Credit Counseling and Debtor Education

Many people are not aware that prior to filing bankruptcy in Kansas City you are required to complete a credit counseling course.  Additionally, after filing, but prior to discharge, you are required to complete a debtor education class.  Both of these classes can be completed online, over the phone or even in person.

The credit counseling class generally costs $25 to $35 online and lasts 60 to 90 minutes.  The debtor education class generally costs $15 to $25 online and lasts about two hours.  Generally, the classes are more expensive if you choose to do them via telephone or in person. 

Before signing up for a class be sure to make sure that the agency is approved by the U.S. Trustee's office for the judicial district (court) you plan to file your case in.  Here is a link to the U.S. Trustee's office for the pre-filing credit counseling course:  http://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/cc_approved.htm and here is a link to the U.S. Trustee's office for the post-filing debtor education class:  http://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/de_approved.htm  Once you click on the link just select your judicial district (for example "Kansas" or "Western Missouri") and click "go".  You will then be provided with an up-to-date list of approved counseling agencies for your judicial district.

As always, feel free to check out my website at http://www.thesmalleylawfirm.com for more information on bankruptcy in Kansas City.  You can also contact me, Kansas City bankruptcy attorney Cary Smalley, at (913) 601-3549.  Have a great week!