What Is the Difference Between Credit Counseling and Debtor Education? Part Two: Debtor Education

After you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you are required by federal law to fulfill debtor education requirements before your debt can be discharged. The debtor education course goes hand-in-hand with credit counseling.

Read on to understand the difference between these two requirements, and to understand what steps you need to take in order to satisfy them.

While credit counseling looks at the present state of your finances, debtor education focuses on your life after bankruptcy. You’ll learn how to create a budget to manage your money, make good use of credit, and ultimately make financial decisions that will keep you from falling back into bankruptcy in the future.

If you filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must complete a debtor education course within 60 days of the date set for your meeting of creditors, also called the 341 hearing. If you’ve filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the debtor education course must be completed before you make the last payment on your plan.

Like credit counseling, the debtor education course can be completed over the phone, online, or in person. This course is likely to last longer than the pre-filing session; typically it will take about two hours to cover the pertinent material. Once you have successfully finished the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate must then be filed with the court. If you fail to complete your course, or fail to file your certificate, your case is likely to be closed without your debt being discharged, and it will cost you more money to reopen the case and file the certificate.

The debtor education provider you choose must be certified with and approved by the United States Trustee Program, a facet of the Department of Justice. The US Trustee Program provides a comprehensive list of approved providers on their website, in addition to Frequently Asked Questions about the program.

For more information about how bankruptcy protection can put you on a road to better financial health, or about how having an experienced bankruptcy lawyer like Joel R. Spivack on your side can truly simplify a complex process, contact him today for a free consultation.

Our Client Reviews on Google

Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Destiny Waller

2022-03-06

Very grateful that we hired Joel for our home purchase! He was extremely professional and made the process smooth sailing. He always responded to our questions same-day and was happy to explain the process to us several times (which we definitely needed.) We weren’t sure we needed an attorney for purchasing a home, but we saved money and stress during the negotiation process, so certainly worth it. Thank you for your help Joel!

Caius Santos

2022-02-14

If you’re considering filing bankruptcy I highly recommend you use Joel Spivack. He is knowledgeable, courteous and professional. He guided me through the process and went through smoothly without any surprises.

Joe Delia

2022-02-02

Joel has had our back on more than one occasion. He's professional and personable. I called him on a Friday after hours and he called right back. Talk about peace of mind. I didn't have to sit on a problem over the weekend. He's helped us sort out some pretty sizable problems for a very reasonable fee. Hiring him was one of the best decisions we ever made.

B Lal khan

2022-01-25

I found Mr Spivack to be an extremely intelligent and compassionate attorney who helped us through a very difficult financial time. He handled our bankruptcy efficiently and made us very comfortable with our choice to file. I also felt that his fees were EXTREMELY reasonable compared to most bankruptcy attorneys. He even offered us follow up advice after the bankruptcy, if I were to need any. I would highly recommend Mr Spivack if searching for an attorney.

B Noshn

2022-01-25

Highly Recommend, Mr Spivak helped me with a very difficult situation that I was in. From the very first meeting with him, he explained everything to me clearly. He was always available to me and always return my calls or texts promptly. He always sent me any information that he received from the courts with an explanation.

Sandra Waite

2022-01-24

Joel Spivack helped us with our recent bankruptcy and I can't say enough great things about him. He was professional, responsive to our many questions and did not make us feel bad about having to file bankruptcy. He knows everything there is to know about the laws surrounding bankruptcy and guided us through the entire process. If you want someone who knows the law and will help you every step of the way, Mr. Spivack is the person to call.

Greg Clementi

2022-01-24

Helped me every step of the way, let me know all my options

Brian Speigel

2021-11-24

Dear sir , i had a good experience with you getting it done right and helping me with the process

joseph hoffman

2021-11-13

Mr. Spivak was experienced, knowledgeable, and understanding in representing us in a closing resulting in a successful transaction. I highly recommend him.

Damiana Padilla

2021-10-16

Joel has been a life saver. He has gone above and beyond our expectations. We made the mistake of not hiring a lawyer during attorney review and once we started having issues we hired Mr. Spivack. After speaking to him we knew he would help us through the rest of the real estate transaction. Joel did not disappoint he went above and beyond and gave us piece of mind. Thank you Joel for your professionalism and proficiency, we look forward to a continuous relationship.

See my ratings and reviews on AVVO and Lawyers.com.

Joel R. Spivack

NJ & PA Consumer Bankruptcy & Real Estate Transacations Attorney

Contact Us Now For a Consultation

Categories

What Is the Difference Between Credit Counseling and Debtor Education? Part Two: Debtor Education

Our Client Reviews on Google

Request a Consultation

Send us a Message