Before you file for bankruptcy, you must undergo mandatory credit counseling with a credit counseling agency approved by the U.S. Trustee Program. This credit counseling certification must have been completed within the 180 days immediately preceding the filing of your bankruptcy case.
Not all credit counseling agencies are approved by the U.S. Trustee Program. You can find a list of approved credit counseling agencies here online or by calling your local branch of the Federal Trade Commission or U.S. Bankruptcy Court Clerk’s Office. You must file your certification of credit counseling when you file your petition for bankruptcy.
At your credit counseling session, you can expect to go over your finances in detail with a credit counselor. This session is required under the law, but it’s not like most credit counseling. In fact, many agencies let you get the certificate online in just a few minutes.
Personally, I think the credit counseling requirement is nothing more than a waste of time and money for you (it costs anywhere from $25-$40 depending on who you decide to use). Nonetheless, it’s required so you don’t get a choice of saving time or money.
I'm a consumer protection lawyer who helps people with their bill problems. The solutions I offer depend on your individual situation rather than being "one size fits all." In trouble? It's time we talked. 
I’ve been practicing bankruptcy law in New York for over 30 years. I will recommend bankruptcy only if it's right for you - not just because it happens to be the field of law in which I practice.
My professional background includes bankruptcy real estate and mortgage issues. My job is to help you get the solution that works best for you. This is more than your finances; it's your life and your future. 
[...] not talking about something as technical as getting your pre-bankruptcy credit counseling certification. The reality is that most people in New York who are looking to file for bankruptcy already know [...]