What is the Personal Financial Management Course (Debtor Education)?

Debtors are required to complete an instructional course in personal financial management as a condition for receiving a discharge.  This course is in addition to the credit counseling requirement.  When the personal financial management course is completed, the debtor must file Official Form 23 - Debtor's Certification of Completion of Instructional Course Concerning Personal Financial Management.  If a married couple files a joint petition, both must attend the course and both must file an Official Form 23.  Official Form 23 should NOT be filed when you file the petition.  It must be filed within 60 days of the first date set for the Meeting of Creditors.  If Official Form 23 is not filed, the court may close the case without a discharge.  If you then file a motion to reopen the case to allow the filing of Official Form 23, you must pay the full filing fee due for filing such a motion.

There are limited exceptions to the personal financial management course requirement such as incapacity or disability (defined in 11 U.S.C. 109(h)) or active military duty in a military combat zone.  You must make the appropriate selection on Official Form 23 and file a Request for Exemption from Financial Management .

Click here for a list of approved Debtor Education Providers.

E:FILING GUIDANCE: To e:file Official Form 23, use the Financial Management Course (Official Form 23) event located in Misc. Events category.  Click here for docketing instructions.  To request an exemption, use the Exemption from Financial Management Course event located in the Motion/Application category and upload the Request for Exemption form.  Click here for docketing instructions.