Don't post here often but wanted to share my experience for those that are on pins and needles waiting for their meeting.
Needless to say I was very apprehensive...the just not knowing what to expect was the worst. My scheduled time was 11:00 but I arrived almost 45 minutes early. I always have the fear of traffic, car break down, meteor falling from the sky. I plan for the worst and as a result am always early for the " mandatory have to be there's " in life.
The room where the hearings were was on the first floor of the courthouse and was surprisingly very, very small. I don't know what I was expecting, but it was much smaller than anticipated. Since I was so early I chose to use the restroom and sit outside the room for awhile. My attorney was already in the room. I sat and gathered my thoughts and then went in. One piece of advice, if you don't normally wear a watch, borrow one. They will take your cell phone when you enter and I could not find a clock without having to step inside the hearing room. I had to guess at the time and that bugged the heck out of me.
After entering the room I had to wait about 30 minutes before it was my turn and was able to watch several cases before mine. All were pretty straight forward. Same questions from the trustee, NO creditors but there was an attorney for several of our local credit unions ( mine included ). My attorney had already prepared me that he would be there as he lives here and represents the credit unions in our area and we have many. He did question everyone about their 2010 Tax Return...be prepared to tell him where the money was spent if you received a refund. The atmosphere in the room was very informal... attorneys were reading books, magazines and would carry on conversations with clients while a case was being heard. No one was loud, but complete silence was obviously not required.
My case was called and it could not have been easier. I was before the trustee for no more than 5 minutes tops. He did question my dollar amount of personal belongings and asked if I had a washer, dryer, TV, microwave and I smiled as he asked if they worked? I told him barely as I pictured my sad analog TV and 10 year old microwave. I seriously don't think I could give these items away! He then said " well, I see you live by yourself " and he quickly moved on from there.
The main thing I have to say is I was shocked at what a nice guy the trustee was... he was completely relaxed, friendly and even cracked a few jokes. He treated everyone with total respect. This, I was not expecting. I was pleasantly surprised.
Sorry this is so long, but it helped me to read of other experiences from the folks on this forum and while I realize my state and county might differ greatly from someone else's state and county I hope my positive experience can calm nerves for someone.
Good luck to all and here's to being in the 60 day club!
Tenngal
Needless to say I was very apprehensive...the just not knowing what to expect was the worst. My scheduled time was 11:00 but I arrived almost 45 minutes early. I always have the fear of traffic, car break down, meteor falling from the sky. I plan for the worst and as a result am always early for the " mandatory have to be there's " in life.
The room where the hearings were was on the first floor of the courthouse and was surprisingly very, very small. I don't know what I was expecting, but it was much smaller than anticipated. Since I was so early I chose to use the restroom and sit outside the room for awhile. My attorney was already in the room. I sat and gathered my thoughts and then went in. One piece of advice, if you don't normally wear a watch, borrow one. They will take your cell phone when you enter and I could not find a clock without having to step inside the hearing room. I had to guess at the time and that bugged the heck out of me.
After entering the room I had to wait about 30 minutes before it was my turn and was able to watch several cases before mine. All were pretty straight forward. Same questions from the trustee, NO creditors but there was an attorney for several of our local credit unions ( mine included ). My attorney had already prepared me that he would be there as he lives here and represents the credit unions in our area and we have many. He did question everyone about their 2010 Tax Return...be prepared to tell him where the money was spent if you received a refund. The atmosphere in the room was very informal... attorneys were reading books, magazines and would carry on conversations with clients while a case was being heard. No one was loud, but complete silence was obviously not required.
My case was called and it could not have been easier. I was before the trustee for no more than 5 minutes tops. He did question my dollar amount of personal belongings and asked if I had a washer, dryer, TV, microwave and I smiled as he asked if they worked? I told him barely as I pictured my sad analog TV and 10 year old microwave. I seriously don't think I could give these items away! He then said " well, I see you live by yourself " and he quickly moved on from there.
The main thing I have to say is I was shocked at what a nice guy the trustee was... he was completely relaxed, friendly and even cracked a few jokes. He treated everyone with total respect. This, I was not expecting. I was pleasantly surprised.
Sorry this is so long, but it helped me to read of other experiences from the folks on this forum and while I realize my state and county might differ greatly from someone else's state and county I hope my positive experience can calm nerves for someone.
Good luck to all and here's to being in the 60 day club!
Tenngal
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