Commonly Asked Questions About Credit Counseling and Debtor Education
Any individual that is planning to file for consumer bankruptcy will need to complete two separate course requirements: credit counseling and debtor education. Often, if you read descriptions of these two requirements, they sound very similar to one another. As such, you might be wondering if you actually need to complete both, and if there are actually differences between them. You also might be wondering how to complete them, and what to expect in the different courses. To be clear, you are required to complete both credit counseling and debtor education, and there are important similarities and distinctions between them.
Our West Palm Beach bankruptcy lawyers can provide you with answers to commonly asked questions about credit counseling and debtor education courses. And if you have additional or follow-up questions, it is critical to seek advice from an attorney.
Q: When Do I Need to Complete Credit Counseling and Debtor Education?
A: The timing of credit counseling and debtor education requirements are very different. Credit counseling must be completed within the 180-day period before you file for bankruptcy, and for that reason it is often known as pre-bankruptcy credit counseling. Differently, debtor education must be completed after you have filed your bankruptcy petition but before you receive a bankruptcy discharge, and for this reason it is often known as pre-discharge debtor education.
Q: Can I Do Credit Counseling and Debtor Education At the Same Time?
A: No. Since these courses have different timing requirements, they cannot be done at the same time.
Q: How Do I Find Providers for These Courses?
A: The US Trustee Program provides a list of the approved agencies that provide credit counseling and the approved providers for debtor education. You can choose from providers on the US Trustee Program’s lists.
Q: Do I Have to Pay for Credit Counseling and Debtor Education?
A: Yes, you have to pay a fee for each of these required courses. However, if you cannot afford to pay, there are options to seek a reduced or free rate with a fee waiver based on your individual financial circumstances.
Q: Can I Complete Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Online?
A: Yes, both credit counseling and debtor education requirements can typically be completed online.
Q: What Are the Differences I Should Expect Between These Requirements?
A: When you go through credit counseling, the purpose is for you to gain an understanding of whether, based on your financial circumstances, filing bankruptcy is the right decision for you. This is why you must complete credit counseling before you file for bankruptcy. Debtor education is intended to provide you with information about how to better manage your financial circumstances in the future once you receive a bankruptcy discharge so that you do not find yourself in a situation again where you need to file for bankruptcy.
Contact a West Palm Beach Bankruptcy Attorneys Today
From the start of any bankruptcy case in South Florida, it is essential to have an experienced West Palm Beach bankruptcy lawyer at Kelley, Kaplan & Eller to assist you. Bankruptcy law is extremely complicated, and there are a wide range of requirements that you will need to meet at various stages of the bankruptcy process. Our firm can ensure that you meet all requirements and that you receive the bankruptcy protections you need.
Sources:
justice.gov/ust/frequently-asked-questions-faqs-credit-counseling
justice.gov/ust/frequently-asked-questions-faqs-debtor-education
