be delivered in the community.  The name of the pre-bankruptcy counseling and education program is More Than One Way Out and the pre-discharge class is Live a Richer Life.  HCCI can only issue certificates in the State of Kansas.

More Than One Way Out

Our 90-minute More Than One Way Out course covers options for repaying those hard to pay debts NOW!  These classes are open to the public, and the class does qualify as a pre-bankruptcy filing requirement.  You will need to read and sign the pre-bankruptcy counseling disclosure form and bring it with you to class.  This form is in Adobe Reader.  If you don't have the software, download it free prior to attempting to access the file.

Pre-Bankruptcy Counsel

This 90-minute counseling session is available in person or by telephone.  This counseling session is for those who have not attended the More Than One Way Out class.  The session will cover money management, including budgeting, credit, collections, bankruptcy, and alternatives to bankruptcy.  We ask that you read and complete the statement of counseling services and privacy policy forms prior to your in-person session.  If counseled by telephone, read and complete the forms prior to your session, then sign and mail to our office at 1195 SW Buchanan, Suite 101, Topeka, Kansas 66604.  These forms are in Adobe Reader files.  If you don't have the software, download it free prior to attempting to access the files.  An EOUST certificate is awarded at the completion of the session and is valid for 180 days.  Participants will also leave with an Action Plan.

Live a Richer Life

Pre-Discharge Education

This two-hour class meets the requirements that must be completed prior to finalizing a bankruptcy with the Court.  Delivered in a classroom environment, it focuses on decision making, goal setting, budgeting, record keeping, identity theft, insurance, predatory lending, credit building and sound financial choices.  You will need to complete and sign the bankruptcy pre-discharge counseling disclosure form prior to class.  This form is in Adobe Reader.   If you don't have the software, download it free prior to attempting to access the file. 

These sessions are offered the same day as Court at 1 p.m. and occasional 9 a.m. on certain Thursdays and Saturdays at HCCI in Topeka.  Lawrence classes are help on occasional Saturdays.  Please bring your bankruptcy case number.  An EOUST certificate is awarded at the completion of the session.