McCord & Hemphill | Bend Attorneys | Bankruptcy | Estate Law

Bankruptcy Classes

People who file for bankruptcy protection must generally complete two sets of classes during the bankruptcy process: the Credit Counseling Class and the Debtor Education Class.

  • Credit Counseling Class

With limited exceptions, you must complete a Credit Counseling class before you can file your bankruptcy case with the Court.  If you are a married couple filing a joint bankruptcy case, both spouses must complete the class.

The class can be completed in person, over the telephone, or online.  The class must be offered by a credit counseling agency that has been approved by the United States Trustee.

The credit counseling agency typically charges a small fee for the class.  However, that fee may be waived if your income is low enough.  If you believe you may qualify for a fee waiver, you should discuss the fee waiver with the credit counseling agency.

The class typically takes about two hours to complete.  When you finish the class, you will receive a “Certificate of Completion” from the credit counseling agency.  You should provide a copy of your Certificate(s) to your bankruptcy attorney.

Your Certificate is valid for 180 days.  If you file bankruptcy more than 180 days after you complete the Class, you will need to re-take the Class and obtain a new Certificate.

  • Debtor Education Class

After you file your bankruptcy case, you are required to take a second bankruptcy class, called the Debtor Education class.  You must complete this class before your bankruptcy is completed, or the Court will refuse to discharge your debts.  If you are a married couple that filed a joint bankruptcy case, both spouses must complete the class

The credit counseling agency typically charges a small fee for the class.  However, that fee may be waived if your income is low enough.  If you believe you may qualify for a fee waiver, you should discuss the fee waiver with the credit counseling agency.

The class typically takes about two hours to complete.  When you finish the class, you will receive a “Certificate of Completion” from the credit counseling agency.  You should provide a copy of your Certificate(s) to your bankruptcy attorney.

  • Class Providers

Many companies offer the class. You can use whichever company you choose.  However, my clients frequently work with the following providers:

If you use any of these companies, please them my Attorney Code (listed above), so they can send your Certificate(s) of Completion directly to me.