If you have decided to file for bankruptcy protection, one of the steps you must take is to attend the 341 meeting.
This is where creditors can come face-to-face with you, but this meeting has other important objectives that pertain to your bankruptcy filing.
A little background
Also known as the meeting of creditors, the 341 meeting gets its name from Section 341 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. You must comply with this part of the Code by attending what is actually a hearing held outside of court. Your creditors will be informed of the date, time and place. They may inquire about your bankruptcy filing and ask related questions. However, creditors rarely come to the 341 meeting since they do not waive their rights by choosing not to attend.
Meeting your administrator
If you have filed Chapter 7, 12 or 13, the trustee assigned to your case by the United States Trustee will preside over the hearing. If you have filed Chapter 11, a representative of that office will be in charge. The trustee will ask questions about your financial circumstances, your liabilities and related matters so as to administer your case efficiently. The trustee will also make sure you understand the positive and negative points associated with filing for bankruptcy.
About your attendance
Your attorney will accompany you to the 341 meeting and will have provided the trustee with documents such as your tax returns, bank statements, property deeds and any other items pertaining to your case. You will only have to bring two items: a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number. Keep in mind that if you fail to attend this hearing, the trustee could have your bankruptcy case dismissed. The 341 meeting will only take a few minutes of your time and it is an important part of the bankruptcy process. It will bring you one step closer to a debt-free future.
