If you decide to file for bankruptcy, you must attend a meeting with your creditors. This is true for both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. The bankruptcy trustee will also participate in the meeting and work as the main person who oversees your situation and case. This meeting is officially called the 341 meeting, the meeting of creditors, or the creditor meeting.

Each bankruptcy case is unique from any other, and it is essential to find an attorney who understands these differences. Each case trustee will ask questions they believe matter to the case, and your bankruptcy attorney will help guide you through the process.

Questions Asked by a Bankruptcy Trustee

There are several questions the bankruptcy trustee may ask during the 341 meeting. Some of the most common you should be prepared to answer include:

• Your name, address, and Social Security number
• If the filing includes a list of all your assets and creditors
• If you have signed all the documents filed with your bankruptcy case

Along with the questions above, the trustee may also ask about any property or assets you own. They could also request information about your debts, expenses, and income or any discrepancies found with your bankruptcy forms.

You must be prepared to answer these questions honestly. Preparing ahead of time and having all the needed information with you can be helpful.

What to Know About Creditor Questions Related to Your Bankruptcy Case

Your creditors may also come to the meeting. If a creditor comes to the 341 meeting, there is likely a reason for this. Some of the most common causes include:

• To get clarification on how you will deal with secured debt. If you have a car loan, they may ask what you want to pay the lender and if you are going to sign a reaffirmation agreement to keep making payments on this loan after filing bankruptcy.
• Questions about new charges or cash advances. Today’s bankruptcy laws restrict debtors from running any higher bills for luxuries before or after filing for bankruptcy.

If you have an overly simple case and do not have any exempt property, you won’t have to answer these creditor questions (in most cases). Also, in this situation, the meeting will probably only last a few minutes.

Contact an Experienced Bankruptcy Attorney for Help

If you are going through the bankruptcy process and need assistance or have questions, hiring an attorney can be invaluable. The right attorney will help guide the process and help you understand what will happen. They also bring other benefits to the table, such as filling out the paperwork the right way, the first time. This helps you avoid mistakes and ensures that your case won’t be canceled or delayed.

Remember, finding the right attorney matters, so take your time. Get recommendations from others who have been through this process to find the right legal representation for your situation. Knowing what to expect will help you achieve the desired outcome from this filing.