When any individual or business files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, they can expect to attend a 341 Meeting of Creditors hearing. The 341 hearing typically occurs between 20 and 40 days after filing for bankruptcy.
This is an important meeting because the bankruptcy trustee – the individual who oversees your case – verifies your identity and asks you questions about your bankruptcy filing.
Your creditors are also invited to attend this hearing, during which they can also ask you questions about your finances and other details concerning your bankruptcy filing.
Do I Have to Attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors?
Yes. The 341 Meeting of Creditors is the only hearing during Chapter 7 bankruptcy that requires the debtor’s attendance.
If you have hired a bankruptcy lawyer to handle your case, you may not have to be physically present in court to file your paperwork or attend any additional hearings.
Why Is the Meeting of Creditors Necessary in Chapter 7?
The 341 Meeting of Creditors Hearing’s purpose is to prevent bankruptcy fraud. This is done by verifying various information about you and your finances before your bankruptcy case proceeds.
You will be under oath, so make sure you’re as truthful as possible when asked about your identity and financial situation. You can also expect to submit two forms of identification, which can be a combination of your driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, or another government-issued identification.
Who Else Is at the 341 Meeting of Creditors?
Although the 341 Meeting of Creditors is a bankruptcy hearing, a judge probably won’t be there. You can, however, expect to have your attorney, the court-appointed bankruptcy trustee, and representatives of your creditors present. Sometimes, however, creditors don’t attend this hearing.
How Long Does the 341 Hearing Last?
The trustee conducts the hearing, which typically doesn’t last longer than 10 minutes. That said, you can be in court for longer. This is because other bankruptcy filers may have their 341 hearings scheduled before yours during the same hour.
You can also expect a longer 341 hearing if the trustee isn’t satisfied with the information presented. In that case, the hearing may be continued to a later date and time.
We Can Help with Bankruptcy
Buchalter & Pelphrey Attorneys At Law can provide the legal assistance you need during your 341 Meeting of Creditors hearing. This is a crucial step to take on your path toward debt relief, and we can help you prepare to pass this checkpoint. We can also lend the sophisticated legal support you’ll need during your Chapter 7 case to achieve a meaningful discharge of your debt.
For more information about how Buchalter & Pelphrey Attorneys At Law, contact us today.