Meeting of Creditors

The “meeting of creditors” also known as a “341 meeting,” is a required step in the bankruptcy process. It is not a court hearing, and there is no judge. Instead, the meeting is conducted by a trustee. At the meeting, the debtor (the person who filed for bankruptcy) answers questions under oath about the bankruptcy paperwork that they submitted. The debtor may also be asked about their property, debts, income, and expenses. Creditors may join the meeting and ask the debtor questions, too.

Almost all 341 meetings are held virtually using Zoom. Please follow the instructions provided in the 341 meeting notice you receive from the court, as well as additional instructions provided by the trustee. This page has additional information about how to prepare for your meeting, how to join the Zoom meeting, and what to expect during the meeting.

Further Information for Debtors, Debtors’ Attorneys, and Other Parties in Interest:

Prior to the 341 meeting, please read the Instructions for Joining a Zoom § 341(a) Meeting of Creditors. (Instrucciones para unirse a una reunión de la Sección 341(a) por Zoom Reunión de acreedores)

At least 14 days prior to the 341 meeting, or within another timeframe requested by the trustee, the debtor or the debtor’s attorney, if represented, should send to the trustee in a safe and secure manner:

Personal Identification

• A clear copy of (1) a government-issued photo identification of the debtor and (2) evidence of the debtor’s Social Security number (“ID documents”) or a written statement that the debtor has no Social Security number. For a list of acceptable ID documents, click English or Spanish.

Financial Information

• Evidence of current income, such as the most recent payment advice.
• Unless the trustee or the United States trustee instructs otherwise, statements for each of the debtor’s depository and investment accounts, including checking, savings, and money market accounts, mutual funds and brokerage accounts for the time period that includes the date of the filing of the petition.
• Documentation of monthly expenses claimed by the debtor if required by 11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(2)(A) or (B). These include additional food and clothing expense up to 5 percent of the IRS National Standard allowance for those categories; education expenses for dependent children less than 18 years of age; home energy costs that exceed the IRS Local Standard allowance; and expenses that support a claim of special circumstances.

Note: If the documentation does not exist or is not in your possession, please provide a written statement indicating such.

Tax Return

• At least 7 days before the first date set for the 341 meeting, provide a copy of the debtor’s federal income tax return for the most recent tax year ending immediately before the commencement of the case and for which a return was filed, including any attachments, or a transcript of the tax return, or provide a written statement that the documentation does not exist.

These items are in addition to any other documents requested by the trustee.