341 Meeting - What to Expect

Connecticut Bankruptcy Attorney Understands 341 Meetings

Bankruptcy Law Firm Offers Guidance to Connecticut Debtors

When you file for chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, a chapter 7 trustee will administer your case. His main tasks will be to sell your nonexempt property to repay your general unsecured creditors, look for fraud, ensures that your paperwork is accurate, and conducts an investigation into your finances and property during a meeting of creditors, also known as a 341 meeting. When you file for chapter 7 bankruptcy, you are required to attend this meeting.

341 Meeting Basics

The 341 meeting will be set for at least 21 but no more than 40 days from the date the bankruptcy petition is filed. It is generally held in a meeting room in a federal building, but typically not in a courtroom. No judge will preside over the meeting; instead the bankruptcy trustee will conduct it.

The trustee's investigation begins as soon as you file for bankruptcy, and he will review your paperwork, including your debts, income, expenses, your Statement of Financial Affairs, previous federal income tax returns, and pay stubs before the meeting. You should plan to bring:

• Photo identification
• Proof of your Social Security number

If you forget these items or do not have them, the trustee will not conduct the 341 meeting and it will have to be rescheduled. Other items the trustee may require you to bring include:

• Copies of mortgage documents
• Car titles
• Deeds to property
• Bank statements
• Tax returns
• Pay stubs

What Will Happen?

When your case is called, you will sit with your attorney and answer the trustee's questions regarding why you are filing for bankruptcy, your nonexempt property, any payments you may have made to creditors before the bankruptcy as well as the information provided in your paperwork. When the trustee is through questioning you, if no creditors are present, the meeting will be concluded.

If you are filing for bankruptcy in Connecticut and are apprehensive about your 341 meeting, the attorneys at Susan M. Williams LLC have the experience to help you through the process. To schedule your free initial consultation with one of our bankruptcy attorneys, contact our firm online, via e-mail, or call us at 860-265-4764 today.