So you’ve filed bankruptcy, and then suddenly, you receive a letter in the mail telling you a date and time for a “341 Hearing.” What gives?
A 341 meeting (or the meeting of creditors) examines the debtor's financial position and confirms the facts stated in the bankruptcy filing. Debtors are required to attend these hearings. The trustee asks a few yes or no questions regarding the petition's accuracy, which usually takes no more than 10 minutes.
Since the COVID pandemic, bankruptcy court hearings have looked slightly different. Now, instead of taking an entire day off work, dealing with downtown parking, and spending hours waiting for your case, you can attend from the comfort of your home or work!
After the pandemic, all 341 hearings in Minnesota have been converted to Zoom or over the phone, so there is no need for in-person. As we all get used to this change, here is some helpful advice for preparing for your 341 hearings.
Make sure to be in a quiet space with no background noise.
341 hearings are recorded and background noise can slow the proceedings or interfere with the recording process.
Be early!
Make sure to log into the Zoom hearing or conference call at least 10 minutes in advance in case cases are moving faster than expected or there are potential tech issues that need to be worked out.
Be polite.
Although trustees are not acting in your best interest, it still pays to be respectful. There is no need to call them your honor (they aren’t judges!), but a “Yes, sir” or “No, ma’am” can still go a long way. Dress appropriately in clean and well-kept apparel. There is no need to wear a full suit, but I would recommend avoiding ripped-up T-shirts or mesh tops. (Feel free to go wild outside of the hearing, though!)
Call Now For A Free Strategy Session With A MN Bankruptcy Lawyer
In conclusion, 341 hearings aren’t the tense and combative courtroom scenes you might see on Law and Order or How To Get Away With Murder. Although hearings may seem stressful, we at LifeBack Law Firm are here to do the heavy lifting for you and make this as stress-free and smooth as possible. When the time is right, or when you are ready to get your life back, reach out to Minnesota’s most kind and helpful bankruptcy law firm by going now to www.lifebacklaw.com.
