A Closer Look at the required bankruptcy Credit Counseling Courses

After the initial consultation with Lifeback Law, you will receive the checklist of documents that we need to build your case. If you have received one of these checklists, you may have noticed the ‘Credit Counseling Course.’ In the state of Minnesota, the bankruptcy courts require that all debtors take two educational course in addition to their filing — one before you file and one after. But what exactly are these courses, and why are they required? Here is a closer look at the first credit counseling course: 

The First Course: Pre-Filing Credit Counseling

Before filing, the court requires you to complete a pre-filing credit counseling course from an agency approved by the U.S. Trustee’s Office. This course usually takes about an hour and can be done online or over the phone. Here at Lifeback, we have partnered with Abacus Credit Counseling – be sure to use the attorney code located on your checklist to bypass the payment when signing up! 

The purpose of the course is not designed to quiz or judge you. It is meant to make sure debtors understand their financial situation. The course covers things like income & expenses, but it also covers possible alternatives to filing a bankruptcy. This ensures that that every debtor knows all the options for relief is open to them. It will also goes over the nuts and bolts of what the bankruptcy will do for you. 

Once you finish the credit counseling, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. This certificate must be filed with your bankruptcy petition. Without it, your case can’t move forward. Just a heads up; your certificate is only valid for 180 days. If some time has passed since you took the course, it’s a good idea to reach out to your team to see if it needs to be refreshed.

CALL NOW FOR A FREE STRATEGY SESSION FROM AN MN BANKRUPTCY LAWYER AT LIFEBACK LAW FIRM

This information is important to make sure that everyone who files a bankruptcy case is equipped with the knowledge they need to take back the financial control in their life. This course also ensures that every Lifeback Law client is prepared for their next appointment, the Review & Sign. Think of it as your financial warm-up, getting you ready to sign, file, and step confidently into your fresh start. When the time is right, or when you are ready, reach out to Minnesota’s MOST Kind and Helpful bankruptcy law firm by going now to www.lifebacklaw.com. You will be so happy you did.