My recent 341 meeting in San Diego

[California11]

First, I was happy to find this forum and grateful for all the information that everyone has contributed about the whole Chapter 7 process. I got a rudimentary sense of what to expect from my lawyer; the personal accounts I've read here have improved my understanding of the whole process and definitely reduced my fear of things, like the 341 meeting.

I didn't have anything unusual or strange in my filing, just a bunch of credit card debts related to bad business decisions and a period of unemployment, so I wasn't too concerned about being grilled or confronted by creditors.

I watched a few of the cases that my trustee, Mr. Kipperman, heard before mine. Mr. Kipperman questioned a few people on if/when they'd filed BK before, their homes, their cars, and whenever figures didn't seem to add up. He seemed friendly, understanding, and non-judgmental. For some people, when he asked if any creditors were present, an employee of the Trustee's office stepped forward and asked a bunch of detailed questions about their assets. She didn't participate in my case, but it gave me an opportunity to be ready for a bunch of "bonus" questions.

When it was my turn, Mr. Kipperman asked basic info -- my name and address, whether everything in my forms was accurate, and some background on my business. No creditors were present for me, and it was all over in about 2 minutes.

I've received a notice of abandonment since, which indicates that the trustee agreed with my exemptions and isn't going after any of my property (there isn't much except this computer!). Now waiting for discharge; I'll let you know if I hear anything from any creditors, as I understand they have ~60 days to object to anything.

Everyone -- good luck with your cases and big thanks to BKForum and its contributors for all the great advice!

[CCA1984]

Hey thanks for the post, I have my 341 on friday and nervous like hell lol. I feel good about it as well as my lawyer is telling me i have nothing to worry about. its in downtown san diego. i was curious if they grilled ( chewed anyone bad) or what questions they had ? thanks again and keep us posted

CCA

[CanBreathe]

We had our 341 12/09 in San Diego and our Trustee was Mr. Akers. All of the attoneys clients went first alphabetically and then the pro se. He asked the basic questions name etc, asked us what we were doing with certain things like cars and rv and if we were keeping the house. When we filed my husband was unemployed and had been for months. Just before the 341 he got a job. He asked basic info about hours, pay, overtime etc. We answered honestly and said that he was still in a probationary period. He said OK, no assets and it was done. 61 days later it was discharged. Trust me, I had sleepless nights before the 341, I was shaking and nervous. In about 4 minutes it was done and my attorney was right, it wasn't that big of a deal. And yes, this forum is the best thing ever!!

[bobbyquefour]

Yes, I was extremely nervous about my 341 as well because you just don't know what they are going to ask. I feel like I have been in the Bankruptcy Olympics with each of these successive hurdles, but I am glad overall because this time has enabled me to really reflect and change my whole attitude and daily habits.

[California11]

Hi CCA -- like everyone said here, there's nothing to worry about.

The only cases of "grilling" I saw involved the extra woman from the Trustee's office. Here's the additional questions she had while I was watching:

• Asked about a house and something involving a lien on it by a bail bond agency,
• Asked more detail about the type of work that someone did and potential for future earnings,
• Asked for info on whether the person was getting a tax refund from Fed / CA this year (hearing continued so that the person could finish & bring his return),
• Asked about what this couple planned to do with their second car.

She wasn't confrontational or accusatory with her questions and the people responded well, typically without their attorneys having to say anything.

Standard questions from Mr. Kipperman to me and the others who didn't get the "grilling" from the Trustee woman:

• State your name,
• Is everything correct in your filing (some people had minor changes with assets, which didn't seem to be a problem),
• What type of work do you do,
• Have you filed bankruptcy before / if so, when.

and that was pretty much it.

The waiting room was packed and it looked like they were trying to get as many cases through as possible. So show up an hour early like I did and you'll probably get to see 10 cases get heard... and you'll feel much better when you're called.

Good luck!