Many of our clients get worried when we tell them they must complete debt counseling and debtor education when they file for bankruptcy. Every person (with rare exception) who files for bankruptcy must complete both of these courses. Fortunately, both courses can be completed online or over the phone. Generally speaking, they are straightforward, inexpensive, and not too time consuming. In fact, they can serve as a tool to help you regain control of your finances after bankruptcy.
Credit Counseling
Credit Counseling must be completed within 180-days prior to filing for bankruptcy. When you finish the course you will receive a certificate of completion, which must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court.
The purpose of mandatory Credit Counseling is to help you explore whether or not you need to file for bankruptcy. The course is designed to aid you in considering if there is a feasible way you can pay back your debts. Understand that Credit Counseling is not meant to deter you from bankruptcy. You must complete the counseling; however, you are under no obligation to carry out any recommendations made by the credit counseling agency.
Debtor Education
Debtor Education must be completed after filing for bankruptcy. It is a mandatory two-hour course in personal financial management. The curriculum is designed to teach you strategies on how to handle your finances after bankruptcy.
When you must complete the course depends on which chapter of bankruptcy you file, but must be completed prior to receiving your bankruptcy discharge order.
Debtors who file Chapter 7 bankruptcy must complete the debtor education course within 60-days after the first Meeting of Creditors. Debtors who file Chapter 13 bankruptcy must complete the course prior to making the last payment on their bankruptcy plan.
To learn more read our articles Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Explained and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Explained.
As with the Credit Counseling course, after you finish Debtor Education you will receive a certificate of completion, which must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court along with Bankruptcy Form 23, Debtor’s Certificate of Completion of Instruction Course.
When you work with us, our office will handle filing both certificates for you, along with all other necessary paperwork for your bankruptcy case.
Gain Financial Freedom
Filing for bankruptcy can help you gain financial freedom and may very well help you make today the first day of the rest of your life. Read about how Bankruptcy Stops Collection Action and follow us on Facebook for more tips to stop creditor harassment!
For over 35-years we have proudly served the people in Savannah, GA and surrounding areas. Contact us for a free consultation on how you can end your financial struggle and gain financial freedom.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
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