Wegweiser Debtors · Ways out of debt Deutsch

🗂️ Debt counselling: the first step

What debt counselling does, what to bring with you and why it is needed for consumer insolvency.

debt counselling advice centre suitable body (geeignete Stelle) certificate creditor list free of charge

In brief

A debt counselling service goes through your income, expenses and debts with you. It helps with letters to creditors, settlement attempts and the insolvency application.

Advice from public and non-profit bodies is usually free of charge. If costs arise, the body must tell you at the start.

Step by step

  1. Gather documentsHave reminders, notices, contracts, bank statements and proof of income ready, complete.
  2. Draw up a creditor listWho, how much, since when, and whether an enforceable title exists.
  3. Find an appointment with a recognised bodyUse the advice centre search on meine-schulden.de to find centres near you.
  4. Pass on appointments and deadlinesIf you receive court mail or garnishment mail, tell your adviser straight away.

Deadlines

6 months
The out-of-court settlement attempt confirmed by the certificate must not be more than six months old.§ 305 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 InsO
Watch out – common mistakes
  • Waiting times at advice centres can be long; if garnishment is under way or a deadline is about to expire, report it immediately.
  • Do not pay advance fees to dubious intermediaries; recognised bodies are run by welfare associations and public providers.
  • False or incomplete information in the lists can jeopardise the discharge of residual debt (§ 290 Abs. 1 Nr. 6 InsO).
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals

Suitable person or body

For the application to open proceedings, § 305 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 InsO requires a certificate from a suitable person or body. It must be based on personal advice and a thorough review of the income and assets, and confirm that an out-of-court settlement was attempted and failed in the last six months before the application.

Advice services

According to the Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Schuldnerberatung (national association of debt counselling services), there are over 1,400 debt and insolvency counselling centres in Germany; advice from public and non-profit providers is usually free of charge. Search: meine-schulden.de.

Who is responsible
  • Recognised debt and insolvency counselling centres
  • Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Schuldnerberatung e. V. (advice centre search via meine-schulden.de)
Further reading
Out-of-court settlement with creditorsAdvice and points of contact

Quick questions

Worum geht es bei „Debt counselling: the first step“?
What debt counselling does, what to bring with you and why it is needed for consumer insolvency.
Which deadlines and figures matter?
6 months: The out-of-court settlement attempt confirmed by the certificate must not be more than six months old. (§ 305 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 InsO)
What should I do first?
  • Gather documents: Have reminders, notices, contracts, bank statements and proof of income ready, complete.
  • Draw up a creditor list: Who, how much, since when, and whether an enforceable title exists.
  • Find an appointment with a recognised body: Use the advice centre search on meine-schulden.de to find centres near you.
What do I need to watch out for?
  • Waiting times at advice centres can be long; if garnishment is under way or a deadline is about to expire, report it immediately.
  • Do not pay advance fees to dubious intermediaries; recognised bodies are run by welfare associations and public providers.
  • False or incomplete information in the lists can jeopardise the discharge of residual debt (§ 290 Abs. 1 Nr. 6 InsO).
Evidence
  • Gesetze im Internet, InsO § 305, retrieved 20 September 2026
  • Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Schuldnerberatung, bag-sb.de and meine-schulden.de, retrieved 20 September 2026
  • Gesetze im Internet, InsO § 290, retrieved 20 September 2026
As of

September 2026 · Sources and method

A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.