The 341 meeting of creditors is a required part of completing bankruptcy. At this meeting you must answer questions asked by a trustee assigned to your case. Occasionally, but rarely, creditors will appear at the meeting to ask you questions as well.
These meetings were previously held in-person at various locations. However, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meetings have occurred virtually over the phone and on Zoom. Chapter 7 bankruptcy meeting of creditors now occur over the phone, while Chapter 13 bankruptcy meeting of creditors occur via Zoom teleconferencing. In either case, your attorney will provide you with the links necessary to join the meetings.
In almost every way the meetings are conducted the same as they were when they were done in person. The trustee swears you in, you attorney enters their appearance, and the trustee asks you a series of questions. One thing that has changed is that your bankruptcy attorney must now identify you using your Social Security card and a valid state photo ID. Previously, these documents were reviewed and verified by the trustee assigned to the case. Now, you must provide these documents to your bankruptcy attorney so that he or she can verify them for the trustee.
Most trustees will accept an unredacted W-2 in lieu of your original Social Security card. State photo IDs can include drivers licenses, military IDs, and state issued IDs. Things such as membership cards with a photo are generally not excepted. They must be state issued.
Your attorney should go over all of the steps necessary to join the virtual meeting of creditors and prepare you for all the questions that will be asked. If you have any bankruptcy or credit related issues, call us at 412-414-9366. I will be happy to set up a free consultation to discuss your situation!