Per the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005, you are required to complete a counseling session with an approved credit-counseling agency prior to filing. This is mandatory whether you file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. You may use any approved credit-counseling agency. We recommend using InCharge Bankruptcy Counseling (www.personalfinanceeducation.com) who will complete the entire counseling process in two sessions online. You will receive a certificate of completion after your first session with counseling agency. The second session is a "test" and for completing it, you will receive an "Educational" Certificate of Completion. The first certificate is filed at the same time as your Petition and the second one filed anytime after you file the Petition with the court and receive a case number.
List of Credit Counseling Agencies Approved Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. ยง 111
Remember, you may use Federal Exemptions; however, you cannot mix and match exemptions from the federal bankruptcy code and state law. You must choose one system or the other!
The following is a summary of the Federal exemptions that can be claimed (used) to exempt both real and personal property in your bankruptcy petition. Exempt property of a debtor is property of the debtor that is not available to be used (sold) to pay his/her unsecured creditors and is not subject to the claims of unsecured creditors, but may be subject to the rights of secured creditors and lien holders.