what happens if your lawyer doesnt come to the341 meeting

by Lourdes Ryan 7 min read

In addition, if someone is able to come in & save the day for you, you may be fined by the Trustee for failing to appear at your 341 meeting because the time the court staff has spent preparing for this meeting is extensive. You would be better off to show up to the meeting and explain that you are trying to find a lawyer to represent you.

After you file for bankruptcy, you must go to a required hearing called the meeting of creditors (also called the 341 hearing). In most cases, if you don't show up to your meeting of creditors, your bankruptcy will be dismissed.

Full Answer

What happens if I don't show up for a 341 meeting?

Appearing at the 341 meeting is mandatory. If you don't show up and haven't notified the trustee that you can't make it, the trustee will likely set your bankruptcy case for dismissal. Then you'd need to appear before the judge and explain why your case should be allowed to continue to keep it open.

What happens at a 341 meeting of creditors in Philadelphia?

You Won’t Be Harassed or Humiliated at a 341 Meeting of Creditors in Philadelphia or elsewhere. A 341 meeting means you might have to sit down at a conference table with the Trustee.

Can I get an interpreter for my 341 meeting?

If you need an interpreter, let the trustee know a few days before the hearing. The trustee will arrange for the translator to appear by phone. Appearing at the 341 meeting is mandatory. If you don't show up and haven't notified the trustee that you can't make it, the trustee will likely set your bankruptcy case for dismissal.

Should you take Maalox or Mylanta before a 341 meeting of creditors?

You don’t need to worry about the meeting beforehand and you don’t need to take Maalox or Mylanta to put your stomach at ease the night before the meeting. 2. You Must Attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors.

What if I miss my 341 meeting?

If you miss your scheduled 341 Meeting it is imperative that you speak with your assigned trustee ASAP and reschedule! A non-apperance at your meeting can lead to your bankruptcy case being dismissed.

Should I be nervous about 341 meeting?

Judging by the questions people ask about 341 meetings, people seem to think they're going to be very scary and intimidating. As long as you're going in with a trusted bankruptcy lawyer on your side, there is no reason to be nervous.

Do creditors ever show up at Chapter 7?

When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, all of your creditors are notified of and invited to attend your meeting of creditors. If a creditor chooses to come to your hearing, it can examine you under oath as well.

How long does it take to get discharge after meeting of creditors?

about 70 daysYou should expect to receive your discharge in the mail about 70 days after your creditors' meeting. This isn't a firm deadline, though. Technically, the court can enter a discharge as soon as the deadline to object to your discharge has passed.

Are 341 meetings scary?

Filing for bankruptcy is a scary experience, but within the entire process from start to finish, the 341 Meeting of Creditors is perhaps the most daunting. The idea of coming face to face with people who are trying to collect on a debt is understandably intimidating.

Can I spend money after filing Chapter 7?

Frivolous spending after you file could put your case in jeopardy. Spending money willy-nilly after you file for bankruptcy could appear like fraud and upend your court ruling.

What do you lose when you file Chapter 7?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy will generally discharge your unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills and unsecured personal loans. The court will discharge these debts at the end of the process, generally about four to six months after you start.

What happens if your income increases during Chapter 7?

An Increase in Income During Chapter 7 The bankruptcy trustee will eliminate most if not all of your debts, and possibly sell some of your assets to pay debts. This process is appropriate if you have an income but cannot cover all of your necessary expenses or can pay the basics, yet not pay down your debts.

How do you pass Chapter 7 means test?

Certain family and household expenses might help you pass the means test for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If your income is higher than your state's median income for a similar size household, you must complete the entire bankruptcy means test form to determine whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

What happens if you forgot to list a creditor in Chapter 7?

Your creditors need to know whether your debts to them can be repaid, at least in part. Failing to list assets in a Chapter 7 could spell trouble because: The trustee may have to reopen your case to sell the assets that you failed to disclose. The court could revoke your discharge if you have already received it.

Does your credit score go up after Chapter 7 discharge?

Within 2-3 the months, the average credit score after chapter 7 discharge will suffer a 100 points initial jolt. It usually remains in the 500-550 range for the average debtor, unless he was already wallowing in the 450s, for default right and left.

How much will credit score increase after Chapter 7 falls off?

How Much Will Your Credit Score Increase After Chapter 7 Falls Off Your Credit Report? When a chapter 7 falls off your report, you can expect a boost of around 50–150 points on your credit score.

Who is responsible for attending the creditors meeting?

The attorney retained is responsible for attending the creditors meeting, finding a proper cover attorney or continuing the meeting. I agree with what the other Massachusetts bankruptcy attorneys have told you.#N#Here is the answer to the other question you asked:

Does a notice of appearance mean a creditor will appear at your 341?

If it will put your mind at ease at all, your own attorney would explain that the filing of a notice of appearance does not automatically mean the creditor will appear at your 341. On the other hand, an adept attorney will prepare you properly for that possibility and should be in a position to anticipate the questions, which will almost certainly be unique to that creditor's claim.

Why did the trustee dismiss my case?

The Trustee will make a motion to dismiss your case because you failed to appear for your 341. In addition, if someone is able to come in & save the day for you, you may be fined by the Trustee for failing to appear at your 341 meeting because the time the court staff has spent preparing for this meeting is extensive. You would be better off to show up to the meeting and explain that you are trying to find a lawyer to represent you. The Trustee may even recommend a lawyer.

Can a 341 be dismissed?

Your case may be dismissed. You should appear and ask the Trustee to continue the 341 meeting to allow you to retain an attorney. You may also call the Trustee and ask him by phone.

Should I attend a 341 hearing?

You should attend your 341 hearing, or you risk dismissal by the bankruptcy court. You may want to ask the trustee to postpone the hearing so you may obtain another lawyer, but you should not skip the hearing.

Can you be arrested for a 341?

You will not be arrested, but your case may be dismissed. Usually another 341 meeting is set and if you do not show up for it the case can be dismissed.

What to Expect at the 341 Meeting

Your 341 meeting will be scheduled about a month after you file. Although it may take place in a federal building, it will most likely be in a meeting room rather than a courtroom. Your bankruptcy judge will not be there.

Answer Truthfully, or Your Answers Could be Used Against You

Although a 341 meeting isn’t a legal hearing, you are required to answer the questions under oath. The entire proceeding will be recorded and transcribed. Even if they don’t attend, your creditors are allowed to request a transcript of your testimony.

Consult with a Bankruptcy Attorney Before Your 341 Meeting

A qualified bankruptcy lawyer is your trusted ally throughout the bankruptcy process. We’ll help you complete the bankruptcy forms and gather the appropriate financial documents, and we’ll help you prepare for your 341 meeting.

What happens after a trustee concludes a 341 meeting of creditors?

After the Trustee has concluded the 341 Meeting of Creditors, he or she will typically file a report that you have no non-exempt assets and then recommends that the Bankruptcy Court enters an Order which will discharge your debt automatically.

How to dress for a 341 meeting of creditors?

How to Dress for the Meeting of Creditors. When attending the 341 Meeting of Creditors, you should dress neatly, with the clothing that you have available to wear. That means you should wear clothing that you own. It does not need to be a suit as many individuals don’t have the money for the same.

What is the purpose of a bankruptcy meeting?

The meeting is a formality to get your bankruptcy case moving along, and the only questions asked will be about your financial assets, to determine if everything has been prepared properly and to make sure that all of your assets have been properly disclosed and listed in your bankruptcy.

What is the 341 meeting?

The 341 Meeting in Pennsylvania and nationwide is an important step in the bankruptcy process. It is a meeting that is Federally mandated by the U.S. Bankruptcy Rules and It is also one of the most misunderstood.

Do you have to attend a meeting of creditors to file for bankruptcy?

You have to attend a meeting of creditors to move your bankruptcy forward. This meeting is mandatory. If you miss it, even if you have everything else in order, there is a very good chance your trustee will move to dismiss your bankruptcy case.

Do you have to face a judge when filing for bankruptcy?

Typically, a person that files for bankruptcy will not have to face a court or judge. The only face-to-face interaction will be with the Trustee during this Meeting. Most of these 341 Meetings go smoothly if you have given your lawyer all of the information he or she has asked you for. 11.

Can a bankruptcy judge be at a 341 meeting?

The bankruptcy judge isn’t even allowed to be at your meeting. The 341 Meeting is just a formal meeting. It is not a courtroom, and you are not being interrogated or challenged. So you just need to go to your 341 Meeting, answer the questions asked, and get on with your bankruptcy. 6.