Your First Step Toward a Financial Fresh Start
Before you can file for bankruptcy in Louisiana—whether in the Eastern, Middle, or Western District—you must complete a credit counseling session through a court-approved agency. This isn’t just a box to check. It’s the beginning of your journey toward lasting debt relief, helping you understand your financial picture and prepare for a stable future.
At Simon Fitzgerald LLC, we’ve guided thousands of clients across Louisiana through the credit counseling requirement. We make the process simple, affordable, and accessible, ensuring your certificate is valid and filed correctly so your case stays on track.
What Is Bankruptcy Credit Counseling?
Credit counseling is a federally mandated course you must complete within 180 days before filing for bankruptcy. It covers:
- Your income and expenses
- Debt management options
- Bankruptcy pros and cons
You’ll receive a certificate that must be submitted with your bankruptcy petition. It can be completed online, over the phone, or in person, using a provider from the official list of approved credit counseling agencies for Louisiana maintained by the U.S. Trustee Program.
What Happens During a Credit Counseling Session?
During a credit counseling session, you will:
- Provide details about income, expenses, and debt
- Work with a counselor to evaluate your budget
- Learn about bankruptcy and possible alternatives
- Receive a certificate valid for 180 days
Completing the session does not commit you to bankruptcy. It’s simply an evaluation step designed to empower you with information.
Many clients tell us this session was the first time they truly saw their financial picture clearly.
Why the Law Requires Credit Counseling
The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 made credit counseling a legal requirement. The goal is to ensure you’re informed about all possible solutions—not just bankruptcy.
The benefits include:
- Discovering possible alternatives like debt management or consolidation
- Learning how budgeting and payment plans might help
- Making a more informed decision about your financial path
Even if you end up filing, the knowledge you gain helps you succeed in life after bankruptcy.
Timing: When Should You Take It?
You must complete credit counseling within 180 days before filing your bankruptcy petition. If you miss this deadline, your case may be dismissed.
We recommend clients take the course 1–2 weeks before filing to ensure their certificate stays valid. This gives you time to prepare paperwork, meet with your attorney, and make an informed decision.
How to Time Your Counseling Effectively
To avoid delays and ensure your certificate remains valid:
- 2 Weeks Before Filing: Schedule your credit counseling session. This gives you a buffer in case of rescheduling or technical issues.
- 1 Week Before Filing: Review your financial documents with your attorney. Make sure your budget, income, and expenses match what was discussed during counseling.
- 2–3 Days Before Filing: Confirm your certificate is on file with your attorney and meets court requirements for your district.
Where to Find an Approved Provider in Louisiana
The U.S. Trustee Program must approve providers. You can choose from options that include
- 24/7 online courses
- Phone sessions
- In-person or video counseling
At Simon Fitzgerald, we recommend Abacus Credit Counseling. This nonprofit is staffed by financial professionals and trusted by courts nationwide. They also partner with Sage Personal Finance for the required debtor education course after you file.
We work directly with these providers to ensure our clients get valid certificates and accurate information.
How Much Does It Cost?
Most courses cost between $25 and $50, but we’ve negotiated a $15 fee for our clients. This allows us to keep upfront costs low and help you start your case without added financial strain.
If you can’t afford the course, you may qualify for a fee waiver through a credit counseling option. Waivers are based on income relative to federal poverty guidelines. We’ll help you apply for the discount during your intake process.
Learn more about how fees can vary by provider and location in Louisiana.
Credit Counseling vs. Debtor Education
Both are required, but they serve different purposes.
| Credit Counseling | Debtor Education |
| Pre-filing requirement | Post-filing requirement |
| Evaluate bankruptcy need | Teaches financial skills |
| Required before your case starts | Required before your case ends |
| Certificate valid for 180 days | Deadlines depend on Chapter 7 or 13 |
When possible, we recommend using the same provider for both to streamline your paperwork and potentially save money.
Joint Filers, Military, and Special Considerations
- If you’re married and filing jointly, you can take the course together, but you will each need a certificate.
- If only one spouse files for bankruptcy, the non-filing spouse is not required to participate, though it’s encouraged.
- Military households near bases like Barksdale AFB may qualify for waivers or expedited sessions. We understand clearance concerns and PCS timelines.
For example, couples stationed near Barksdale Air Force Base often face tight PCS schedules and security clearance concerns. Our attorneys can help coordinate expedited sessions and ensure documentation is handled confidentially.
Additionally, joint filers from areas like Lafayette or Monroe often ask if they can attend counseling at different times due to work schedules. Yes—you may attend separately as long as each spouse receives their own certificate.
How Simon Fitzgerald LLC Helps You
- With decades of experience across all Louisiana bankruptcy courts, we:
- Direct you to trusted counseling providers
- Ensure you meet deadlines
- Review and file your certificate properly
- Answer questions about your options
Whether you live in Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, or anywhere in between, we can guide you through this step with clarity and care.
Don’t Let Credit Counseling Hold You Back
Credit counseling isn’t a roadblock — it’s your on-ramp to debt relief.
Don’t let excessive debt control your life any longer. Contact Simon Fitzgerald, LLC to get started. We’re here to help you navigate Louisiana bankruptcy requirements the right way.
Call (318) 868-2600 or schedule a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I complete the credit counseling course online in Louisiana?
A: Yes. Most Louisiana filers use online or phone counseling. It’s court-approved, confidential, and available 24/7—even in remote parishes.
Q: How do I know if I qualify for a fee waiver?
A: If your income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty line, you likely qualify. Simon Fitzgerald can help you apply before you register.
Q: What happens if I don’t file my certificate in time?
A: Your case could be dismissed. That’s why we monitor deadlines for every district (Eastern, Middle, Western) to protect your case.
