11 U.S.C. § 341

A 341 meeting is not a trial. It still matters.

In a consumer bankruptcy, the “first meeting of creditors” is usually a short, recorded session with the trustee. You answer questions under oath about your papers. Most creditors do not show up. You still have to.

Educational only — not legal advice, not the court, and not the trustee. Procedures vary by district. Sending the form does not hire counsel.

Who is there

You, your lawyer if you have one, the trustee, and any creditor who chooses to appear. A judge is usually not in the room.

What they ask

Did you sign the petition? Is it true? Did you list everything? Recent transfers, lawsuits, and how you valued assets come up.

How long

Many meetings are minutes, not hours. A messy file, missing ID, or a creditor with questions can take longer.

Usually bring

Government photo ID and proof of Social Security number
Your petition, schedules, and any trustee document request
Recent pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns if asked
The Zoom / call-in details if your district is remote

Confirm the list your trustee or lawyer sent. Do not guess.

Common mistakes

Skipping the meeting or arriving without ID
Leaving out a car, transfer, lawsuit, or creditor
Talking past the question or arguing with the trustee
Assuming a creditor’s silence means the debt is gone that day