Every customer who files Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy must take a credit counseling “briefing” and file a certificate of compliance with their bankruptcy.
There might be a very, very rare exception for emergency conditions, but they must still show that they attempted to obtain the class within the final 5 days of filing, and they must complete the course and produce a certificate of compliance within 30 days after filing their bankruptcy petition. Never presume that the court will allow this late filing; your bankruptcy will almost certainly be dismissed, and you will have to start over (plus there are other consequences).
A financial management class must also be completed within 45 days of filing your bankruptcy. Failure to do so will result in additional penalties and expenditures when it comes to getting your bankruptcy discharged. There will be fees charged for those classes, unless you cannot afford to pay such fees.  Diane and Jay will walk you through the steps.
A word of caution about all of the companies who provide the certificates: their bankruptcy information is frequently inaccurate. You should speak with a bankruptcy lawyer in your state. We’ll tell you all you need to know about both of these classes.
Following your bankruptcy, you must take a Personal Financial Management class.  THIS CLASS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN BEFORE FILING FOR BANKRUPTCY.
Credit Counseling and Debtor Education classes must be approved by the US Trustee’s Office.