Free debt counseling: help out of the debt trap

With over-indebtedness you do not have to fight alone: recognized debt counseling centers help free of charge to gain an overview, negotiate with creditors, secure seizure protection and, if necessary, prepare a personal insolvency. The first step is often the hardest, but the most important.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Recognized debt counseling centers (at welfare associations, municipalities, consumer advice centers) advise free of charge. They help with an overview, creditor negotiations, the P-account certificate and preparing a personal insolvency.

For personal insolvency, a prior out-of-court settlement attempt is required, which a recognized body certifies (§ 305 InsO). Counseling is therefore often a prerequisite for further steps.

What you should do now

1
1. Gain an overview
List all creditors, claims and your income, this is the basis of any counseling.
2
2. Find a counseling center
Turn to a recognized debt counseling center (Caritas, Diakonie, AWO, consumer advice center, municipality).
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3. Secure seizure protection
Get help setting up a P-account and raising the exemption so that your subsistence minimum is protected.
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4. Determine the path
Together you clarify whether installment plans, a settlement or a personal insolvency is the right way.

How to spot the scam

Dubious providers demand high upfront costs for 'debt regulation'.
Reminders and garnishments pile up without you acting.
You take out new loans to pay off old ones.

Frequently asked questions

Is debt counseling really free?

At recognized centers of welfare associations, municipalities and consumer advice centers, yes. Beware of commercial providers who demand high upfront costs for 'debt regulation', reputable counseling is generally free for you.

How does debt counseling help me?

It provides an overview, negotiates with creditors, helps with installment plans and seizure protection (P-account certificate) and, in case of over-indebtedness, prepares a personal insolvency, including the required out-of-court settlement attempt (§ 305 InsO).

How do I take the first step?

Put together your creditors and claims and arrange an appointment at a recognized debt counseling center near you. It is never too late, the earlier, the more room to maneuver remains.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.