Who Is Required to Take the Debtor Education Course?
Federal law requires every individual debtor seeking a bankruptcy discharge to complete the Personal Financial Management Instructional Course before their discharge can be granted.
Chapter 7 Filers
If you filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must complete the debtor education course after your case is filed and before the court issues your discharge order.
Chapter 13 Filers
If you filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must complete the debtor education course before you make your final plan payment. The certificate must be filed with the court before discharge is granted.
Joint Filers
If you and your spouse filed a joint bankruptcy petition, both of you are required to complete the course. Joint filers pay one $19.95 fee and may complete the course separately or together. One certificate is issued covering both spouses after both have individually completed the course.
Who Does Not Need to Take It
Businesses filing for bankruptcy — this course is for individual debtors only
Debtors not seeking a discharge (rare; confirm with your attorney)
Anyone filing in Alabama or North Carolina — Bankruptcy Logic is not currently approved in those states; filers there must use a provider approved by the applicable Bankruptcy Administrator
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Required for | Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 individual bankruptcy filers |
Joint filers | Both spouses required; one fee covers both; may complete separately or together |
Not required for | Business bankruptcy filings |
Not available in | Alabama and North Carolina |
Cost | $19.95 per household |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take this course even if I have an attorney? Yes. Having an attorney does not waive the requirement. You must personally complete the course. Your attorney cannot complete it on your behalf.
My spouse and I filed separately — do we each enroll separately? Yes. If you filed separate petitions rather than a joint petition, each spouse enrolls and pays separately.
I am filing in Alabama or North Carolina. Can I use Bankruptcy Logic? Bankruptcy Logic is not currently approved in Alabama or North Carolina. You must use a provider specifically approved for your district. Your attorney or the court clerk can provide a list of approved providers.