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 the petition is filed.  It must be filed no later than the last payment made by the debtor as required by the Chapter 13 plan.  If Official Form 23 is not filed, the court may close the case without a discharge.  If the debtor then files a motion to reopen the case to allow the filing of Official Form 23, the full filing fee for such a motion is required.

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.  The appropriate selection on Official Form 23 must be completed and a Request for Exemption from Financial Management must be filed.

Click here for a list of approved Debtor Education Providers.

E:FILING GUIDANCE: Use the Financial Management Course (Official Form 23) event located in Misc. Events category.  Click here for docketing instructions.