We advise debtors to seek the advice of counsel for legal questions. The staff of the Chapter 13 Trustee's Office cannot provide legal advice. Our staff is not familiar enough with all of your background to properly provide legal advice to you. Further, our interests may be different in many situations. While we may be able to help you with some procedural questions, you would be much better served by consulting your attorney with important legal questions.
Pro Se Debtors
While you may have chosen to represent yourself in this legal matter, we recommend that you consult legal counsel to avoid unwanted results. If you continue to represent yourself, we will presume you know the law and related procedures. Our staff cannot provide legal advice.
§ 341 Meeting of Creditors Procedures
All Chapter 13 debtors are required to appear under oath at a meeting conducted by the Trustee, pursuant to § 341 of the Bankruptcy Code. You will be advised of the day and time of your meeting through a notice sent to you by the Bankruptcy Clerk. During the meeting, you will be examined by the Trustee regarding the documents filed in the case with particular attention to their truthfulness.
At this time, we conduct all of our initial meetings through Zoom conferencing software. To make the use of this software easier, we recommend following these steps:
- Determine how you will participate in the meeting. The device you use (cellphone, desktop or laptop computer) will need to have a webcam, microphone and speakers (internal or external). If you have not already done so, download the Zoom software in one of the following ways:
- If by cellphone, download the "Zoom Cloud Meetings" app from the Apple App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
- If by computer, go to https://zoom.us/ and follow the prompts after clicking "SIGN UP, IT'S FREE" in the upper right hand corner.
- The week before your scheduled meeting, you will receive a link to the meeting by email from our office.
- About 5 minutes prior to your scheduled meeting, open the email with the meeting link on the device you intend to use for the meeting and click the meeting link. Wait for the app to open. Most people use the device camera and audio, but adjust the settings if you are using a different camera and/or audio device. Make sure the camera lense is clean. Wipe it with a lense cleaner if you are unsure. Make sure that the settings in the lower left corner (camera and speaker) are on and do not have a red line through either. Make sure you have your government issued photo ID and Social Security card with you.
- Wait for the Trustee's representative to start the meeting. Up to 15 different meetings may be scheduled within an hour. Be patient. You may need to wait for an hour or more depending upon where you are scheduled on the list.
- If you have any questions, feel you are incapable of using this technology or want to practice before the meeting, contact your attorney. He or she should be experienced in the use of this technology.
Track Your Case Status
You can track the status of plan payments, disbursements to creditors and other important information regarding your case at either of the following websites:
Just follow the instructions provided at either site to sign up at no charge.