subject: Getting Control Of Your Debt - What Is Debtor Education? [print this page] Getting Control Of Your Debt - What Is Debtor Education?
A debtor education course by an approved provider should include information on developing a budget, managing money, using credit wisely, and other resources. Like pre-filing counseling, debtor education may be provided in person, on the phone, or online. The debtor education session might last longer than the pre-filing counseling about two hours and the typical fee is between $50 and $100. As with pre-filing counseling, if you are unable to pay the session fee, you should seek a fee waiver from the debtor education provider.
Once you have completed the required debtor education course, you should receive a certificate as proof. This certificate is separate from the certificate you received after completing your pre-filing credit counseling. Check the U.S. Trustee's website to be sure that you receive the certificate from a debtor education provider that is approved in the judicial district where you filed bankruptcy. Unless they have disclosed a charge to you before the counseling session begins, debtor education providers may not charge an extra fee for the certificate.
Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Credit Counselor
It's wise to do some research when choosing a credit counseling organization. If you are in search of credit counseling to fulfill the bankruptcy law requirements, make sure you receive services only from approved providers for your judicial district. Once you have the list of approved organizations in your judicial district, call several to gather information before you make your choice. Some key questions to ask are:
What services do you offer?
Will you help me develop a plan for avoiding problems in the future?
What are your fees?
What if I can't afford to pay your fees?
What qualifications do your counselors have? Are they accredited or certified by an outside organization? What training do they receive?
What do you do to keep information about me (including my address, phone number, and financial information) confidential and secure?
How are your employees paid? Are they paid more if I sign up for certain services, if I pay a fee, or if I make a contribution to your organization?
