FAQs
Get answers to your bankruptcy class questions with our Bankruptcy Class FAQ:
How are the bankruptcy counseling and debtor education courses offered?
What forms of payment do you accept?
Is the information I submit through this web site secure?
Do I need an attorney to file for bankruptcy?
Do I need to meet with a bankruptcy attorney before I can speak to one of your counselors?
When and how do I receive my certificate of completion?
Who will receive the certificate of completion?
Why do I have to take a debtor education course after I have already filed for bankruptcy?
Can another person take the bankruptcy credit counseling or the debtor education course for me?
How long will I have to wait for a counseling appointment?
Should I follow up with my bankruptcy attorney once my certificate of completion has been issued?
Q: If I am considering bankruptcy, do I need to take the pre-filing bankruptcy credit counseling course or the pre-discharge debtor education course? If yes, when do I need to take these classes?
A: Yes, these courses are required according to the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA).
You should first take the pre-filing bankruptcy credit counseling course. The pre-filing bankruptcy credit counseling course is also known as a pre-petition counseling session or a budget briefing. You will be required to provide a certificate of completion showing you have completed the bankruptcy credit counseling course prior to filing for bankruptcy.
After filing bankruptcy, and after receiving your bankruptcy identification number, you will then be required to take the pre-discharge debtor education course. The debtor education course is also known as the personal financial management course or the post-filing debtor education course, and completion of this course is required before your debts can be legally discharged through bankruptcy.
Q: When do I need to take the debtor education post bankruptcy course? How long do I have to take it after filing for bankruptcy?
A: In a chapter 7 case, you must take the debtor education post-bankruptcy class (1) after you file your petition for bankruptcy and (2) within 45 days after your first meeting date with your creditors and bankruptcy trustee. This meeting is also known as a 341 meeting (named after chapter 341 in the Bankruptcy Code which requires it).
In a chapter 13 case, the debtor education post-bankruptcy class must be taken (1) after you file your petition for bankruptcy and (2) no later than the last payment you have to make as required by your bankruptcy plan, or the filing of a motion for entry of a discharge under chapter 1328(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.
Q: Are National Financial Literacy Foundation (NFLF) and Financial Education Services (FES) approved providers of the required bankruptcy credit counseling and the personal financial management course?
A: Yes, NFLF and FES have been approved to issue certificates evidencing completion of the pre-filing Credit Counseling and the pre-discharge debtor education course in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of a Provider’s services.
Q: Are National Financial Literacy Foundation (NFLF) and Financial Education Services (FES) authorized by the Executive Office for the United States Trustees (EOUST) to issue certificates that satisfy the court requirements for personal bankruptcy?
A: Yes. Both NFLF and FES have been approved by the Executive Office for the United States Trustees (EOUST).
Q: In what states are National Financial Literacy Foundation (NFLF) and Financial Education Services (FES) authorized by the Executive Office for the United States Trustees (EOUST) to issue certificates that satisfy the court requirements for personal bankruptcy? Where can I find a bankruptcy class?
A: National Financial Literacy Foundation is authorized to offer pre-filing bankruptcy classes and certificates in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Financial Education Services can offer the post-filing debtor education bankruptcy classes and certificates in these same states.
Q: How are the bankruptcy counseling and debtor education courses offered?
A: The bankruptcy counseling and debtor education courses are available by internet or by telephone. The bankruptcy counseling course is also available in person in Maitland, Florida, and the debtor education course is available in person in Tampa, Florida.
Q: How much do the courses cost?
A: We charge the same price for single, joint and married filers: the pre-filing bankruptcy credit counseling course is available online for only $25 and by telephone for only $50. The pre-discharge debtor education course is available online or by telephone for only $25. If you are filing a joint bankruptcy, you will only be required to pay one fee to take each class. NFLF and FES may waive the bankruptcy pre-filing counseling fee and pre-discharge debtor education fee for consumers whose household income is equal to or less than 150 percent of the estimated poverty threshold for their applicable family size as published in the current Federal Poverty Levels Guidelines. Click here to read our Fee Waiver Policy.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Payments are accepted online or over the phone. We accept debit cards, electronic withdrawals from checking accounts, and money orders.
Q: Is the information I submit through this web site secure?
A: Yes, NFLF and FES are committed to maintaining your privacy and online confidentiality, including the use of special encryption to protect your personal information. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
A: The pre-filing bankruptcy credit counseling course takes a minimum of 60 minutes to complete. The pre-discharge debtor education course takes a minimum of 2 hours. Theses time requirements conform to the EOUST minimum program guidelines.
Q: Do I need an attorney to file for bankruptcy?
A: Over 93% of consumers choose to work with a bankruptcy attorney to file a personal bankruptcy. You can choose to file yourself with the assistance of a paralegal or legal document assistant or legal document preparer, also known as filing pro se. Filing pro se requires that you prepare your own bankruptcy documents, understand the US Bankruptcy Code, and present your case in court. If you choose to work with a bankruptcy attorney, he or she will usually attend the 341 (a) Meeting of the Creditors, negotiate with your creditors, advise you about offers to accept or reject, and give legal advice in general. A paralegal can fill out the necessary forms, but cannot represent you legally or give legal advice about how to fill out the forms, or what the law says about your particular situation.
Q: Do I need to meet with a bankruptcy attorney before I can speak to one of your counselors?
A: No, you can talk to a counselor by calling 1-(800)-BK-CLASS before or after you meet with a bankruptcy attorney.
Q: Can joint bankruptcy filers take the pre-filing bankruptcy credit counseling and debtor education courses together?
A: Yes, and there are no additional fees charged for taking the course together!
A: You can begin the courses online by visiting our home page www.BKClass.com or by calling 1-(800)-BK-CLASS.
Q: When and how do I receive my certificate of completion?
A: After completing the online pre-petition credit counseling course or the post-filing debtor education course, you will be required to contact us to verify your identity and complete the certification process. The certificate will be sent immediately following this phone call, and can be delivered to you and your attorney by email, fax, or mail.
Q: Who will receive the certificate of completion?
A: The certificate(s) can be sent to you and your bankruptcy attorney by email, fax or mail.
Q: Why do I have to take a debtor education course after I have already filed for bankruptcy?
A: The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 includes two provisions mandating financial counseling and education: Before filing for bankruptcy, consumers are required to have a briefing on the alternatives to bankruptcy; and before receiving a bankruptcy discharge a debtor is required to complete an instructional course concerning personal financial management. These provisions were included to provide debtors in bankruptcy with the skills and tools needed to potentially avoid future financial problems.
Q: Can another person take the bankruptcy credit counseling or the debtor education course for me?
A: No. However, you may obtain assistance from a friend, family member or attorney when completing your bankruptcy credit counseling session or when taking the personal financial management course.
A: No. Each course is designed to help you understand your own personal financial picture. There are short quizzes in the course, however, you cannot fail! They are presented merely as a way to make sure that key information is delivered to you during each course.
Q: Does my certificate of completion for bankruptcy credit counseling and the financial management course expire?
A: Yes, the pre-filing bankruptcy credit counseling certificate expires 180 date from the date if is issued by NFLF. The pre-discharge debtor education certificate issued by FES is valid until your court ordered completion date for discharge. Your bankruptcy attorney may be able to provide additional clarification regarding these requirements.
Q: How long will I have to wait for a counseling appointment?
A: NFLF and FES have counselors standing by to take your calls. No appointment is necessary. Call toll-free 1-(800)-BKCLASS to speak directly to a counselor now.
Q: Should I follow up with my bankruptcy attorney once my certificate of completion has been issued?
A: Yes. Once the certification process has been completed, NFLF and FES will email, fax or mail a copy of the certificate to you and your attorney. It is your responsibility to follow up with your bankruptcy attorney to ensure that the certificate has been received. NFLF and FES can reissue the certificate at anytime at your request.
Q: What is a Debtor’s Certification of Completion of Post-petition Instructional Course, or a Form B23 (Official Form 23)?
A: Form B23, also known as Form 23 Debtor’s Certification of Completion of Instructional Course, is a form stating that you certify that you have completed a course in personal financial management. This Debtor’s Certification of Completion must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court in accordance with filing deadlines required for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
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