341... getting nervous!

[ilovemycaitybug]

OK, so I know this isn't as difficult as I'm making it, but I want to be sure to answer the "why are you filing" question without making myself look stupid. Basically... it all boils down to irresponsibility and overextending ourselves. I blame no one else but me, as I was the cause of much of it (OCD/Depression problem which I believe is resolved). I can't say we've lost an income. It's just sheer stupidity. Can someone line up something for me to say that won't make me stand out??? Or am I making a big deal out of nothing? I've definitely learned my lesson... but don't want the Trustee to think I'm an abuser because I don't consider myself to be such. We've lived without credit cards for a few months now and I've survived. Help!

[robivi3]

The 341 is very quick and is really not the time for nervousness, though all of us were! Do not hang on to those dates after 341 to dearly, they are general and often get extended. Heck my "object to discharge date was extended to four months beyond my discharge! Go figure!

sit down, relax, this is a process, you will get through it. Remember, neither the Trustee nor his Attorney is nervous. Be confident, you will survive this!

In truth the Trustee is looking for bucks, not necessarily abuse. This is a business and little guys pay the light bills.

[SinkingFast]

You could say,.............

You created a lot of debt while you were suffering from an undiagnosed medical condition. You've since sought assistance and are being treated for your condition.

If the Trustee asks what illness and what treatment, tell him/her. Short, sweet, and to the point. "I am OCD and Depressive. I am currently being treated with a combination of drug and phsyhological/group therapy." Whatever happens to be true in your particular case.

[NYCountry]

No one can ask you anything about your medical condition.
I sat through about twenty 341s before it was my turn and I never heard that question answered. The only thing I noticed was the trustee looking for some sort of assets.
Remember this when you get nervous: picture the person standing there in pink fuzzy pajamas with a trap door and wearing bunny slippers and holding a baby bottle.

[NYCountry]

Meant to say asked NOT answered.

[anonymuse]

I wonder how many people are even asked how they got into debt? I don't recall reading it a lot here.

[Hopeless]

Percentage wise, I don't know. But I was asked, as were several others here.

It's a standard question in some places, unheard of in others.

I was nervous about answering it, too, but as everyone says - just keep it short and sweet - and honest!

[BKTango]

Odds are you won't be asked but it has happened to a few posters here. (READ nosey trustee). In all honesty you are probably worrying yourself sick over nothing. Most 341s last all of 10 minutes IF that long. You've filed a chapter 7 you know if you meet the guidelines and whether you have non-exempt assets or not. Apart from that try not to worry so much. A trustee usually looks more for if you lied on anything, have anything he can take or sell....if not, thank you have a nice day. It's not usually a concern as to how you got into debt, if that was the case alot of us would be under the wire on that one.

Of course I say all of this now, when I was in your shows shortly before my 341 I just knew it was going to be bad. You will see in the end you have worried and panicked (I suffer from anxiety attacks) yourself over nothing but little horrors you created in your mind. All will be fine as long as you already know what you are looking at with you bankruptcy.

[OutOfMyMind]

My 341 was April 16. It lasted an HOUR!!! The Trustee put us last because we are filing BK because of a failed business. We were asked why we were in this mess and so many other questions, most of which are now a blurr. My husband knows I tend to over explain so he would touch my leg with his foot to make me stop. I was exhausted when it was over. I'm still a nervous mess today.