What is the Trustee Meeting?
We go with our clients to the trustee meeting (also called a creditor meeting or, simply, a "341"). The trustee meeting is held in a small conference room at one of the federal courthouses located in the Northern District of Georgia.
The bankruptcy court has divisions in Atlanta, Gainesville, Newnan and Rome. Trustees are not judges but they are a very important part of the bankruptcy law system. They make all of the initial determinations regarding bankruptcy issues.
We are very familiar with the trustees because we work with them on a daily basis and we know what to expect. We do everything possible to ensure that the "341" goes as smoothly as possible, whether it's for a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13.
Some Questions a Bankruptcy Trustee Might Ask
Below are some possible questions that a trustee might ask:
1. State your name for the record.
2. Do you own or rent your home? When did you buy your home? What was the purchase price of your home?
If renting: Have you ever owned your home and/or is the owner in any way related to you?
3. Are you married?
4. Did you sign the petition?
5. Have you read the bankruptcy information sheet (included with your petition)?
6. Have you filed for bankruptcy previously?
7. Have you made any voluntary or involuntary transfers of real or personal property in the last year?
8. Do you understand that a bankruptcy will affect your credit rating?
9. Does your petition contain a complete list of all of your creditors?
10. Does your petition contain a complete list of all of your assets?
11. What caused your financial difficulties?
12. Did you give all of the information contained in the petition to your lawyer?
13. Is the copy of the tax return you provided to the Court your most recent tax return?
14. Do you have a domestic support obligation?
15. Does anyone hold any property belonging to you?
16. Do you have any claim against anyone or any business?
17. Are any of the medical bills related to an injury or accident?
18. Are you involved in any lawsuits?
19. Are you entitled to any insurance proceeds or an inheritance as a result of someone's death?
20. Does anyone owe you money?
21. Do you own a car? What make, model, year? Mileage and condition
22. Are you the owner of any cash value life insurance policies?
23. Are you engaged in any business in the last year?
24. Do you intend to keep your home?
25. Is a Federal income tax refund owed to you? If so how much? Have you received it? What did you do with the money?
Remember to Bring Certain Documents with You to the Meeting
To complete the bankruptcy process, remember the trustee will examine your photo identification (a state issued driver's license or passport) and proof of your social security number (original social security card or original W-2). The information must match your petition, including exact name on both documents and your address on your ID.
Please locate these documents well before the trustee meeting so the meeting can proceed without problems.
About Us
When you need a bankruptcy lawyer, and most people will at some point, we are here to help you! Our clients tell us we're the best! Call at (678) 712-8561.
Our experience really helps our clients and includes having served as a Magistrate Judge, an Assistant Attorney General and as a Senior Assistant County Attorney.
So when you need the services of a debt settlement lawyer, make attorneys William H. Sherman and Valerie W. Sherman your first choice!