341 meeting · Beverly Hills
What Happens at the 341 Meeting of Creditors
At the 341 meeting of creditors, a trustee puts you under oath and asks you short questions about your bankruptcy papers. It is not a court hearing, there is no judge, and creditors rarely appear. Call (310) 362-9071 and we will help you prepare.
- Required in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
- Held by Zoom video in our region, with a phone option
- Usually short, often just a few minutes per case
At a glance
What the 341 meeting is
The 341 meeting of creditors is a required meeting between you and the bankruptcy trustee. It gets its name from Section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code.
The meeting has one main goal. The trustee confirms who you are and asks whether your papers are true and complete. In a Chapter 7 case, the trustee also looks for property that could be sold. In a Chapter 13 case, the trustee also asks about your plan and your budget.
Many meetings are set for the same time block, so you may wait while other cases go first. Your own turn is usually short.
Who attends
- You. If you filed jointly, both spouses must attend.
- The trustee. The Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 trustee assigned to your case runs the meeting. Read more about what the Chapter 7 trustee looks for.
- Your attorney. Your attorney, or another attorney covering for the firm, appears with you.
- Creditors, rarely. Creditors may attend and ask questions, but in most consumer cases none do. A car lender or an ex-spouse is the most likely to show up.
Video meetings in the Central District
341 meetings in our area are held by video. Region 16 of the U.S. Trustee Program covers the Central District of California. It holds Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 meetings by Zoom for cases filed on or after May 1, 2024. An audio-only option by phone is available. In-person meetings are rare and are set only for special situations.
This applies in the Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley and Northern divisions. See which bankruptcy court will hear your case.
For a video meeting, find a quiet, private room. Test your camera, microphone and internet before the day. Keep your ID cards and your papers within reach.
Questions the trustee usually asks
The trustee first swears you in. You promise to tell the truth. Then you will hear questions like these:
- Please state your name and address for the record.
- Did you sign your petition and schedules? Is that your signature?
- Did you read them before you signed?
- Is everything in them true and correct? Do you need to change anything?
- Did you list all of your assets and all of your debts?
- Have you filed bankruptcy before?
- Does anyone owe you money? Do you have any claims or lawsuits against anyone?
- Do you expect an inheritance, a tax refund or insurance money?
- Have you given away or sold any property, or paid back a family member, in the past few years?
Answer only what is asked. Keep answers short and truthful. If you do not know, say so. It is fine to say "I don't remember." It is not fine to guess.
What to bring
- Photo ID. A driver's license, state ID or passport.
- Proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card, a W-2 or a similar document.
- Copies of your papers. Have your petition and schedules nearby.
The trustee also needs your most recent tax return at least 7 days before the meeting. Trustees often ask for pay stubs and bank statements as well. Gather them early so the meeting is not continued.
What to watch for: missing the meeting
If you miss your 341 meeting, the trustee can ask the court to dismiss your case. Call your attorney right away. If you have a good reason, such as an illness, the meeting can often be moved to a later date.
Do not skip the meeting and hope it works out. A dismissal can leave you with your debts and can limit the protection you get if you file again. See refiling a dismissed bankruptcy.
Key Chapter 7 deadlines also run from the first date set for the meeting. Creditors have 60 days after that date to object to your discharge. Your money management course certificate is due within 60 days after that date too. See our Chapter 7 timeline and the debtor education course page.
What it costs
- Chapter 7: flat attorney fee from $1,200, plus the $338 court filing fee
- Chapter 13: attorney fee quoted in writing, and part of it can be paid through the plan
- Payment plans are available, and the first consultation is free
More on Chapter 7 bankruptcy
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Beverly Hills
- California Median Income Figures for the Means Test
- What Debts Are Wiped Out in Chapter 7
- Debts Chapter 7 Will Not Discharge
- Can I Keep My Car in Chapter 7?
- Can I Keep My House in Chapter 7?
- The Chapter 7 Timeline, From Filing to Discharge
- What the Chapter 7 Trustee Looks For
- Filing Chapter 7 With No Income or Between Jobs
- Filing a Second Chapter 7: The Eight-Year Rule
- Chapter 7 for Married Couples: Filing Alone or Together
- What Happens at the 341 Meeting of Creditors
- Redeeming a Car in Chapter 7
- Means test evaluation
- Reaffirmation agreements
341 meeting questions
How long does a 341 meeting take?
A 341 meeting usually takes only a few minutes once your case is called. You may wait longer for your turn, because several cases are set for the same time.
Is the 341 meeting held in person or by video?
The 341 meeting is held by Zoom video in the Central District of California for cases filed on or after May 1, 2024. You can join by phone with audio only if needed. In-person meetings are rare.
Will my creditors be at the 341 meeting?
Your creditors are usually not at the 341 meeting. They are allowed to attend, but in most consumer cases no creditor appears.
Will I see a judge at the 341 meeting?
No, you will not see a judge at the 341 meeting. The trustee runs it. Most Chapter 7 clients never appear before a judge at all.
What happens after the 341 meeting?
After the 341 meeting, the trustee files a report or asks for more papers. In most Chapter 7 cases, the next step is the discharge, which usually comes a few months after filing.
Free consultation
Walk into your 341 meeting prepared
Call (310) 362-9071 or send the form. We can go over the trustee's usual questions with you before your meeting.
Law Offices of John Asuncion9454 Wilshire Blvd., Penthouse Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 362-9071
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.