THE 341 MEETING OF CREDITORS
You (and your spouse if you both filed a case) must make one "court appearance". Actually it is more of an informal meeting as it is not held in the bankruptcy courtroom and the judge is not present. Nevertheless, it is important that you tell the truth at the Meeting.
The court schedules a "Meeting of Creditors (also known as a "341 Meeting") approximately 30 days after your case is filed. The time and place of the Meeting will be sent to you by the Court and I will also send you an email or mail about it.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
You MUST bring with you the following two items:
(1) A picture ID
Picture ID:
state driver's license
government ID
state ID
student ID
U.S. passport
military ID
resident alien card or a
Mexican consulate card ("matricula consular")
(2) Proof of your social security number.
Proof of SSN:
social security card*
medical insurance card
pay stub
W-2 form
Internal Revenue Service Form 1099
Social Security Administration report
*If you have lost your social security card you can get a replacement by completing form ss5 which can be found at www.ssa.gov
If fail to bring both of them I can normally convince the Trustee to continue the Meeting but you will need to come back to a second meeting which will delay your case and increase the time and effort you spend on this matter.
You need to be ON TIME for the Meeting. Everyone has traffic and other issues so PLAN and be sure you are on time. Plan on being at the meeting room 10-15 minutes early so I can then tell you what to expect and you can tell me of any changes that have occurred since we last chatted or met. If your case is called and you are not present I will leave and the Trustee will file the necessary paperwork to have your case dismissed.
The 341 meeting is not a test or an inquisition and usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not have to justify filing bankruptcy. Creditors have been advised that the Meeting will take place but in the vast majority of cases no creditors appear.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE MEETING?
The Trustee swears you in and looks at your ID and proof of social security number as I ask you a few basic questions. We will go over those questions before the hearing starts so the questions will be fresh in your mind. For the most part, I will ask the questions so that you will have to answer only "yes" or "no to each question. The meeting will be tape recorded.
After I have completed my questions the Trustee may or may not have a few additional questions. Be truthful and accurate in your answers. I will be sitting next to you and can sometimes help with the information the Trustee is asking about. Basically, his questions will evolve around the value of your assets and your debts. As a general rule, the more complete the documents we have filed in your case are the fewer questions the Trustee will have.
In a chapter 13 the Trustee almost always has questions. They are normally easy to answer and, again, I can often assist
Once the Trustee completes his questions he will ask if there are any creditors who wish to ask questions. Presuming none, you are free to leave. If the Trustee has asked for additional documents of some kind be sure to get them to me without delay so that your case can proceed smoothly
Proper Attire
It is not necessary for you to wear a jacket and tie (if you are a man) or a dress (if you are a women) but when your case is called be sure you have removed any sun glasses or hats to avoid being told to do so by the Trustee in front of the entire room.
Do not bring food or drinks into the courtroom
Turn off cell phones and/or pagers
Remove your hats
Remove your gum
Keep your feet off the furniture, rails, or benches
Do not bring any electronic recording devices or cameras except those allowed by the Judge
COURT LOCATIONS
The location of where you go for your 341 (Meeting of Creditors) depends on where you live. In the Notice from the Court as well as from a letter I will send you the location will be set out. Be sure you go to the right place.
Listed below are the places with directions on how to get to them:
Seattle
Tacoma
Whatcom County Courthouse
Port Orchard/Bremerton
