Attending a 341 meeting...

[laurannm]

Now that we are filed and have a trustee assigned, I was thinking it would be a good idea to maybe a take a day off from work and sit in on a couple of 341 meetings in which our trustee was presiding. If I were to call the BK clerk, will they give me the trustee's meeting schedule over the phone?

Thanks

[HHM]

I know some people on this forum have done what you are suggesting, but in the big picture, it really is not necessary. I certainly would not take time off from work to go to a 341 meeting just to see it. 341 meetings are more bark than bite, they typically last less than 5 minutes and the questions are usually very basic.

Whether the clerk will give you the info, I don't know, probably. Generally, 341 meetings are held at the same time and place each week. So if you know when your 341 meeting is scheduled, you can show up on that same day and time on a different week and there will probably be a 341 meeting going on.

[almost]

I second HHM. I spent less than 2 minutes in front of the trustee. I sat there before my turn and watch some of the others before me. The difference for me is that I did not have any assets, and it was not from a business

[laurannm]

Thanks

I wasn't sure if it was worth the effort since we are not an asset case but we are above-median. I guess though it's the UST we should be more concerned with

[kmb]

Our 341 meeting was in a conference room with just us, our lawyer and the trustee. Everyone sat in the court room and waited to get called, but the actual meetings didn't take place in front of a group of people, so it's possible you won't even get to hear what is happening and you'll have wasted a vacation day for nothing!

[Phillymanhere]

I agree with the others. I think you're overthinking and over-strategizing this. You've done a ton of research. Just get ready for when your meeting comes.

[laurannm]

I agree with the others. I think you're overthinking and over-strategizing this. You've done a ton of research. Just get ready for when your meeting comes.

Your right...it's my nature though

[Help!]

True, probably 90% of all 341 hearings are no big deal. I hope my case hasn't completely freaked you out and I promise you there is no way your case will be the nightmare ours has been!

Ours was probably the worst 1% of 341 hearings, but I think it would have been good to observe the 30 minute interrogation we went through. I remember glancing around the courtroom and looking at the expressions of shock and fear on the faces of the other filers (and our attorney). I'm sure it was a learning experience for all who witnessed it.

From my standpoint, I don't think it's craziness or paranoia to sit in on some 341 hearings. I'd go to a different courtroom with a different trustee, though.

[Cali]

IMO, I think it is a waste of time. You have filed already, all you have to do now is wait and see.

[Phillymanhere]

hey laurannmm,

Since I've noticed how thorough you are and you admit to really thinking things through, I've got a suggestion and a request: Once you get through this, I'd love to read your postings on cutting spending, increasing savings and following through on a plan for financial recovery and prosperity.

I say this with no sarcasm. I'm thinking the really challenging part of this process will be to change my spending and improve my income AFTER the bk filing and all is over. I can't help but think of similarities between bk and weight loss. No matter how many times you say it, people who lose weight just magically think that their struggle is over. In fact (and they are told this repeatedly), losing weight is only part 1. Part 2 and probably the hardest part is keeping the weight off.

In the same way, I'm thinking that getting debts discharged is part 1 of financial recovery. Part 2 is rebuilding our finances and creating a structure or habits that lead to prosperity. I'm worried that my brain is going to get lost in the fantasy that bk will solve everything.

So, since you are so thorough, I would love to read your posts on finances, because I think I will learn a lot from them. Whaddaya think?

[laurannm]

Thanks Help! I am not spooked at all by your postings...even though I always try to remember that your case was probably a worst case scenario and maybe not necessarily the norm, I still very much value your postings and learn from your experiences.

Absolutely Phillyman, and thanks for the compliments I would be happy to post any ideas we come up with. Your absolutely right, the hardest part will be post-BK, and making sure you don't get yourself in the same situation. Even now as we start the filing process, we are learning the budgeting process and living within our means.