The meeting of creditors, otherwise known as the 341 meeting, is an essential part of every Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. Each individual who decides to file for bankruptcy under these chapters has to attend the meeting of creditors and consult with their trustee. It is always advisable to have an experienced bankruptcy attorney from Clairemont Mesa present at your side during the meeting to ensure the best possible outcome.
How do I prepare for the 341 meeting?
You need to take some time to adequately prepare for the 341 meeting you’re going to attend. First, it’s time to review the bankruptcy petition very carefully. This will allow you to notice whether or not you’ve missed anything important or made an inaccurate entry. In case you did make one or both of these mistakes, you should:
- If possible, contact the court and file an amendment to your bankruptcy petition.
- If not, prepare yourself to bring this issue up to your trustee’s attention during the hearing.
One of the most common mistakes individuals make is not listing your name identically as on their government card, passport, or license. This is important because you’re required to present one of these documents as proof of identity at the 341 meeting, alongside the number on the Social Security card. If these don’t match, you have to amend your bankruptcy petition and schedule an additional hearing.
What should I bring to the meeting of creditors?
Generally, you will already provide all the necessary documentation to your trustee before the 341 meeting. This commonly includes income tax returns, retirement statements, bank statements, and paycheck stubs. Also, you should bring the following documents to your meeting:
- Approved photo I.D.
- Social Security Card
- Documents that clearly indicate significant financial changes from the moment of filing your petition
- Bankruptcy paperwork you can refer to
- Additional documentation your trustee requires
What questions should I expect at the 341 meeting?
The final portion of your preparation for the meeting of creditors is getting ready for all the most common questions your trustee will ask you. Trustees usually require answers to several routine questions they have to ask all debtors. Expert bankruptcy attorneys are able to predict the questions based on your current financial situation and the type of bankruptcy you’re filing. Some of the most common questions include:
- Did you perform a review of the bankruptcy schedule and claim before filing them?
- Is the information provided within your bankruptcy documentation correct?
- Did you honestly disclose all the assets you own?
- Are all your creditors listed in your bankruptcy paperwork?
- Have you tried to file bankruptcy before?
- Have the circumstances changed since you filed your bankruptcy?
- Are you under legal obligation to pay child support or alimony?
- Did you file all your tax returns accurately?
- Do any individuals owe you money?
Who are the most experienced bankruptcy attorneys in Clairemont Mesa?
The 341 meeting of creditors is one of the most important aspects of a successful bankruptcy case, and you should prepare for it well. It is vital in ensuring you receive all the benefits of bankruptcy. However, you should not stop there, and you should also learn more about how bankruptcy helps prevent lawsuits against you. Finally, inquire about how to convert from Chapter 7 to Chapter 13 bankruptcy, just in case you need to go down that road.
Once you’ve done all that, it’s time to hire Chang & Diamond, the most reputable bankruptcy lawyers in San Diego and all the surrounding areas, Clairemont Mesa included. They have the qualifications and the desire to help you win your financial freedom. With their assistance, you’ll be able to enjoy Marian Bear Memorial Park again without worrying about your financial situation. Give us a call today and schedule a free consultation.