Individual debtors must complete two instructional courses to be entitled to a discharge – one before filing and one after filing.  If spouses file a joint bankruptcy case, each spouse must take each class and obtain separate certificates of completion.

Credit Counseling

The Bankruptcy Code requires individual debtors to complete a course in credit counseling within 180 days before the bankruptcy filing. The briefing may be in-person, over the phone, or on the internet, and must be provided by a credit counseling agency approved by the United States Trustee. Once completed, the agency that provides the credit counseling service will provide you with a certificate for filing with your petition. The counseling agencies charge a small fee for their services which may be waived on a case-by-case basis; consult with the counselor about the availability of a waiver.  

A list of approved credit counseling agencies is available in the Clerk’s Office or online at Approved Credit Counseling Agencies (Judicial District is WAW).

Financial Management (Debtor Education)

After filing a bankruptcy case, you must also complete a financial management instructional course (debtor education) in order to receive a discharge.  Failure to complete the course and file proof of completion will result in your case being closed without a discharge. As with the pre-bankruptcy counseling, there is a small fee for the course which may be waived on a case-by-case basis.  Consult with the agency about the availability of a waiver. 

A list of approved Debtor Education agencies is available in the Clerk’s Office or online at Approved Debtor Education Agencies (Judicial District is WAW).

Debtor’s Motion For Waiver Of Credit Counseling Briefing And Financial Management Course

If you are incapacitated or disabled (as defined by the 11 U.S.C. §109(h)(4)), or are on active military duty in a military combat zone, the requirement for both credit counseling and financial management may be waived. 

Motion For Waiver Of Credit Counseling Briefing And Financial Management Course