The U.S. Bankruptcy Code requires that all debtors complete a mandatory bankruptcy credit counseling course within 180 days prior to filing for bankruptcy protection.  Counseling agencies must be approved by the U. S. Trustee’s Office for their services to be accepted by the Bankruptcy Court.  After a bankruptcy case has been filed, a debtor is required to attend a mandatory debtor education course designed to educate the debtor on issues such as budgets, savings, credit cards, etc.  Debtors who do not complete this second court cannot receive a discharge.  Many companies offer both courses online.

For more information about both courses and where to find classes read, “Bankruptcy: Counseling Before Filing.”