Ask your creditors what services they would recommend. Consider an agency that stresses total money management, not just getting you out of debt. For both types of services, the first counseling session is generally free. Beware of any agency that states it can solve your problems in a 20 minute session. Recognize that some sacrifice on your part will be necessary in order to make the counseling program work.
Many nonprofit companies base their fees on the persons ability to pay.
Find out what fees will be charged before you sign any agreement. Your Better Business Bureau, bank, credit union, church, and local service agency may also be able to provide you with more information. Unfortunately, when you're behind in your payments it's not unusual to be hounded by bill collectors. If this is the case, you need to be aware of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act of 1978. This outlines what a bill collector can and cannot do.