What Happens at a 341 Meeting on Zoom

A 341 meeting (the meeting of creditors) is a short video call where a bankruptcy trustee asks you questions under oath about the papers you filed. There is no judge. For our clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey it happens on Zoom, from home, with your lawyer on the call. Here is what to expect and what to have ready.

Who is on the call?

The trustee runs the meeting. The trustee is not a judge and does not give legal advice; the job is to check your paperwork and look for property that could be used to pay creditors. Your lawyer is on the call with you. Creditors are allowed to join and ask questions. Several cases are often scheduled for the same time slot, so you may wait in a Zoom waiting room until your case is called.

What will the trustee ask?

The trustee swears you in, then asks about the things your bankruptcy papers cover:

• Whether you signed and read your petition and schedules (the forms listing your income, property and debts), and whether everything in them is true and complete
• Your income
• What you own, and the value of anything with a loan against it
• Money or property you gave or transferred to anyone before filing
• The property you are protecting (your exemptions)
• Any earlier bankruptcy cases

In a Chapter 7 case, the trustee also confirms you received and read the U.S. Trustee’s Bankruptcy Information Sheet. Answer truthfully, in your own words. If you don’t know or don’t remember something, say so. Reading your papers again before the meeting means nothing in them will surprise you.

What do I need to have ready?

• Your photo ID and proof of your Social Security number. The trustee needs copies at least 14 days before the meeting. Keep the originals with you on the call.
• A copy of your filed papers: the schedules and the statement of financial affairs (the form about your recent finances, payments and transfers).
• A device with a camera, microphone and internet. A computer, tablet or phone works. On a phone you need the Zoom app.
• The Meeting ID and Passcode. They are in section 7 of the Notice of Bankruptcy Case that the court mails out after you file.

How should I set up for the call?

• Join 10 minutes early and enter your first and last name when Zoom asks.
• Pick a quiet room with no background noise. The meeting is open to the public and the trustee records the audio, so treat it like a courtroom.
• Be alone in the room unless you are sitting with your lawyer or a spouse who filed with you.
• Keep your camera on and stay muted until your case is called.
• Don’t take photos or make your own recording. Only the trustee’s recording is allowed.

What if my internet drops or I can’t do video?

If you get disconnected, rejoin with the same Meeting ID and Passcode. Video is expected. If you truly can’t join by video, the trustee may let you call in by phone, but will likely reschedule the meeting so your identity can be checked properly. Missing the meeting can lead to your case being dismissed, so tell us right away if anything might keep you from joining.

Can I get an interpreter?

Yes. The trustee arranges a language interpreter at no cost to you; it helps to ask in advance. If you have a hearing impairment or another disability, contact the trustee before the meeting so an accommodation can be arranged. We can help you with that request.

What happens after the meeting?

When the trustee has what they need, the meeting ends and you log off. Sometimes the trustee asks for one more document or holds the meeting open for a later date. If that happens, we will tell you exactly what is needed.

The U.S. Trustee Program publishes the rules for these meetings, including short practice videos for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, on its meeting of creditors page.

Common questions about the 341 meeting

Thinking about filing and want to know what your own 341 meeting would look like? Book a free consultation and we will walk you through it.