Don’t Ignore Your Post-Filing Credit Counseling!

One of the changes that was made in 2005 to the Bankruptcy laws was the inclusion of a credit counseling requirement.  Individuals are now required to complete a credit counseling course prior to filing a bankruptcy petition and a personal financial management course after filing a bankruptcy petition.  While the pre-filing course is almost impossible to forget (because a certificate of completion generally has to accompany your bankruptcy filing), the post-filing course is not as memorable.  However, it is no less important.  If you do not complete the post-filing course and file it with the court in a timely manner, your case is closed without a discharge and must be re-opened to file the completed course certificate and receive a discharge.  Unfortunately, re-opening the case can cost you additional fees – both court filing fees and attorney fees.  Don’t run the whole “bankruptcy marathon” only to stumble at the finish line!