when do i have to complete the debtor education course

by Allie Kub 8 min read

While you need to complete the credit counseling course before your initial filing, you do not need to take the debtor education course until after you file for bankruptcy. The purpose of this course is to help a debtor develop better strategies for managing their finances once they emerge from the bankruptcy so that they do not need to file again.

The Bankruptcy Code requires individuals to complete credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy, subject to certain exceptions, and requires debtor education to be completed after the bankruptcy case is filed. Therefore, an approved provider may not offer both services to clients in the same session.Jan 7, 2022

Full Answer

Do I have to take a course in debtor education?

When Do I Have to Complete the Debtor Education Requirement? Chapter 7 filers have 60 days after the 341 meeting of creditors to file the certificate. Chapter 13 filers must file the completion certificate before making the last Chapter 13 repayment plan payment. Keep in mind that missing the filing deadline is expensive.

When to complete the debtor education course after filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Aug 24, 2015 · When do you need to complete the debtor education course? If you are filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy , you need to take the debtor education course and file the completion certificate with the court within 60 days after the first scheduled date of the 341 hearing or the meeting of creditors .

How long does it take to complete Chapter 7 debtor education?

Jun 09, 2021 · All the Details: Bankruptcy’s Debtor Education Course Requirement 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.

Can I complete debtor education and credit counseling in the same session?

Jan 07, 2022 · A: No, the Bankruptcy Code requires individuals to complete credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy, subject to certain exceptions, and requires debtor education to be completed after the bankruptcy case is filed. Therefore, an approved provider may not offer both services to clients in the same session.

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 does Case closed without discharge mean?

Cases are also closed without a discharge when the Debtor fails to complete the required debtor financial education class. The financial education certificate must be filed in every person, consumer bankruptcy case. If it is not, it will result in the case being closed without a discharge.Nov 7, 2021

What is the difference between dismissed and discharged?

The court can either dismiss it or discharge it. According to the United States Courts, the goal should be a discharge because this means the court accepts your bankruptcy case and forgives your debts. A dismissal occurs when something goes wrong with your case and the court is unable to finalize the bankruptcy claim.Apr 14, 2021

Why do bankruptcies get dismissed?

Bankruptcy cases get dismissed for a variety of reasons ranging from intentional misconduct (such as fraud) to simply failing to file the correct forms with the court.

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 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.

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.

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.

Who pays for the instructional course?

Persons other than the debtor may pay for the instructional course, as long as such payments comply with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical requirements (such as state laws and rules concerning attorney ethics).

What percentage of income is required for fee waiver?

Fee waiver policies may vary by provider. At a minimum, however, a debtor whose household income is less than 150 percent of the poverty level is presumptively entitled to a fee waiver or fee reduction.

What percentage of poverty is eligible for fee waiver?

At a minimum, debtors whose household income is less than 150 percent of the poverty level are presumptively entitled to a fee waiver or fee reduction, based on the debtor’s actual ability to pay. Ability to pay shall be determined based on income information the debtor submits to the provider.

How long do you have to reapply for a USTP?

However, a currently approved provider must re-apply no later than 45 days before its current approval period expires, unless the USTP grants a written extension. Also, a provider must be ready to offer services by all requested methods of delivery (such as in-person, telephone, or Internet) immediately upon approval.

How to reprint a lost certificate?

To reprint a lost certificate: Search the CGS database by the certificate ID number. Input the debtor’s name, as it appeared on the original certificate, in the “Client Name” field. Select “Save for Reprint” and then “Create Certificate.”. At the next screen, select “Reprint Certificate.”.

What does "limited English proficiency" mean?

Adds a definition of “limited English proficiency” to mean the language proficiency of individuals who do not speak English as their primary language or have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English (§ 58.25 (b) (21)).

Can a debtor get a certificate after completing a debtor education session?

A: No. Certificates shall be issued to each debtor only after the debtor has completed a debtor education session. Advance certificate issuance is improper and jeopardizes the integrity of the debtor education course process.

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