An individual filing bankruptcy must first complete a consumer credit counseling program. The purpose is to see if a debt management plan, involving payments to your creditors, would be possible. Even if the counselor could suggest a plan, the decision on whether or not to file bankruptcy is still yours to make. The cost can be waived for those who cannot afford it. Counseling is available from a number of places, including:
Advantage Credit Counseling In Person $50.00
917A Logan Blvd.
Royal Remax Plaza
Altoona, Pa. 16601
866-409-2227
After filing, but within 45 days of your hearing, you will need to attend a debtor education class. The purpose is to learn about credit, how to rebuild it after bankruptcy, and using it wisely. These courses are normally offered by the same providers who do the consumer credit counseling. One provider, who may be the cheapest, only offers the Debtor Education Course, for $11.00:
We recommend that you review a credit report before filing bankruptcy. A free copy of your credit report may be requested once a year, from each of the three major reporting agencies. This free service should not be confused with similar sounding commercial services, which may impose a fee or require a purchase. The request can be made from www.annualcreditreport.com. Alternatively, you can call 1-877-322-8228, or write to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
David M. Axinn, Attorney at Law
104A Hollidaysburg Plaza
Duncansville, PA 16635
The Law Offices of David M. Axinn are located in Duncansville, Pa., not far from Hollidaysburg and Altoona. I practice in Blair county, along with the neighboring central pennsylvania counties of Bedford, Cambria, Centre and Huntingdon.
