How to Get Started
This section takes you through the requirements to file bankruptcy, and all of the documents and certificates you will need before you can file for bankruptcy protection.
Step One
Gather the necessary documents
You must bring these documents to your initial consultation.
- All bills, statements and coupon books. If you are not able to locate these documents, you may bring a credit report. See information below on “How to Order a Credit Report.”
- If you are buying a home or other real estate, bring a recent statement or coupon book.
- If you are buying an automobile, bring a recent statement or coupon book.
- Proof of your income for the last two (2) months:
- If you are paid monthly, bring your 2 most recent payroll stubs
- If you are paid biweekly, bring your 4 most recent payroll stubs
- If you are paid semimonthly, bring your 4 most recent payroll stubs
- If you are paid weekly, bring your 8 most recent payroll stubs.
- If you have other income such as pension or Social Security income, bring proof of your income.
- If you receive income by direct deposit to your bank account, you may bring your bank statement as proof of income.
- Federal Income Tax Returns for the two (2) prior tax years
- Certificate of PreBankruptcy Credit Counseling. See information below, “Requirement to Obtain a Certificate of Prebankruptcy Credit Counseling.”
Note: You may schedule an appointment for a consultation before obtaining a credit counseling certificate. If a bankruptcy case is right for you, then you can obtain the certificate while the bankruptcy case is being prepared by the attorney.
Step Two
Obtain a certificate of pre-bankruptcy credit counseling
You are not eligible to file a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Petition (Debtors Court) or a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition unless you obtain a certificate of pre-bankruptcy credit counseling.
The credit counseling must occur within 180 days prior to filing bankruptcy. The Consumer Financial Education Foundation of America, Inc. has been approved by the Bankruptcy Administrator’s Office to provide a Certificate of Pre-Bankruptcy Credit Counseling.
Instructions to Obtain a Credit Counseling Certificate:
- You will need to make an appointment or visit the CFEFA website at www.CFEFA.org (If you choose to appear in person for the consultation, the counseling usually takes approximately 30 minutes).
- The fee is $35.00 (cash or debit card).
- You will need a picture identification and your Social Security Card (if it is available).
- You will need proof of your income for the past two (2) months.
- You will need your bills and statements to show the amount of your debt.
Consumer Financial Education Foundation of America (CFEFA)
3425 5th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: (205) 321-2822
Fax: (205) 321-2848
Website: www.CFEFA.org
If you Decide to Obtain Your Certificate by Using the Website www.CFEFA.org Please Follow the Online Instructions Carefully. You Must be Able to do the Following:
Pay the $35.00 fee with a debit card. If you would like a copy of your certificate emailed to Attorney Daisy M. Holder, the attorney code is: “holderdaisy”.
Step Three
Obtain a credit report
To Order a Free Credit Report Online or by Phone:
You have the right to obtain a free credit report once every 12 months.
To obtain free credit report from Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian, go to the following website: www.annualcreditreport.com
You may also obtain your free credit report by contacting the Annual Credit Report Request Service at 1-877-322-8288.
The Three National Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies:
Equifax Credit Information Services
PO Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0123
1-888-289-0201
www.equifax.com
Experian Information Services
PO Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013-0036
1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com
Transunion Consumer Relations
PO Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
1-800-888-4213
www.transunion.com