FAQ - 341 Meetings of Creditors

1. What is a section 341 meeting of creditors?
2. Where is the section 341 meeting of creditors held?
3. What should I bring to the 341 meeting?       
4. How do I find out who the trustee is in a case?
5. What if I cannot attend my 341 meeting?
6. What if I missed my 341 meeting?
7. Are co-debtors required to be at the 341 meeting?
8. What if I don't speak English or have a hearing impairment?

1. What is a section 341(a) meeting of creditors?

Section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code requires that every debtor attend a meeting of creditors (sometimes also called “341 meeting” or “creditors meeting”) and answer questions under oath. Meetings of creditors usually are conducted between 21 and 60 days after the petition is filed and are held at a number of locations throughout the district. The case trustee appointed by the United States Trustee presides at the meeting of creditors. The meeting is recorded, and the trustee will place you under oath and ask you questions about your bankruptcy documents, property, debts, financial condition and other matters. This information enables the trustee to understand your circumstances and decide if there are assets that could be liquidated for the benefit of your creditors.

Your creditors are notified that they may attend the meeting of creditors and question you about your assets and any other matter relevant to the administration of the case. However, creditors rarely attend these meetings and are not considered to have waived any of their rights if they do not appear.

The meeting usually lasts less than ten minutes but may be continued if the trustee is not satisfied with the information you provide or if the trustee or others need more time to review your financial circumstances and question you about them.  If you fail to appear or fail to provide the information requested at the meeting, the trustee may request that the bankruptcy case be dismissed or that you be ordered by the court to cooperate.

2. Where is the section 341(a) meeting of creditors held?

Effective November 1, 2024. Pursuant to its authority under 11 U.S.C. §§ 341(a) and 343, Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 2003, and other authorities, the U.S. Trustee Program (“USTP”) will implement virtual section 341 meetings of creditors (“341 meetings”) through the Zoom platform for all chapter 7, 12, and 13 cases.  Chapter 11 section 341 meetings of creditors will continue to be held telephonically.

In the event an in-person examination is required, the location is set below.

3. What should I bring to the 341 meeting?   

• The debtor should have readily available a copy of the filed schedules and statement of financial affairs, and any other documents previously requested by and provided to the trustee.
• The debtor should have their original photo identification and social security documents previously submitted to the trustee.  Debtors are required to submit Picture ID and Proof of Social Security number to the trustee prior to the 341 meeting of creditors.

4. How do I find out who the trustee is in a case?

• The trustee’s name and address is printed on the first notice the court sends out, the Notice of the §341(a) Meeting of Creditors. The trustee's contact information is also available from the following sources:
• McVCIS (Multi Court Voice Case Information Service) - an automated information service available 24 hours a day from any touch-tone telephone by calling 1-866-222-8029. To connect to our court, say "Washington Western". You can obtain case information following the instructions given by using the numbers on the keypad of your telephone.
• PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) - Access to a mirror image of the court’s database from your personal computer which is available 24 hours a day via the internet. You must sign up for this service and there is a small fee. For more information visit their web site at http://www.pacer.gov or call the PACER Service Center at 1-800-676-6856.
• Computer terminals in the lobby of each office of the Clerk.
• By calling the court and speaking to a clerk during the court's office hours.

5. What if I cannot attend my 341 meeting?

The debtor, including each debtor in a joint case, is required to appear at the section 341 meeting of creditors. If a debtor needs to reschedule their meeting of creditors, they should review Local Bankruptcy Rule 2003-1.

6. What if I missed my 341 meeting?

Chapter 7 and 13 debtors must contact the trustee assigned to their case as soon as possible and request the matter be continued. The trustee’s name and contact information may be found on the section 341 Meeting notice.

7. Are co-debtors required to be at the 341 meeting?

No.  Only debtors and joint debtors who are listed on the first page of the petition must attend the section 341 meeting.

8. What if I don't speak English or have a hearing impairment?

Language interpreter services are available for debtors at virtual 341 meetings. If the debtor needs the assistance of a language interpreter for the 341 meeting, the debtor should inform the trustee either at the 341 meeting or, preferably, in advance of the 341 meeting. The trustee will contact the language interpreter service, and an interpreter will be provided at no cost to the debtor.

If a debtor has a disability, such as a hearing impairment, the debtor should contact the trustee in advance of the 341 meeting so the trustee can notify the UST that an accommodation may be necessary. The UST, in consultation with the debtor and the trustee, will determine the accommodation to be made, if any, such as the use of a sign language interpreter, again at no cost to the debtor.