In order to receive a discharge in your bankruptcy case, you must complete a course regarding personal financial management after you filed your bankruptcy petition. (See section 1328(g) of the Bankruptcy Code)
This financial management education is different from the credit counseling that is required before you file for bankruptcy.
You must complete BOTH the credit counseling before you file for bankruptcy AND the financial management education after you file for bankruptcy to receive a discharge.
- You must complete the financial management education and file Personal Financial Management Certificate with the court by the date of the last payment made under your Chapter 13 plan.
If you fail to file Personal Financial Management Certificate on time, your case will be closed without a discharge and you will have to pay another filing fee to have your case reopened.