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This requirement involves receiving counseling from an approved agency within 180 days before filing for bankruptcy. It intends to provide debtors with financial education and an assessment of their financial situation.

After completing the pre-bankruptcy credit counseling, the debtor must obtain a certificate as proof which must be filed with the bankruptcy petition.

Debtors are required to attend a debtor education course after filing for bankruptcy but before debts are discharged. The course focuses on financial management skills.

The debtor must complete the debtor education course after filing for bankruptcy but prior to the discharge. If it's not completed, the bankruptcy discharge may be denied.

In certain situations, debtors may be exempt from the pre-bankruptcy credit counseling requirement, such as when there is an emergency filing or lack of approved agencies offering services.

When spouses file for bankruptcy jointly, they both must individually complete the credit counseling and debtor education requirements.

If a debtor is unable to afford the counseling or debtor education fees, they may apply for a fee waiver or a reduced fee, based on their income and financial situation.

Similar to credit counseling, after completing the debtor education course, a certificate must be obtained and filed with the court to have debts discharged.

The U.S. Trustee Program approves credit counseling agencies and debtor education course providers. Debtors must use these approved agencies to fulfill the requirements.