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What is a 341 Meeting?

What is a 341 Meeting?

When filing bankruptcy, you will be asked to attend a 341 meeting.  Continue reading to learn what this will entail and what will be expected of you. 

341 Meeting

A 341 meeting, also known as a “Meeting of Creditors,” is a meeting that typically takes place within a few weeks after the bankruptcy petition has been filed. The purpose of this meeting is to provide an opportunity for the bankruptcy trustee, creditors, and the debtor to review and discuss the debtor’s financial situation, assets, and liabilities.

During this meeting, a debtor is required to answer questions under oath regarding their financial affairs. The trustee may also ask questions to verify the accuracy of the bankruptcy petition and schedules filed by the debtor. Creditors may attend and ask questions as well, although their attendance is not mandatory.

The 341 meeting is structured as an informal, face-to-face meeting. It is typically held at a local courthouse or bankruptcy trustee’s office. The meeting usually lasts for about 10-15 minutes.

341 Meeting

Section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code

Section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code is a critical provision that outlines the requirements for a meeting of creditors in bankruptcy cases. The purpose of this section is to provide transparency and ensure all relevant parties have the opportunity to gather necessary information and address any concerns. 

Role of The Bankruptcy Trustee in 341 Meeting

The role of the bankruptcy trustee in overseeing the meeting of creditors, The trustee is appointed by the court and serves as an impartial party responsible for ensuring the fair and orderly administration of the bankruptcy estate.

The primary responsibility of the trustee is to evaluate the assets of the debtor, verify the accuracy of the information provided, and determine the distribution of payments to creditors. This involves reviewing the debtor’s bankruptcy schedules, which list all their assets, liabilities, and financial affairs.

During the meeting of creditors, the trustee examine the debtor under oath, where they ask questions about the accuracy of the bankruptcy schedules, the debtor’s financial situation, and any other relevant information. This examination helps the trustee verify the accuracy of the information provided.

Another task of the trustee is reviewing the bankruptcy schedules to ensure that they are complete, accurate, and comply with bankruptcy laws. They may also investigate the debtor’s financial records, bank statements, and tax returns to corroborate the information provided.

Based on the trustee’s evaluation of the debtor’s assets, financial situation, and the information gathered, they determine the distribution of payments to creditors, taking into consideration the allowed claims and priority debts.

Role of The Bankruptcy Trustee in 341 Meeting

If you need to schedule a 341 meeting, the experienced bankruptcy attorneys at the Richard West Law Office will help guide you through the process. Contact Richard West’s bankruptcy lawyers today. 

FAQs

At the meeting, the trustee will verify the debtor’s identity, ask routine questions about the bankruptcy documents, and inquire about the debtor’s financial affairs under oath. The meeting usually lasts about 10 minutes. Creditors may attend and ask questions, but their presence is rare. If a creditor does show up, they can ask questions about the debtor’s financial situation. [1]

Debtors should bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of their Social Security number, and any documents reflecting financial changes since filing the petition. It is advisable to have copies of the bankruptcy paperwork and any documents requested by the trustee. [2]

The trustee will ask if the debtor reviewed and signed the bankruptcy documents, if the information is accurate to the best of their knowledge, if they have disclosed all assets and listed all creditors, and if there have been any changes since filing. The trustee may also ask about the debtor’s income, expenses, and any previous bankruptcy filings. [3]

Sources:

[1] What Happens at a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Meeting of Creditors? (n.d.). Www.nolo.com. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/what-happens-chapter-7-bankruptcy-meeting-creditors.html

[2] Proof of Identification and Social Security Number Required at §341(a) Meeting of Creditors. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://www.justice.gov/ust/ust-regions-r18/file/proof_id_ssn.pdf

[3] SECTION 341(a) MEETING OF CREDITORS REQUIRED STATEMENTS/QUESTIONS 1. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/ust/legacy/2012/11/29/Section_341%28a%29_Meeting_Questions.pdf

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