Legal Definitions - personal financial responsibility counseling

Personal Financial Responsibility Counseling

Personal financial responsibility counseling, also known as personal financial management class, is a course that an individual debtor must complete within 60 days after the 341 Meeting of Creditors to receive a discharge of debts. This counseling is only available to individual debtors and not business debtors. The counseling must be provided by an approved counselor or educator listed on the U.S. Trustee Program's list. Once completed, the counselor will issue a certificate of credit counseling completion, which the individual must file with the bankruptcy court before discharge.

An example of personal financial responsibility counseling is a course that teaches individuals how to manage their finances, create a budget, and avoid debt. Another example is a counseling session that helps individuals understand the consequences of bankruptcy and how to rebuild their credit after bankruptcy.

For instance, if an individual files for bankruptcy, they must complete personal financial responsibility counseling to receive a discharge of their debts. The counseling will help them understand how to manage their finances and avoid future debt. Once completed, the individual will receive a certificate of credit counseling completion, which they must file with the bankruptcy court before discharge.