The 341 Meeting of Creditors in New York

The 341 meeting of creditors (named after 11 U.S.C. section 341) is a required hearing in every bankruptcy case. The trustee assigned to your case - and any creditors who choose to attend - may ask you questions under oath about:

• Your identity (verified by ID and Social Security documentation)
• The accuracy of your petition and schedules
• Your assets, income, and expenses
• Recent financial transactions
• Whether anything has changed since filing

The meeting is not held in a courtroom and the judge does not attend. It typically takes place in a conference room at the courthouse or by phone/video.

1. Is this your signature on the petition?
2. Did you read the petition before signing it?
3. Is everything in the petition true and correct?
4. Did you list all of your assets?
5. Did you list all of your debts?
6. Have you sold or transferred any property in the last two years?
7. Do you own any real estate?
8. Are you expecting a tax refund?
9. Are you entitled to any inheritance or insurance proceeds?
10. Do you have any pending lawsuits or claims?
11. Is there anything you want to add or correct?

Answer honestly and briefly. If you do not know the answer, say so. Your attorney is present to help.

• Government-issued photo ID - Driver's license, passport, or state ID
• Proof of Social Security number - Social Security card, recent tax return showing full SSN, or W-2
• Copy of your petition - Your attorney will have this, but bring your own copy
• Recent pay stubs - If requested by the trustee
• Recent bank statements - If requested by the trustee

341 meetings in the Southern District of New York are held at:

• Manhattan: One Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004 (or remote via phone/video)
• White Plains: 300 Quarropas St, White Plains, NY 10601 (or remote via phone/video)

Many S.D.N.Y. 341 meetings are currently conducted by telephone or video conference. Your attorney will confirm the format and provide dial-in or login information.

1. Review your petition beforehand. Know what is in it. The trustee's questions are based on what you filed.
2. Be on time. Arrive 15 minutes early for in-person meetings. Log in 5 minutes early for remote meetings.
3. Dress appropriately. Business casual is fine. You are not appearing before the judge.
4. Answer only what is asked. Short, truthful answers. Do not volunteer extra information.
5. Do not lie. You are under oath. Perjury in a bankruptcy case is a federal crime.
6. Stay calm. The meeting is routine. Most are finished in under 10 minutes.

• Chapter 7: If no issues arise, the trustee files a "no distribution" report (meaning no assets to liquidate). Discharge is typically entered 60-90 days after the meeting.
• Chapter 13: The trustee reviews your proposed plan and may negotiate modifications. The confirmation hearing follows within 45-90 days.
• Continued meeting: In some cases, the trustee may continue (reschedule) the meeting if additional documents are needed. This is not unusual and does not mean there is a problem.