Is it necessary to take any classes before filing for bankruptcy?
Every customer who files Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy must take a credit counseling “briefing” and file a certificate of compliance with their bankruptcy.
There might be a very, very rare exception for emergency conditions, but they must still show that they attempted to obtain the class within the final 5 days of filing, and they must complete the course and produce a certificate of compliance within 30 days after filing their bankruptcy petition. Never presume that the court will allow this late filing; your bankruptcy will almost certainly be dismissed, and you will have to start over (plus there are other consequences).
A financial management class must also be completed within 45 days of filing your bankruptcy. Failure to do so will result in additional penalties and expenditures when it comes to getting your bankruptcy discharged. There will be fees charged for those classes, unless you cannot afford to pay such fees. Diane and Jay will walk you through the steps.
A word of caution about all of the companies who provide the certificates: their bankruptcy information is frequently inaccurate. You should speak with a bankruptcy lawyer in your state. We’ll tell you all you need to know about both of these classes.
Following your bankruptcy, you must take a Personal Financial Management class. THIS CLASS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN BEFORE FILING FOR BANKRUPTCY.
Credit Counseling and Debtor Education classes must be approved by the US Trustee’s Office.
Diane is a well respected Arizona bankruptcy and foreclosure attorney. As a retired law professor, she believes in offering everyone, not just her clients, advice about bankruptcy and Arizona foreclosure laws. Diane is also a mentor to hundreds of Arizona attorneys.
*Important Note from Diane: Everything on this web site is offered for educational purposes only and not intended to provide legal advice, nor create an attorney client relationship between you, me, or the author of any article. Information in this web site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from an attorney familiar with your personal circumstances and licensed to practice law in your state. Make sure to check out their reviews.*
“You folks are the BEST OF THE BEST in Arizona.” M.H.
You and Jay are the best attorneys I have ever had or needed and thank God for the Honorable Robert Gottsfield in recommending you folks – I would have never made it through the entire process without you and Jay and God Bless you both always and stay in touch as well. You folks are the BEST OF THE BEST in Arizona.
“My only regret is that I didn’t find Diane sooner.” K.H.
I can’t say enough good things about Diane. The way she handled my not typical circumstances was amazing. I was very nervous to start the bankruptcy process but Diane just has a very comforting way of explaining the whole process. My only regret is that I didn’t find Diane sooner. If you find yourself in a financial situation that you can’t correct on your own, please Call Diane Drain as soon as possible.
“Filing for bankruptcy can be a stressful life event” R.A.
Filing for bankruptcy can be a stressful life event, and selecting the right attorney can add to this stress. Diane and Jay were a pleasure to work with, and it is obvious that they are passionate about helping people get their life back on track. I would highly recommend them if you need a bankruptcy attorney.
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