Readers know that I think the pre-filing credit counseling requirement is a complete joke. Atlanta, Georgia colleague Jonathan Ginsberg compares the requirement to a sick person going to the doctor, but being told they have to shell out $50 for a health class first (just to make sure they are sick and that they really need a doctor…which actually sort of sounds like an HMO). Then, before leaving the doctor’s they have to shell out another $50 for another health class which in theory is designed to ensure they do not get sick again. I imagine it would remind them to take vitamins, drink fluids and wash their hands frequently.
I do not have a huge problem with the pre-discharge debtor education requirement per se. However, the requirement itself is difficult to take seriously.
