Credit Counseling & Personal Financial Management Classes
An individual debtor must complete TWO DIFFERENT CLASSES to obtain a discharge. The names for these courses are: 1) Credit Counseling; and 2) Personal Financial Management. The courses are different in two ways: (a) When the class must be taken; and (b) What type of individual debtor must take the class. If a bankruptcy case is filed jointly, each spouse must take both classes.
Credit Counseling
Before Filing For Bankruptcy – The Bankruptcy Code ordinarily requires an individual debtor (not a business debtor) to complete an approved course in Credit Counseling within 180 days before filing a bankruptcy case. See list of courses approved by the U.S. Trustee. The course can be completed in person, over the Internet or by telephone, and the credit counseling service will provide a certificate that the course was completed.
Personal Financial Management
Very Soon After Filing for Bankruptcy - In order to obtain a discharge of debts, an individual debtor (not a business debtor) must complete an approved course in Personal Financial Management within 60 days after the 341(a) Meeting of Creditors. See list of courses approved by the U.S. Trustee. The course can be completed in person, over the internet, or over the telephone, and the course provider will provide a Certificate of Completion.