A meeting of creditors may be the wrong term to use when it comes to Chapter 7 bankruptcy, because creditors rarely show up. The 341 meeting, as it’s also called, is one more step up to successfully filing bankruptcy. There are some tips to know before your 341 meeting.
The Notice
You need to remember several key points after getting your notice for a 341 meeting. When is the meeting, at what time, where will it be held, how do you get there, where do you park, and what should you bring? These are some good questions to have, and the answers can be found on your notice or with a map. You also want to confirm with your lawyer that he or she received the notice. If you have further questions and worries, a good lawyer can help.
Study the Notice
You also will be given further information on your notice, namely the trustee assigned to your case. Your trustee is a key component of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. You want to ensure this person has no relationship with those you owe money; though rare, it happens and needs to be immediately addressed. If you ever have to change trustees, you will likely get a new notice with a new date for the 341 meeting.
Arrive Early
Just in case you are unfamiliar with where the 341 meeting will be held, be sure to leave early. Yes, the meeting is a formality, but one which deserves your full attention.
The Paperwork
In the notice you’ll also see if all required documents have been given to the court. In cases where you are unsure of what documentation needs to be filed, this should be addressed by your lawyer. Sometimes the wrong documentation can be filed or not filed at all. Problems like these are to be solved by your lawyer; that’s why you pay him or her.
What to bring?
Bring your ID or some other valid form of identification. You should also have proof of your Social Security number, if not then your W-2 tax form or other proof. You also may want to bring a notebook to the meeting in order to take important notes, especially helpful if you have some problems.
Review More
For what may be the final time, you should review all your bankruptcy information. It may be smart to do this with your lawyer. You can go over your current proof of income, debts you have, what debts will not be discharged, and more. If you see some problems, it’s okay: you’re lawyer can help, and the trustee can help you with any changes.
Be Confident
Once you’re ready for the 341 meeting, go in confidently. This is quite often a formality if all your documentation is in order. So take a deep breath and look at this as one of the final steps to financial freedom.
