what is the debtor education course

by Waylon Jerde 9 min read

The debtor education course is different. 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 teaches you strategies that will help you stay financially healthy after your bankruptcy.

How do I take the debtor education course?

Which Bankruptcy Course Is the Debtor Education Course? It's the second course. You must complete it before receiving your debt discharge (the order that erases qualifying debt) unless you're exempt from taking the debtor education course. The practical financial management strategies taught in the class will help you avoid another bankruptcy filing.

What is the debtor education requirement for bankruptcy?

Nov 22, 2018 · The debtor education course is intended to teach you fundamental personal finance management skills that you'll need to be financially successful after bankruptcy. Here is Whether you are seeking debt discharge through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in California, you must complete the debtor education course as a requirement of the US Bankruptcy Code.

Do all debtor education providers have the same time requirement?

Jun 17, 2020 · Debtor education courses can be taken in the following ways: In person; Online (usually done via email or live chat) Over the phone; In general, they last under two hours and rarely cost more than $25. If you attend your debtor education course in person, then you will receive course materials and receive instruction in a class setting.

What is the difference between credit counseling and debtor education?

The required debtor education course is designed to teach bankruptcy filers about managing money, and using credit wisely. The overall goal of the course is to teach people how to make smart financial choices that will help avoid needing to seek bankruptcy relief again at a later date.

What is pre discharge debtor education?

About Pre-Discharge Education It prevents creditors or collection agencies from collecting debts through legal action or communication, such as phone calls, letters or personal contact.

What is a Form 423?

Bankruptcy Official Form 423 informs debtors of their requirements to complete the second class. Officially, the class is called a “Financial Management Course.”Jun 12, 2017

What is financial management course?

Financial Management Courses are courses that help students become successful in the world of Finance. These courses will equip you with the basic skills of Financial Management. In this course, students can: Understand the basics of Financial Accounting.Mar 18, 2022

What Is The Debtor Education Course Requirement?

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...

Who Must Take The Debtor Education Course?

With a few exceptions, all Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy debtors must complete a course in debtor education before they can receive a dischar...

Approved Debtor Education Course Providers

You must take the debtor education course from a provider approved by the U.S. Trustee (or the Bankruptcy Administrator if you live in Alabama and...

When Do You Have to Complete The Debtor Education Course?

If you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must take the debtor education course and file your certificate of completion (discussed below) with the...

How Much Does The Debtor Education Course Cost?

The cost of the debtor education course will depend on the provider you select. But the new rules published by the Executive Office for U.S. Truste...

What Happens During The Debtor Education Course?

You can usually take the debtor education course in person, over the phone, or on the Internet. Regardless of the method of instruction, the course...

Filing Your Certificate of Completion

When you complete the debtor education course, you must file a form called Debtor’s Certification of Completion of Postpetition Instructional Cours...

What states have bankruptcy administration?

The United States Bankruptcy Administrator Program, a bankruptcy estate administration program established by the federal judiciary, presently serves only the six federal judicial districts in the States of Alabama and North Carolina.

Does the Trustee Program work in Alabama?

By law, the U.S. Trustee Program does not operate in Alabama and North Carolina; in these states, Bankruptcy Administrators approve pre-bankruptcy credit counseling organizations and pre-discharge debtor education course providers. The following is a list of Bankruptcy Administrator approved providers in Alabama and North Carolina.

Who approves credit counseling in Alabama?

In Alabama and North Carolina, the bankruptcy administrator approves credit counseling and debtor education providers. Lists of approved providers for the six judicial districts in Alabama and North Carolina are maintained by the bankruptcy administrator for that district or bankruptcy court.

Do you have to take credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy?

Credit counseling must take place before you file for bankruptcy; debtor education must take place after you file. Certificate of completion for both credit counseling and debtor education are required but before the filer’s debts can be discharged. Only credit counseling organizations and debtor education course providers ...

What happens if a bankruptcy filer does not complete the debtor education requirement?

If a bankruptcy filer does not complete the debtor education requirement, the court will not issue a discharge of debt at the conclusion of the bankruptcy.

What is required debtor education?

The required debtor education course is designed to teach bankruptcy filers about managing money, and using credit wisely. The overall goal of the course is to teach people how to make smart financial choices that will help avoid needing to seek bankruptcy relief again at a later date.

How long does it take to get a bankruptcy certificate?

When filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the debtor education course certificate of completion needs to be filed with the court no later than 60 days after the first scheduled date for the Meeting of the Creditors.

What is the pre discharge debtor education course?

The Debtor Education Course requirement is sometimes referred to as the pre discharge debtor education course.

Do you have to take a debtor education course before filing bankruptcy?

There are very few exceptions to bankruptcy’s requirement for filers to complete a debtor education course. If you are filing bankruptcy, it is safe to assume you are required to complete a qualified debtor education course prior to receiving a discharge of debt.

What is the second course in bankruptcy?

The second course is required as part of your bankruptcy. The purpose of debtor education is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to take control of your financial future. The course is taken after your bankruptcy has been filed but before you receive your discharge.

How to get a case number if my attorney has not filed?

There are 3 main ways to get this information: Call VCIS (Voice Case Information System) at: (866) 222-8029 (automated line) Ask your attorney. Ask the bankruptcy court.

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

The course is required to take a MINIMUM of 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete. The course is timed, and you cannot finish early. Take your time and spend the full two hours on the course material. All debtor education providers have the same time requirement.

What is the second course in credit counseling?

The second course is a financial management session, which is more educational.

Can you get a bankruptcy certificate if you are referred to a different provider?

Yes, even if you were referred to a different provider, the certificate you receive after completing the BE Adviser debtor education course is accepted everywhere, by all attorneys and by all bankruptcy courts.

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Filers in Alabama and North Carolina

  • By law, the U.S. Trustee Program does not operate in Alabama and North Carolina; in these states, Bankruptcy Administratorsapprove pre-bankruptcy credit counseling organizations and pre-discharge debtor education course providers. The following is a list of Bankruptcy Administrator approved providers in Alabama and North Carolina.
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Filers in All Other States and Territories

  • Certificate of completion for both credit counseling and debtor education are required but before the filer’s debts can be discharged. Only credit counseling organizations and debtor education course providers that have been approved by the U.S. Trustee Program may issue these certificates for filers in all states and territories except for Alabama and North Carolina. Find an …
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Approval Process For Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Courses

  • In Alabama and North Carolina, the bankruptcy administrator approvescredit counseling and debtor education providers. Lists of approved providers for the six judicial districts in Alabama and North Carolina are maintained by the bankruptcy administrator for that district or bankruptcy court. An entity seeking to become an authorized credit counseli...
See more on uscourts.gov