Frequently Asked Questions for Debtors
What is the § 341 meeting?
At the § 341 meeting, the Trustee examines each debtor under oath about his or her financial affairs. Creditors may choose to appear and ask questions as well. The meeting gets its name from § 341 of the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. § 341.
Where is the § 341 meeting held? Click here for a map and driving directions to the Bankruptcy Court in Kalamazoo, where Trustee Genovich's meetings are held.
What do I need to bring? Every debtor must bring proof of identification and proof of his or her social security number. If you do not bring this proof, your meeting may be adjourned, and you may have to come back on another day.
- Acceptable Proof of Identification: Driver’s license, U.S. government ID, state ID, passport (and current U.S. visa, if not a U.S. citizen), military ID, resident alien card, or identity card issued by a national government authority (if authorized by the United States Trustee).
- Acceptable Proof of Social Security Number: Social security card, medical insurance card, pay stub, W-2 Form, IRS Form 1099, or Social Security Administration (SSA) Statement.
What happens when I arrive at the § 341 meeting?
Many other debtors will have meetings scheduled at the same time. A schedule will be posted outside of the meeting room. There may be more than one trustee conducting meetings at the same time, so please check all posted schedules.
While waiting, you should fill out a Questionnaire (usually on yellow paper) and read the Bankruptcy Information Sheet (usually on white paper), which will be outside of the meeting room. If you have questions about these, you may ask me during your § 341 meeting.
When your name is called, please come into the room with your attorney (if you have one) and with your proof of identification and proof of social security number in your hand. Hand me your proof of identification, proof of social security number, and Questionnaire when you approach the table.
What happens during the meeting? The meeting will be recorded, and you will be placed under oath. You will then be asked questions about your bankruptcy filing, your assets, your debts, and other relevant matters. If a creditor appears, the creditor will also have a short amount of time to ask questions.
Do I need to send anything to the Trustee before the meeting? Yes. The Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules, and Local Rules require debtors to send documents to the Trustee at least seven days before the § 341 meeting. Please click here for a list of the documents you must provide. If you have an attorney, your attorney should gather and send these documents. If you do not have an attorney, please either mail me the documents (try not to use staples) or e-mail the documents to [email protected]. If you have any questions about sending documents, please call my office. Documents may be mailed to:
Laura J. Genovich, Chapter 7 Trustee
1700 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Ste. 200
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Attorneys, please click here for information about document delivery and my document production procedures.