What to Expect at Your 341 Meeting: A Law Professor’s Guide

Most people assume a bankruptcy hearing involves a judge and a courtroom. The reality is much simpler. The “341 Meeting of Creditors” is a brief administrative meeting, usually lasting less than 10 minutes, where a Bankruptcy Trustee verifies your identity and the accuracy of your petition. In 2026, most of these hearings are conducted remotely via Zoom or telephone, meaning you likely won’t even have to leave your home.

Updated on February 9,2026.

Listen: The Professor’s Audio Briefing.

Key Points: The 341 Meeting of Creditors

• Virtual vs. In-Person: Most 341 meetings in 2026 remain remote (Zoom/Phone).  Check your notice for the “Meeting ID” and confirm with your bankruptcy lawyer.
• Essential ID: You must have your original Social Security card and a valid Photo ID (Driver’s License/Passport) ready to show the camera. Some bankruptcy trustees require your ID in advance.

What is the 341 Meeting of Creditors

Named after 11 U.S. Code § 341, this is a mandatory meeting for every bankruptcy filer. As I detail in my textbook, Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge), the “Meeting of Creditors” is actually a misnomer since creditors rarely attend and judges are prohibited from attending. Instead, the primary figure is the Bankruptcy Trustee, whose job is to:

1. Verify your identity.
2. Ensure your petition is truthful, accurate, and complete.
3. Determine if there are any “assets” that aren’t protected by law (exemptions).

Professor’s Note: If a creditor does show up, they are limited in their questioning. If they want an in-depth interrogation, they must request a Rule 2004 Examination, which is essentially a legal deposition.

The Remote Hearing Process (2026 Update)

While some districts (like the Southern District of Florida) historically used federal buildings, the post-COVID shift to remote hearings has become permanent in many jurisdictions.

The Professor’s Tip:

• Test Your Tech: If your hearing is on Zoom, log in 10 minutes early to test your audio and camera as well.
• Quiet Environment: The Trustee is recording the call for the official record. Background noise can lead to a “continuance” (rescheduling), which may result in extra legal fees.

Common Questions the Bankruptcy Trustee Will Ask

Prepare to answer these standard questions under oath. Keep your answers brief, such as “Yes” or “No”, which is usually sufficient. Time is of the essence, so make sure not to go off into tangents. If the bankruptcy trustee needs you to elaborate, they will ask additional questions.

1. Identity: “State your name and current address for the record.” The trustee will confirm your identity. Note that if you do not have your original, not a copy of your Social Security card, the trustee is unlikely to proceed even if you provided proof of your tax returns. One of the most common reasons a 341 meeting is delayed is a missing Social Security card. In large districts like Miami, getting this documentation at the last minute is nearly impossible and will force a “continuance” of your case.
2. Accuracy: “Did you review and sign the petition and schedules before they were filed?”
3. Completeness: “Are all your assets and all your creditors listed?” The trustee will ask about transfers to friends or family, the value of those assets, and when those transfers took place.
4. Prior Filings: “Have you filed for bankruptcy in the last 8 years?” (Note: Chapter 7 has an 8-year “waiting period” between discharges).
5. Domestic Support: “Are you required to pay any child support or alimony?”

Professor’s Note: If you are still at the beginning stages of doing research, note that for the Means Test, the figures are updated twice a year. Your state’s average income can be found in this prior article.

The Professor’s Conclusion: Your Path to a Fresh Start

The 341 meeting is often the “scariest” part of the process in a debtor’s mind, but in practice, it is the final administrative hurdle before your discharge. It is recommended that you listen to prior cases so you can better understand the process, which will also help ease your concerns.

Colleges and universities can purchase my bankruptcy law textbook directly from Routledge Publishing. Paralegals and students who are buying single copies can do so via Amazon Books. To access my YouTube channel, click this link.

You can learn more about filing for bankruptcy and the bankruptcy petition via this link. Information on the bankruptcy court system, contact information for trustees, and your state’s exemptions can be found here. The federal bankruptcy exemptions are listed here. The latest version of the 341 Meeting of the Creditors can be found here.

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Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.

Updated initially on February 11, 2025.