I have previously written about the meeting of the creditors otherwise known as the 341 meetings. Among things that the debtors must have a meeting are their identification and proof of social security number, as well as their original signed bankruptcy petition.
In addition, debtors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy cases are required to provide to the bankruptcy trustee certain documents prior to the meeting. They usually include the following documents: copy of the petition, copies of counseling certificates, copies of paystubs, copies of deed, mortgage and appraisal if the debtors own a home, a copy of the title and appraisal for any vehicle owned by the debtors, and a copy of last year’s tax return.
In addition, Bankruptcy Rule 4002 requires debtors to bring to the meeting of creditors their bank and other financial account statements showing the balances in the accounts on the date the bankruptcy petition was filed. If the debtors have not brought their statements to the meeting, their attorney will be required to send them to the bankruptcy trustee.
Here in Rochester, and elsewhere, bankruptcy attorneys must bring the original bankruptcy petition to the meeting so that the trustee can compare the signatures on the petition and debtors’ identification documents.
One final procedural item that will take place at the meeting of the creditors is that the debtors will have to sign a declaration of electronic filing which certifies that the bankruptcy case was filed electronically. In the vast majority of all consumer bankruptcy cases, petitions are filed electronically.
If you are contemplating filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, or are dealing with debt problems in Western New York, including Rochester, New York, Canandaigua, Brighton, Pittsford, Penfield, Perinton, Fairport, Webster, Victor, Farmington, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Parma, Brockport, Spencerport, LeRoy, Chili, Churchville, Monroe County, Ontario County, Wayne County, Orleans County, Livingston County, and being harassed by bill collectors, and would like to know more about how bankruptcy may be able to help you, contact me today by phone or email to schedule a FREE initial consultation with a Rochester, NY, bankruptcy lawyer.