Preparing for the Section 341 Meeting | What You’ll Need to Bring
As a part of the bankruptcy process—whether you’re seeking to permanently discharge debts through Chapter 7 or restructure your debts in Chapter 13—you will be required to attend what is referred to as a 341(a) meeting of creditors. While your attendance is compulsory, you typically won’t be there alone—your bankruptcy attorney will be there with you.
What Is a Section 341(a) Hearing? What Can You Expect?
The primary purpose of the 341(a) hearing is to allow the bankruptcy trustee to confirm that all necessary paperwork and documents have been received, and for you to ask any questions about the filing. Your creditors can also be there, and they may inquire about financial matters as well. As a practical matter, few creditors tend to show up.
At the meeting, you can expect the trustee to confirm your identity and review all documents you have provided for accuracy. The trustee typically evaluates assets and verifies the accuracy of your income. The trustee may look for potentially unreported income or indications of bankruptcy fraud.
How Should You Prepare for a 341 Hearing?
The first thing you’ll want to do is carefully review your petition, preferably with your bankruptcy attorney. If you discover any issues, you should file an amendment, if possible, or else be prepared to advise the trustee of the inaccuracy at the hearing.
Typically, your attorney will send all necessary documents to the trustee before the meeting, so you won’t have to bring them with you. You will, however, want to make certain you have some sort of photo identification, as well as your social security card. Also, if there have been changes in your financial situation since the initial filing, you’ll want to bring supporting documentation on that.
What Will the Trustee Ask You at a 341 Hearing?
The questions you’ll be asked at the hearing will focus on your financial status and seek to confirm the accuracy of the documents you’ve filed. Customary questions include:
- Have you included all your assets in the filing?
- Have there been any changes since the initial filing?
- Have you made any payments to creditors in excess of $600 in the last year?
- Are you owed any money by anyone?
Contact an Experienced Rockwall, Texas, Bankruptcy Attorney
At the Law Offices of Carrie Weir, all potential clients are entitled to a free initial consultation. To arrange an appointment to discuss your rights and options in a bankruptcy, contact my office online or call 972-772-3083. I handle Texas personal bankruptcy filings in Kaufman County, Rockwall County, Collin County, Dallas County, Hunt County, and the surrounding counties.
