GENERAL INFORMATION
Has the counseling changed?
Not really, we still need to analyze the budget and make a debt relief recommendation but some of our former responses are no longer relevant.
Is there an updated WC response document?
Yes, please get rid of the old one and use the new one until further notice. The new WC response document can be found at this link.
Can we trust the budget information from the client?
For the most part, yes. The client has had several opportunities throughout the course to modify their budget and confirm the accuracy.
That said, we still need to clarify anything that looks really strange or out of whack or something is mentioned in the notes that is not in the budget.
Do you think we’ll see more debt repayment recommendations?
Yes, probably but we are going to trust their numbers unless something looks really strange.
My client got through without filling out the budget, how did they do that?
It’s possible that they are in an older account and were going through the budget before we rolled out the changes (on June 14, 2019). If you’re missing important information on an old account then you’ll need to ask the client about it. In a new account, we can trust the numbers the client gives us (unless something looks really strange).
COUNSELING SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
The client checked the ‘prevent foreclosure’ box, what do I do?
If they checked foreclosure and they have reasonable (1+ months) arrears listed, then BK.
My client mentioned something in the notes that isn’t in their budget, what should I do?
If the client mentioned something in the “speech bubble” notes or in the WC interaction (before BA is sent) that isn’t reflected in the budget, update the budget as needed or push back to clarify with the client.
My client has negative cash flow but mentions in the notes that their spouse helps with their monthly payment obligations, what do I do?
No action needed since the client explained the situation.
My client isn’t keeping their primary auto, do I need to do anything?
Yes, if they’re giving up their auto you will need to move the debt into “other unsecured debts” so that it doesn’t factor into the monthly obligations.
My client has a lot of money in checking/savings/other assets, should I mention it?
That depends. If the amount of money they’ve listed will change our recommendation or significantly reduce their debt balance then please be sure to mention it (see the WC response document). Choose the appropriate radio button to reflect the changed recommendation.
Focus primarily on the cash, checking, and savings, we’re not going to recommend they sell their car or house or grandma’s heirloom jewelry.