{"id":286917,"date":"2016-04-04T10:41:50","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:41:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/bankruptcy\/chapter-13\/chapter-13-credit-counseling-and-debtor-education-information.html"},"modified":"2021-04-05T13:47:45","modified_gmt":"2021-04-05T18:47:45","slug":"chapter-13-credit-counseling-and-debtor-education-information","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-13\/chapter-13-credit-counseling-and-debtor-education-information.html","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 13: Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Information"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Chapter 13: Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Information<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Maddy Teka, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Bankruptcy laws require potential bankruptcy filers to be involved in courses that educate and inform about financial options.<\/p>\n

Before you file for a Chapter 13<\/a> or Chapter 7 bankruptcy<\/a>, you must receive credit counseling<\/a> from an approved agency. Before bankruptcy is discharged, you must attain a personal finance management course<\/a> known as debtor education.<\/p>\n

Credit Counseling 101<\/h2>\n

The purpose of credit counseling is to help you evaluate your financial options and determine if you can repay debts through a repayment plan<\/a> without filing bankruptcy.<\/p>\n

In credit counseling<\/a>, you will usually provide information regarding your income, expenses, and debts. The counselor then evaluates the information and proposes a repayment plan.<\/p>\n

Debtor Education 101<\/h2>\n

Debtor education information is meant to instruct you to be responsible with your finances. The education is meant to help you learn from past mistakes and never be in the position to file bankruptcy again.<\/p>\n

A debtor education course will usually provide tips in:<\/p>\n