Chapter 7 Bankruptcy & The Debtor Education Course Requirement
What Is the Debtor Education Course & What Does It Mean to You?
In order to eliminate your debt through a Chapter 7 debt discharge, you must complete the debtor education course requirement. It’s a mandatory personal bankruptcy requirement that was established under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005.
Everyone seeking Chapter 7 bankruptcy debt relief is obligated under that federal law take the course. Bankruptcy judges have limited ability to allow exceptions this rule.
Unfortunately, some bankruptcy cases are quickly dismissed because Chapter 7 bankruptcy filers didn’t properly complete the course or they didn’t file proof of their completion (through a debtor education course certificate).
For more information on the debtor education course, be sure to get in touch with a local bankruptcy lawyer by filling out our free bankruptcy case evaluation form or calling 1 (888) 632-0501.
When Do You Need to Take the Required Debtor Education Course?
In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding, there are court document filling deadlines that must be followed in order to achieve Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief.
The debtor education course must be completed after your bankruptcy lawyer files your bankruptcy petition but prior to your Chapter 7 debt discharge.
A bankruptcy attorney can help you make sure that you meet all the bankruptcy deadlines and successfully fulfill your Chapter 7 bankruptcy requirements.
What to Expect During YourChapter 7 Bankruptcy Debt Education Consultation
You can complete this personal bankruptcy requirement in person, over the phone or through the Internet.
Your debt education consultation should include:
- a personal review of your finances;
- the creation of a personal budget system;
- information on how to use your credit wisely;
- advice on how to manage your finances; and
- suggestions on how to avoid common post-bankruptcy pitfalls.
When you successfully complete your debtor education course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. You or your bankruptcy lawyer must file this certificate with the bankruptcy court in order to fully accomplish the Chapter 7 bankruptcy requirement.
Where To Find An Approved Debtor Education Course
Everyone must take the debtor education course through a company that’s been approved by the U.S. Trustee’s office.
It’s imperative that you take your debt education course through an accredited agency. If you end up taking the course through an unaccredited company, your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case may be thrown out of court, thus preventing you from discharging your debt.
The cost of a debtor education course can vary but the U.S. Trustee’s office reports that you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 and $100.
StartFreshToday.com is an approved agency that may be able to help you fulfill your bankruptcy requirements. For just $49, Start Fresh Today offers you an online debtor education course that’s approved by the U.S. Trustee’s office.
If you prefer to complete your debtor education course requirement through a phone call, Start Fresh Today also provides an over-the-phone debtor education course for just $59, which is also approved by the U.S. Trustee’s office.
For a list of U.S. Trustee-approved agencies that offer the financial counseling sessions, visit the UST Web site.
>Got Questions about Any of Your Chapter 7 Requirements?
Although Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a relatively quick process—you can receive your Chapter 7 debt discharge in just a few months—there are certain steps that must be followed.
A bankruptcy lawyer can guide you through the Chapter 7 bankruptcy process and make sure you are getting the most out of your Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. Filing personal bankruptcy is a big decision and it’s important to do it properly to save you time and money.
Don’t hesitate in contacting a bankruptcy lawyer if you have any questions about your financial situation. Chapter7.Me provides you with an extensive network of bankruptcy lawyers who are happy to answer your questions—with no obligation.
Connect to a local bankruptcy lawyer by filling out our free bankruptcy evaluation form or by calling 1 (888) 632-0501.