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Within 20 to 40 days after you file for bankruptcy in Florida, the court will mail you and your creditors a notice for your 341 meeting of creditors. The court’s notice will include the meeting’s date, time, and location.
This meeting is a required part of the bankruptcy process. You should know what to expect, how to prepare, and how our bankruptcy attorneys at Loan Lawyers can help you.
What Is the 341 Meeting for Bankruptcy in Florida?
A 341 meeting is required by the Florida bankruptcy law section 341, which is why it is referred to by that name. It’s also often called a creditors meeting. Its purpose is for you to answer questions under oath about the financial information in your bankruptcy petition package, such as lists of creditors, schedules of assets, liabilities, income, expenditures, and a statement of your financial affairs.
You, your attorney, and a Chapter 7 trustee attend the 341 meeting. The trustee is a “private, impartial individual paid to administer and oversee your case on behalf of the U.S. Trustee’s Office.” The creditors are not required to attend, and it’s common for them not to do so. This meeting is not a court hearing, so a judge does not attend.
What to Expect at a 341 Meeting of Creditors
You can expect a creditors meeting to occur within 20 to 40 days after filing your bankruptcy petition. You are required to attend this meeting.
The trustee will conduct the meeting, administer an oath to you, verify your identity, and ask standard questions and other optional questions to evaluate the information in your petition. A record of the meeting will be taken. A typical 341 meeting lasts about 15 minutes.
How to Prepare for a 341 Meeting After Filing Bankruptcy
Before the 341 meeting, you must submit several other required forms and statements – each with its own strict filing deadline. It is acceptable to file these documents with your bankruptcy petition. If you have not already done so, you need to file:
- Certificate of Credit Counseling Course – You must have completed this course within 180 days before filing your bankruptcy petition. If not filed with your bankruptcy petition, it needs to be filed within 14 days after filing your petition.
- Copy of your most recent tax return – You must provide the trustee with this at least seven days before your meeting date.
- Statement of Intention – If filing for Chapter 7, the deadline to submit your Statement of Intention is 30 days after filing your petition or on or before the date of your meeting – whichever comes first.
You should prepare to bring photo identification and a document showing your social security number. Also, plan to dress professionally.
Contact Loan Lawyers to Help You Prepare for Your 341 Meeting
If you are looking for a fresh financial start, let the bankruptcy attorneys at Loan Lawyers guide you through the bankruptcy process. We’ve helped over 8,000 clients in Florida get out of debt and move on with their lives. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation.
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Loan Lawyers is made up of experienced consumer rights attorneys who use every available resource to develop comprehensive debt solution strategies. Our goal is to take on those burdens, resolve those problems, and allow our clients to sleep soundly knowing they are on the path to a better future.
