Every bankruptcy requires a meeting with your creditors. This meeting is called a 341 Meeting. It is imperative that you have an experienced bankruptcy lawyer with you at your 341 meeting to ensure your rights are protected.
WHAT TO EXPECT
While the 341 meeting is a meeting with your creditors, most creditors do not attend. However, if a creditor does attend, the creditor is entitled to ask you questions at this meeting. The 341 meeting takes places anywhere from 21 days to no more than 40 days after your bankruptcy is filed. The meeting is usually held at a federal building and conducted by a Chapter 7 Trustee appointed to your case.
TRUSTEE REVIEW
The Trustee appointed to your bankruptcy case will review your income, expenses, debts and your Statement of Financial Affairs prior to your 341 Meeting. Additionally, the Trustee is likely to review your tax statements and pay stubs. The Trustee's main focus will be to sell nonexempt assets and ensure there is no bankruptcy fraud.
The Trustee will ask you many questions to better understand your financial situation, ability to pay off debt and identify current assets and income. You will be required to bring your driver’s license or state ID and Social Security card.
PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS
As you can see, it is important to have an experienced bankruptcy lawyer represent you throughout the bankruptcy process. Attorney J.D. Graham has more than 20 years of experience and ensures your rights are protected at the 341 meeting.