In some circumstances it is more likely that creditors will attend. Those circumstances tend to be when there is a personal relationship with the debtor and creditor. For example friends, family members, ex-spouses, or former employees are more likely to show up to the meeting of creditors. Just the mere presence of a creditor at the meeting does not mean you will lose your discharge. The creditor still has to follow the appropriate processes for an objection. But the creditor is entitled to ask you questions at your meeting, and the trustee will allow them time to do so.
The creditor can ask you questions about your assets, about your income, debts, expenses, and the schedules and related documents you filed with the court. It is important to remember that you are under oath during this meeting and to answer the questions honestly. If you do not know the answer, you can say, “I do not know.” The meeting of creditors can seem like a scary process but just review your petition prior to the meeting, listen careful and fully to the trustee’s questions, do not be too quick to respond and be honest. The meeting itself will be short, 5 to 10 minutes in length.
The key to a successful 341 meeting is to be honest from the beginning with your attorney. Once your attorney has all the information they can help prepare you for the meeting. And then just listen to the questions carefully and answer truthfully. Contact the attorneys at Kain and Scott and see us at www.kainscott.com. You will be glad you did.