Filing for bankruptcy involves completing two mandatory credit counseling courses:

1. Pre-Filing Credit Counseling: This course must be completed in the 180 days before filing your bankruptcy case.
2. Post-Filing Debtor Education: This course is required after filing and before your debts can be discharged. If you do not complete this course in a timely manner, you case could be closed without receiving a discharge or your debts.

Both courses may be completed online and aim to give you tools to manage your finances effectively (whether those goals are accomplished is up for debate).

Before initiating your bankruptcy case, you must complete a credit counseling course from an agency approved by the U.S. Trustee’s Office.

• Duration: Approximately 1–2 hours
• Format: Available online, by phone, or in person
• Cost: Typically ranges from $10 to $50; fee waivers may be available

To find an approved agency in Colorado, visit the DOJ’s list of approved credit counseling agencies.

After filing your bankruptcy case, you are required to complete a debtor education course before your debts can be discharged.

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• Format: Typically offered online
• Cost: Generally between $10 and $50

For a list of approved debtor education providers, refer to the DOJ’s list of approved debtor education agencies.

• Use Approved Agencies: Ensure the agency is approved for the specific course you need.
• Timely Completion: Delays in completing these courses can affect your bankruptcy proceedings (i.e., you case cannot be filed until the pre-filing class is completed)
• Beware of Additional Services: Some agencies may offer extra services like credit repair for additional fees, which are not required.
• Avoid Scams: Stick to agencies listed on the DOJ website to ensure legitimacy.

Upon completion of each course, you will receive a certificate. Please forward these certificates to our office promptly to ensure they are filed appropriately with the court. They may try to charge you more to send the certificate but this is unnecessary.

If you have questions about these courses or need help selecting an approved agency, feel free to contact our office:

• Phone: (720) 325-6787
• Email: [email protected]

We’re here to guide you through every step of the bankruptcy process.