What is Bankruptcy Court? Bankruptcy Court: The Basics In bankruptcy court, you meet with a bankruptcy trustee so he or she can confirm

your petition and ask any relevant questions about your assets and debts. This

meeting doesn’t take place in an adversarial setting and may not even be in a typical

courtroom (hopefully this will ease some of your stress in facing this unfamiliar

event). These meetings are commonly referred to as a “meeting of creditors” or a

“341 meeting”. Your attendance is mandatory at the meeting of creditors. If you do

not attend, your case may be dismissed.

The Hearing After passing through security, you arrive in the hearing room along with other

bankruptcy petitioners who also have bankruptcy court cases. Depending on the

number of individuals on the schedule, you may have to wait an hour or two (that

doesn’t mean you should risk being late because your case could be called first).

When your turn arrives, the hearing may last only a matter of minutes.

How to Prepare for Bankruptcy Court There are several ways you can prepare for a meeting of creditors:

• Arrive early (don’t just be on time—and don’t be late): Give yourself plenty of

time to prepare your documents, fight traffic and find parking. Arrive at least

half an hour before your bankruptcy court hearing is scheduled.

• Remember to bring an official document that shows your Social Security

Number: Your Social Security Card is the best document to evidence your

social security number. If you don’t have it or can’t find it, any official

document displaying your Social Security Number should suffice.

• Have a valid government-issued ID with you: Not only should you double

check to make sure you have your ID, but take a moment to verify that it isn’t

expired. If you show up to the bankruptcy court hearing with an expired or

illegible ID, you may not be permitted to proceed with your hearing.

• Dress appropriately for the occasion: Dressing properly for your bankruptcy

court hearing shows respect for the court, the trustee and your creditors.

Wear at least business-casual clothing, be clean and tidy, and avoid flip flops

or sneakers.

Helpful Tips about Bankruptcy Court The title “meeting of creditors” can be slightly misleading when it comes to

bankruptcy court, as creditors rarely appear at this hearing (at least for average

consumer-bankruptcy cases). However, a creditor may appear at your hearing if it

has reason to dispute your right to discharge its debt. If a creditor shows up at your

bankruptcy court hearing, the creditor’s representative may sit at the table with you,

the bank trustee, and your CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY HQ.

Like any other court hearing, you will be sworn in and promise to tell the truth

throughout your bankruptcy court hearing. Once your identity is confirmed, the bank

trustee will ask you relevant questions about your assets and debts. Relax, answer

the questions honestly, and follow the instructions from your CHAPTER 7

BANKRUPTCY HQ. While it may be an unfamiliar and uncomfortable situation, when

you have a bankruptcy attorney by your side, the bankruptcy court usually goes

smoothly and quickly…http://www.chapter7bankruptcyhq.com/