Chapter 7 Bankruptcy What Happens At the Meeting of Creditors?

A meeting of creditors, or 341 meeting, is a central point in your bankruptcy case. It’s important to be prepared for this meeting in order for your case to proceed quickly and go smoothly. So what is a 341 meeting, who attends, and how can you be prepared for it?

At the 341 Meeting of Creditors, your appointed bankruptcy trustee, the person who is overseeing your financial situation and your case, will conduct the meeting. Sometimes, creditors will not attend the meeting. Creditors will attend if they believe that you have not accurately and completely disclosed all of the required information on your bankruptcy schedules such as failing to disclose assets, have not indicated what you plan to do about your secured debts, such as car or home loans, or used credits cards immediately prior to filing bankruptcy.

You will be asked questions under oath during this meeting, so it’s important to be prepared with answers to any of the questions you could be asked. These could include:

• What, if any, property you have recently sold or given away
• Your monthly expenses
• Your income

You must have a photo identification and verification of your complete social security number from a third party source such as your Social Security card. Failure to comply with the bankruptcy rules, provide the required documentation, and/or attend the 341 Meeting will result in your case being dismissed. Giving information that is not accurate may result in perjury, or fraud charges.

Over the past 32 years, the Law Offices of Christopher A. Benson has helped over 2,300 of Washington clients take control of their financial situation. We can stop your garnishment and change your monthly payments for all your combined unsecured debt, and if you have had more than $600 garnished within the last 90 days, we can get all of the money back in most cases. But you have to act quickly–call (253) 815-6940 for your free consultation, or email us today. Evening and weekend appointments available.