how long is a pre discharge debtor education course?

by Owen Metz 6 min read

How long does it take to complete the debtor education course?

That form is available on the website of the United States Courts. Those who file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection have 60 days after the first date set for the meeting of creditors to complete the debtor education course and file the certification of completion with the court.

What is a pre-discharge debtor education course?

In order to be discharged from Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must complete a Pre-Discharge Debtor Education course. The purpose of this bankruptcy course is to help you remain financially secure and use credit wisely so you don’t end up in bankruptcy again.

Should I take a debtor education course before or after bankruptcy?

You must take a debtor education course after you file bankruptcy but before you get a discharge in your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Please answer a few questions to help us match you with attorneys in your area.

What is “debtor education”?

The second is the pre-discharge bankruptcy education, commonly called “Debtor Education.” Debtor education focusing on budgeting and managing money after bankruptcy. The idea is to set financial goals and learn how to cut your expenses.

Is this course a requirement for my bankruptcy case?

Yes. The law requires that you must complete a pre discharge bankruptcy course before you may be granted a discharge. This is a mandatory course.

Will this course satisfy the requirements for both chapter 7 and chapter 13 cases?

Yes. Our bankruptcy course is approved to satisfy the requirements for both chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy cases.

How do I get started with the second bankruptcy course?

To register for the second bankruptcy course, please visit: https://www.debtoredu.com/post-bankruptcy-course.aspx.

Do I have to take this course only when your customer service is open?

No. The course is available to take 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. You may register for the course and take it at any time.

When should I take the second bankruptcy course?

The second bankruptcy course should be taken after your bankruptcy case is filed. This is the second bankruptcy course that must be taken prior to...

What information do I need to register for the second bankruptcy course?

You need the following information to register for the second bankruptcy course: first name, last name, last 4 digits of your social security numbe...

Where can I find my bankruptcy case number?

Your bankruptcy case number (e.g., 20-12345) can be found on your bankruptcy paperwork. After you file a bankruptcy case, the court usually sends y...

Can my spouse and I take the bankruptcy course together?

Yes. You and your spouse can register and take the second bankruptcy course together or separately.

I mistakenly registered for the course without my spouse. Can I add my spouse onto the account at a ...

Yes. Please send an email to support@debtoredu.com with your request. Please include your first name, last name, last 4 digits of your social secur...

I took the first bankruptcy course with another course provider. Can I still take the second bankrup...

Yes. You are not required to complete both courses with the same company. We encourage you to take the second bankruptcy course with us as we provi...

How long does bankruptcy affect credit?

All bankruptcy-related accounts will remain on your credit report and affect your credit score for seven to 10 years, although their impact will lessen over time.

Can Incharge submit a dispute to a credit reporting agency?

Also, InCharge cannot submit a dispute to a credit reporting agency on your behalf. However, your Listed Creditor (s) may report your participation in the DMP to credit reporting agencies. Some creditors may view your DMP participation negatively and many not extend additional lines of credit to you.

How It Works

Here’s a look at how the counseling process works and what you should expect.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions (and answers!) about our pre-discharge debtor education:

Additional Resources

Here are some other articles you may find helpful while researching bankruptcy counseling or the bankruptcy process in general.

What are the exceptions to debtor education?

Exceptions include: being on active duty in a military combat zone. a disability that prevents you from taking the course. no court-approved course providers are available in your area. a course isn’t available in a language you understand.

What is the form 23 for debtor education?

When you complete the debtor education course, you must file a form called Debtor’s Certification of Completion of Postpetition Instructional Course Concerning Personal Financial Management (Official Form 23) with the court.

What is the credit counseling requirement for bankruptcy?

It includes the requirement that all Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy petitioners complete approved credit counseling and provide to the court a certificate of completion from a U.S. Trustee-approved, nonprofit credit counseling agency. The law also requires all consumers who file for bankruptcy to successfully complete two bankruptcy courses prior to having debts discharged.

How long does it take to get a bankruptcy education certificate?

Bankruptcy Education Deadlines. Those who file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection have 60 days after the first date set for the meeting of creditors to complete the debtor education course and file the certification of completion with the court.

What is bankruptcy education?

What Is Bankruptcy Debtor Education? In order to be discharged from Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must complete a Pre-Discharge Debtor Education course. The purpose of this bankruptcy course is to help you remain financially secure and use credit wisely so you don’t end up in bankruptcy again.

How to get credit counseling after bankruptcy?

With Pre-file Credit Counseling, you’ll start online, then receive a personal counseling session by telephone to discuss the details of your current financial situation with a Certified Financial Counselor. Your counselor will help you build an accurate picture of your current finances, then give specific advice on actions you can take to improve it. You’ll also discuss short- and long-term financial goals and determine if there are any alternatives to bankruptcy. The counselor will explain consequences of bankruptcy and actions you can take to get back on sound footing after a bankruptcy.

What is debtor education?

It's a financial management course that you take after you've filed for bankruptcy but before you get a discharge. The debtor education course teach es you strategies that will help you stay financially healthy after your bankruptcy.

How many classes do you need to take before filing for bankruptcy?

In both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you (and your spouse if you file jointly) must take two courses before you receive a bankruptcy discharge (the order that wipes out qualifying debt)—one before you file your paperwork, and another afterward. Read on to learn about the second class, a personal financial management course known by several ...

How long does it take to file a 423?

Filing Deadlines. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must file Form 423 and the certificate no later than 45 days after the date on which your meeting of creditors was first scheduled. Don't miss the deadline. If you do, the court might close your case.

What happens if you miss the deadline for filing bankruptcy?

Don't miss the deadline. If you do, the court might close your case. If that happens, you'll have to reopen your case and repay the entire filing fee. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must file Form 423 and the certificate no later than the date on which you make your last plan payment.

When do you file a 423?

In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must file Form 423 and the certificate no later than the date on which you make your last plan payment. You can take the course early on in your case, however, and some attorneys recommend this because the course provides information that may help you budget and complete your plan.

Can you pay credit counseling on a sliding scale?

However, you must be allowed to pay on a sliding scale if you can't afford to pay the full price. You can take the course in a variety of ways, depending on the provider. You can find approved agencies in your area by visiting the U.S. Trustee's website. Select "Credit Counseling & Debtor Education" in the left navbar.

Do you have to be a nonprofit to take bankruptcy counseling?

Unlike the agencies approved to provide pre-bankruptcy credit counseling, the agencies providing debtor education courses don't have to be a nonprofit organization.

About Debtor Education Course

Under the 2005 amendments to the Bankruptcy Code; if you filed for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a debtor education course is required prior to your application for discharge. In this course you will learn the fundamentals to effectively manage your finances and take charge of your personal financial affairs.

This Course May Also Be Known As

o Second Bankruptcy Course o Post-Bankruptcy Filing Course o Pre-Discharge Course o Debtor Education Course o Post-Bankruptcy Counseling o Personal Financial Management Course o Post Filing Credit Counseling Course

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be better able to o Understand how to create budgets and forecasts to better manage their finances o Set long and short term financial goals o Understand how to manage credit and the impact of credit on their financial future o To cope with unexpected financial events o Understand the various consumer protection laws and the agencies involved.

Benefits

o Delivered in an entertaining video format o Tailored to the adult learner o Prompt delivery of your Certificate of completion o Fantastic customer service team o Affordable under any budget

How long does debtor education last?

Regardless of the method of instruction, the course will typically last at least two hours. If you attend the course in person, an instructor will provide you with course materials and teach you in a class setting.

What is debtor education?

The purpose of the debtor education course is to teach you how to manage money and use credit wisely after bankruptcy. If you don't complete the debtor education requirement, the court won't issue a discharge in your bankruptcy. Read on to learn more about the debtor education course requirement in bankruptcy.

What happens if you don't complete debtor education?

If you don't complete the debtor education course within the specified deadlines, the court will typically close your bankruptcy case without a discharge. This means that if you want to wipe out your debts, you will need to file a motion, pay the necessary fees, and ask the court to reopen your case so that you can file ...

How to get discharged from Chapter 7?

To receive a discharge in Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you are required to take a debtor education course after you file your case. The goal of the debtor education requirement is to educate you on making smart financial choices so that you won't have to seek bankruptcy relief in the future. When you take the debtor education course, you ...

How much is a reasonable fee for debtor education?

But the new rules published by the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees (EOUST) state that $50 or less is a reasonable fee. If a debtor education provider wants to charge more than $50, it has to get approval from the EOUST. (Learn more about the new debtor education rules .) Fee waivers.

Do you have to take debtor education before discharge?

With a few exceptions, all Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy debtors must complete a course in debtor education before they can receive a discharge. (Learn more about the exceptions to the debtor education requirement .) you don't have an adequate debtor education course available in your district (this is a very rare occurrence).