The Process for Getting Chapter 13 Counseling in Illinois
- 1). Go to the website listing the government-approved credit counseling agencies and select Illinois from the drop-down menu.
- 2). Select the credit counseling agency. You may want to call around to several different agencies to find one that best fits your needs. Many of the agencies offer counseling in person, over the telephone and over the Internet. Figure out which method works best for you, and set up an appointment.
- 3). Decide if Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the right option for you during the counseling session. You will discuss your personal finances and alternatives to filing for bankruptcy. You will need to pay a fee of approximately $50 (as of November 2010); however, if you have financial difficulty, you should request a fee waiver when making your appointment. At the end of the counseling session, you will receive a certificate of credit counseling that you need to file with the bankruptcy court. File your Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition within 30 days after receiving credit counseling.