Debt Counseling Agency

Attend Pre-Discharge Bankruptcy Education Course
Section 9 of "The Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process"

In addition to taking a pre-bankruptcy credit counseling course (see Section 3 of this article), the new bankruptcy laws enacted in 2005 require that debtors (with limited exceptions) take a pre-discharge bankruptcy education course from a government-approved debt counseling agency after filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition and prior to receiving discharge.

Approved providers vary from state to state. Use the state links in the right column to locate an approved debt counseling agency in your area.

It typically costs $50 - $100 for pre-discharge bankruptcy education, but this fee may be waived depending on your ability to pay.  If you are requesting a fee waiver, make sure it is requested and received from the debt conseling agency prior to the start of the session. 

A typical pre-discharge bankruptcy education course lasts approximately two hours and can take place in person, by telephone, or online.  As part of its services, the debt counseling agency will provide information regarding developing a budget, managing money and using credit wisely, as well as a certificate of proof.

This certificate of proof must be filed with the Court before it will grant a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge.

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This page is Section 9 of the following 13-part article:

1. Introduction to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
2. Investigate Alternatives
3. Attend Pre-Bankruptcy Credit Counseling
4. Select an Attorney
5. Attend Initial Consultation
6. Complete Bankruptcy Questionnaire
7. Finalize and Sign Bankruptcy Documents for Filing with Court
8. Prepare for and Attend Section 341 Meeting of Creditors
9. Attend Pre-Discharge Bankruptcy Education Course
10. Turn Over Nonexempt Assets to Case Trustee
11. Distribution of Nonexempt Assets to Creditors
12. Receive Discharge
13. Order Closing Case