Bankruptcy Counseling

Through life's ups and downs you may, at some point, find yourself seeking bankruptcy protection. In 2005, Congress passed The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act which requires consumers to attend a credit counseling session before filing for bankruptcy and a financial education workshop afterwards.

Approved by the U.S. Trustees, RDI issues certificates for pre and post bankruptcy counseling. Get started on the financial road to recovery today.

Issues to Consider
Bankruptcy will affect your financial life for several years. It is very important that you consider all of the issues before deciding to discharge your debts in this manner.

  • Your credit rating could be affected for up to ten years
  • You may pay more to obtain a loan or credit card
  • Not all of your debts may be discharged in a bankruptcy
  • Bankruptcy is a matter of public record and may affect your reputation in your community or workplace

Bankruptcy is meant to be a last resort. You should try all other methods of repayment before filing for bankruptcy.

What to expect when seeking Bankruptcy Counseling

Bankruptcy Filing

RDI Financial Consultants may answer general questions about the bankruptcy process, but cannot give legal advice.  While an attorney can make a recommendation to file bankruptcy, it is a personal choice based on individual circumstances.  After you have determined that bankruptcy is your only option, discuss filing with an attorney. As an individual you can file without an attorney, however because of the complexity involved it is strongly recommended that you consult an attorney or seek out free legal services. In Montana, you can request help through Montana Legal Services; in Wyoming visit Legal Aid of Wyoming; and in Idaho visit Idaho Legal Aid Services.

Pre-Filing Counseling Session 
In the Pre-filing Counseling session, you and your RDI Financial Consultant will examine your situation to determine if there are any alternatives to bankruptcy. Your RDI Financial Consultant will also explain any consequences you might experience and help you be prepared to get back on track after the bankruptcy. You can meet with an RDI Financial Consultant at one of our local offices or over the phone for a 60-to-90 minute pre-filing bankruptcy counseling session. During the session you will develop a budget and financial net worth analysis; current situation and factors that caused it; a review of alternatives and consequences; an action plan for moving forward; and a certificate of completion.  If you are filing a joint bankruptcy, you and your spouse need to attend the session together.

For your appointment you will need:

  • Income verification (recent pay stubs or bank statements)
  • A list of current living expenses — items such as rent or mortgage
  • Payments, utility bills, cell phone bill, school loans, car loans, etc.
  • A copy of any creditor statements
  • A valid government issued photo ID
  • $50 fee (Money Order or Cashier's Check) per certificate issued. In limited circumstances, you may be eligible to have this fee waived. Please contact us for more information, rdi@ruraldynamics.org.

Pre-Discharge Financial Education
The Pre-Discharge Financial Education session will allow you to focus on the steps you can take to help build a strong financial life. You will learn a comprehensive set of financial skills and concepts to help you manage your money confidently going forward. The course can be done easily and on-line. The course includes:

  • Development of a spending plan
  • Money management tools
  • Wise use of credit
  • Consumer protection laws and regulations

Click here to start your Bankruptcy Education course now.

For this class, you will need the following information: Bankruptcy case number, valid photo ID, and $50/person. Call for more information or to schedule a in-person class, 1-877-275-2227.