Bankruptcy Alternatives: Credit Counseling Requirements
By Department of Justice Trustee Program | 6 min read
Explore bankruptcy alternatives through required credit counseling. Federal regulations and debt management options.
Federal law requires credit counseling before filing bankruptcy. Approved counseling agencies must: Provide budget analysis and debt management options, Offer counseling within 6 months before filing, Issue completion certificates for court filing. Many counseling agencies are nonprofit and low-cost. Debt management plans can consolidate payments and reduce interest rates without bankruptcy's credit impact.\n\n**Related Resources**\n- [Financial Planning Tools](/tools)\n- [Budget Calculator](/budget-planner)\n- [Credit Guide](/category/Debt%20%26%20Credit)\n- [Money Saving Tips](/category/Save%20Money)