WA state 341 hearing over in 5 minutes. It was telephonic, and every question the trustee asked execept for 3 questions was on the sample list of questions provided by my attorney. I called the provided number, entered my code issued by counsel, and set phone to mute until your name is called. Trustee called out each name; counsel responded first, followed by the filer. I was number five. They will ask about large cash withdrawals which I had, but I bank with Wells Fargo so I removed the entire balance in excess of $3,000. As most of you know, Wells Fargo will freeze your money, and I explained that to the trustee who wanted to confirm that I had not paid any one creditor a large amount to which I responded no. I had vehicle expenses which ate up most of it (tires, brakes, servicing), followed by routine bills. As everyone is aware, it doesn't take much to annihilate $3,000. One of the filers before me had spent $6,000 of his tax return. He had no explanation for where the money went even when pressed by the trustee; his explanation was that it was just normal living expenses. Over the course of 2 or 3 months, I think that's reasonable since the guy wasn't working at the time. Trustee let it go.
My attorney advised me prior to the hearing to ONLY answer yes or no, do not add details. I did just that, and it sped me right along. I don't even think my hearing lasted the full five minutes.
The trustee did ask me two questions that he did not ask anyone else which I found odd, so I'll pass it along here so you can be prepared if you find yourself in a similar situation. It did catch me off guard. He asked me if I was related to the person(s) who owned the house I was living in. I said yes. He asked, who is that person to you? I told him, my dad.
I believe his intent was to determine if I had a living parent and just how old my father is. He may already have known since a simple google search would reveal that my father is in his late eighties. I am convinced the trustee will keep an eye on my dad to see if he passes away before the 180 days from date of filing expires in which case any inheritance becomes the property of the trustee/creditors. While it's a sick and sad thought that what little a person might inherit can be taken away based on how many days pass from filing, the penalties are stiff and I encourage everyone to tell the truth this should it happen to you, i.e. don't try to hide your interitance regardless of how desperate you are. Prison is not worth it and it's a federal offense if you attempt to hide it. What your parents worked hard for becomes the property of the trustee/creditors from the date of the person's passing (who named you an heir) if it falls within 180 days of your filing, NOT the date you receive the inheritance.
If anyone wants a list of the actual questions asked, I can provide. All the best to you filers. You'll get through it, and once it's behind you, you won't believe the rush of relief you feel when that meeting is over.
My attorney advised me prior to the hearing to ONLY answer yes or no, do not add details. I did just that, and it sped me right along. I don't even think my hearing lasted the full five minutes.
The trustee did ask me two questions that he did not ask anyone else which I found odd, so I'll pass it along here so you can be prepared if you find yourself in a similar situation. It did catch me off guard. He asked me if I was related to the person(s) who owned the house I was living in. I said yes. He asked, who is that person to you? I told him, my dad.
I believe his intent was to determine if I had a living parent and just how old my father is. He may already have known since a simple google search would reveal that my father is in his late eighties. I am convinced the trustee will keep an eye on my dad to see if he passes away before the 180 days from date of filing expires in which case any inheritance becomes the property of the trustee/creditors. While it's a sick and sad thought that what little a person might inherit can be taken away based on how many days pass from filing, the penalties are stiff and I encourage everyone to tell the truth this should it happen to you, i.e. don't try to hide your interitance regardless of how desperate you are. Prison is not worth it and it's a federal offense if you attempt to hide it. What your parents worked hard for becomes the property of the trustee/creditors from the date of the person's passing (who named you an heir) if it falls within 180 days of your filing, NOT the date you receive the inheritance.
If anyone wants a list of the actual questions asked, I can provide. All the best to you filers. You'll get through it, and once it's behind you, you won't believe the rush of relief you feel when that meeting is over.
Bankruptcy Tutor
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