How To Choose a Financial Management Course for Claiming Bankruptcy
Before you can have your bankruptcy approved, you must take two courses, one before you file credit counseling and the other before the judge approves your discharge.Financial management is covered in the second course.You can find a list of approved vendors on the U.S. Trustee's website.The course can be taken in person, over the phone, or online.
Step 1: The U.S. Trustee has a website.
You can only take courses from approved providers.There is a list of approved courses on the U.S. Trustee's website.
Step 2: You can choose your state.
You can choose the state where you want to file for bankruptcy from the states and territories listed in the drop-down box.There will be a list of approved providers.You can find a list of approved vendors at the U.S. Courts website if you are filing for bankruptcy in Alabama or North Carolina.The U.S. is a country.Trustee doesn't operate in these states.
Step 3: Vendors that offer courses in a foreign language can be found here.
Vendors offer services in English and Spanish.There are vendors who offer courses in a different language.Go to the U.S. Trustee's website and look for the section titled "Approved agencies offering services in languages other than English and Spanish." Click on the "Choose option" box and choose the language you want.
Step 4: The Trustee can be contacted with questions.
The Trustee's Office has a Debtor Education Unit that you can contact if you have a question.Email ust.de.help@usdoj.gov or fax (202) 305-8536 can be used to reach them.
Step 5: Do you know how the course is offered?
In-person, online, or over the phone courses can be offered.You should check to see how they offer the course once you pull up your listing of approved providers.If the vendor offers in-person classes, double-check to find the address where the class is offered.The vendor's business address is included in the listings.There are different locations where classes can be held.
Step 6: The price should be looked at.
Clicking on the direct link from the Trustee's website will take you to the vendor.Vendors will list their prices on their website.You can check if they don't.
Step 7: Do you qualify for a fee Waiver?
You must be notified if you can take the course for free or for a reduced fee.The provider must give you this information before giving you any information.Fee waivers are policies that each provider has.If your household income is less than 150% of the federal poverty level, you are entitled to a fee waiver or reduction.
Step 8: You have to sign up for the course.
After selecting a provider, you should contact them directly to sign up.You can find the district where you filed for bankruptcy on your copy of the court documents.
Step 9: Don't be delayed.
You have to meet deadlines.If you apply for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you have to complete the course within 60 days of the first meeting.If you miss the deadline, the court could close your case and you would have to pay a new filing fee.Chapter 13 bankruptcies give you more time to finish the class.The day after you make your last plan payment, you have to file your certification.You have a bit of time to take the course since plans last three to five years.Some attorneys advise you to take it early.
Step 10: If you're excused from the course, check it out.
You may not have to take the debtor education course in certain circumstances.If you're on active duty in a military zone and can't take the course, check to see if any apply.
Step 11: You should take the course.
The course takes about two hours.It will show you how to make sound financial choices.Money management is one of the topics it should cover.
Step 12: You need to get a certificate of completion.
You should receive a certificate of completion after you finish the course.You have to file this certificate.The certificate can be sent if you have an attorney.
Step 13: The certificate should be filed with the court.
You will not receive a discharge until you file your certificate with the court.You need to fill out an official form about a financial management course.You can get this form from your court clerk, or you can download it here.Attach your certificate of completion when you complete Form 423.If there is a question later, keep a copy of both.