10/07
Do I have to do credit counseling after I file bankruptcy?
No. But you do have to take a second similar "financial management" course in order to qualify for a discharge in your bankruptcy case. It cannot be taken before you file the case, though.
The program must be provided by an approved agency, just like the credit counseling before a case could be filed. See the previous FAQ.
Typically the program consists of about 90-minutes of information in-person or over the Internet or by phone, or some combination.
There are deadlines to complete these programs which we can explain in more detail as you prepare to file but it is often a good idea to have this completed by the time you come to your first hearing. If it is not completed and the certificate of completion then the case may be closed without a discharge being granted. In order to get the discharge, an additional court filing fee will be charged and the judge has to decide if you should be allowed to reopen the case for it.
Hopefully the course will assist you in the process and also help you rebuild your finances and avoid financial problems in the future.
Further reading: Debtor Education Courses
The program must be provided by an approved agency, just like the credit counseling before a case could be filed. See the previous FAQ.
Typically the program consists of about 90-minutes of information in-person or over the Internet or by phone, or some combination.
There are deadlines to complete these programs which we can explain in more detail as you prepare to file but it is often a good idea to have this completed by the time you come to your first hearing. If it is not completed and the certificate of completion then the case may be closed without a discharge being granted. In order to get the discharge, an additional court filing fee will be charged and the judge has to decide if you should be allowed to reopen the case for it.
Hopefully the course will assist you in the process and also help you rebuild your finances and avoid financial problems in the future.
Further reading: Debtor Education Courses
