Commonly known as the “341 Meeting”, this is an appearance that all bankruptcy filers must make as part of the bankruptcy process.

The 341 Meeting is not the same thing as “going to court”. Here in Arizona, you don’t appear before a judge in a courtroom, and instead meet with the bankruptcy trustee assigned to your case in a small hearing room. Bankruptcy trustees are court-appointed individuals who administer your case. They are required to ask you certain questions on the record, mainly for the purpose of verifying your identity and making sure that your bankruptcy documents are truthful and accurate. You will be under oath, and there is an audio recording made, so it’s important to testify truthfully. For many clients it’s a bit nerve-wracking, but creditors don’t normally show up for the meeting and it tends to be very routine, lasting only about five minutes or so. Although you must answer the questions, I will be there with you to assist as necessary.

Here is a list of the types of questions that bankruptcy trustees commonly ask:

• Do you have any previous bankruptcy filings?

• Did you review the bankruptcy documents filed in your case and are you familiar with the contents?

• Did you sign the bankruptcy documents?

• Do the documents accurately disclose all information, including your income and expenses? Did you list all your assets (everything you owned on the petition date)? Did you list all your debts?

• Did you live in the State of Arizona for two years prior to filing the bankruptcy petition?

• Are you named as a beneficiary of someone’s will or trust? Do you expect to receive an inheritance?

• Do you have any claims against third parties, including a claim upon which you could base a lawsuit?

• Are you married?

Chapter 13 trustees will also ask you to recite the physical address for your place of employment on the record, so be prepared by having that information either memorized or with you.

The most important thing to remember about the 341 Meeting is to bring an acceptable form of photo identification and proof of your social security number. Valid photo I.D. includes a state-issued driver’s license, a state or government-issued photo I.D., a military I.D., and a U.S. passport. Proof of social security number should be a social security card or a W-2 form. If you don’t have these items with you, the bankruptcy trustee will continue the meeting to a later date.

Maricopa County

If you live in Maricopa County, your 341 Meeting is held at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court building, located at 230 N. 1st Avenue in downtown Phoenix, on the Southwest corner of 1st Avenue and Van Buren. You will need to present photo I.D. to pass through security. The 341 Meeting room is on the 1st floor, near the back of the building, and the security guards will provide directions. Remember to bring money for parking, as you will need to park at a meter, on a surface lot, or in a garage.

Pinal County

If you live in Pinal County, your 341 Meeting is held at the Pinal County Superior Court building, located at 971 N. Jason Lopez Circle, Bldg a, in Florence. You will pass through security and take the elevator up to the 3rd floor. Once you’re on the 3rd floor, go left down the walkway and you’ll see the trustee hearing rooms on the right-hand side.