Questions for my 341 date- a few minor questions

[queenfluff]

As some of you might know from my last thread I started - I just got my 341 date today.

Since I like to plan waayy in advance. I just was wondering about a few minor things:

Firsty, it says on my Notice that I need to bring in my state drivers license. Well, the current license I have is for California and I haven't gotten it changed yet since I have moved back here to the Midwest in November 08 (I am now in Wisconsin). Do you think it will be best if I go and get it changed before the 341 or does it matter? I am filing with Wisconsin exemptions.

I know I am technically supposed to get my license changed like 60 days or something after I moved to a new state but I hardly ever drive here since no car and my vain reason is that I really like my California license picture (I so wish I could have it transferred - my last license I had done in Wisconsin they made me look all sunburnt). I'll will probably just go and get it done to be on the safe side but I just was wondering if it would matter.

Secondly, I have read many stories on here about what to wear to the 341 - on my Notice it says "Dress Casual" - now, my definition of casual is my broken in faded jeans, faux fuzzy boots and other hippie style wear. I am guessing that the "Dress Casual" means like "business casual". I don't really own anything nice and conservative. I thinking my hippie style and hemp clothing is not appropriate.

The only thing business like and conservative I own is an interview suit which I am sure is too dressy. The nicest business type purse I own I think looks too fancy and expensive (even though it is not - it is kind of big too so I think it would stick out as me having "nice" stuff). My everyday hippie-looking bag isn't going to cut it (what if the Trustee doesn't like hippies - not saying I am a hippie - ok, I am compared to most people - but some of my wardrobe is on the hippie side esp. my bag). I don't buy leather so it is often hard for me to find decent stuff at some of the stores.

Should I go and raid the clearance rack at Old Navy and Target for some conservative business casual stuff? I could probably use it anyhow for future interviews since my interview suit is sort of dated anyhow.

What is the real interpretation of "Dress Casual" on this Notice?

[kenshirley]

In most states you have 30 days to get a new license so yes get your new ID.
Also noted~at out 341 the trustee jumped on several attorneys about proper court attire but said nothing to the people filing and many were certainly not attired for a court hearing.
And just my thoughts. Our trustee was very old and very conservative in his manner and appearance.
I would not want to be dressed too strangely at his hearing. If he does not like it he or she may look harder at your case.
Just my opinion.

[Seeker40]

I wore jeans and a button up shirt and my trustee couldnt have been nicer. Its not considered court, its a meeting.

[kenshirley]

AllI can tell you is that my trustee sent 3 attorneys to get their coats before proceeding.
Go ahead and tell him he's wrong.

[queenfluff]

Thanks guys for your input! I did read that most debtors show up in jeans and such - my jeans are pretty broken in and faded - I wouldn't consider them appropriate for an important meeting in my opinion. Lots of my clothes are older.

Well, I have decided to get the driver's license done soon because I think I will need it to open up my new account at the credit union anyhow as I have picked one out. So I got no choice.

I still think I am going to buy some more "conservative" stuff on sale. I will be able to use it later for job interview anyhow. I want to be taken "seriously" at my meeting and would rather err on the side of caution. Plus, I haven't been shopping in a while - no shopping when you are BK you know - so it will be nice to pick out something new.

[eddiep]

I am worried too, not about the clothes but do you know if it is okay to pass in the turbo tax version of income taxes? Is it supposed to be "official" or is home printed version alright?

[jojo]

I am worried too, not about the clothes but do you know if it is okay to pass in the turbo tax version of income taxes? Is it supposed to be "official" or is home printed version alright?

I do my taxes online and the only thing I had to turn in was the home printed version. Take it or leave it. We will see.
The attorney did look it over - didn't say anything. I assume it is fine as I have nothing else.

[queenfluff]

Yes, Turbo tax is fine as along as it is filed. Almost all of mine were done on Turbo Tax, nothing to worry about.

[epiphany]

I am worried too, not about the clothes but do you know if it is okay to pass in the turbo tax version of income taxes? Is it supposed to be "official" or is home printed version alright?

The home printed turbo tax copy of your taxes is official and that's exactly what I turned in. No problem.

Good luck,

ep

[gingerbug]

we went to our 341 meeting yesterday. I presented my passport since my tx dl was still in paper (we filed in Louisiana) and dh presented his LA ID and we have been living in tx for 2 years. they dont care as long as it is a valid ID. I wore a dressy t shirt and khakis with dressy sandals. DH wore clean jeans and a short sleeved button up shirt. Look at it this way, everyone in court for BK is pretty much broke, they dont expect you to go out and buy a suit or business attire for the event, just present yourself as clean, well mannered, and pulled together to the best of you ability.

[jojo]

I had my meeting today. Tons of people in jeans and t-shirts. One woman wore sweats. Even the lady there on behalf of my attorney to represent me wore jeans! I didn't/wouldn't but just fyi.

[broken64]

I think the attire thing depends on location. At our 341 we both wore jeans, as a matter of fact when we had our 341 eve phone consult with our lawyer, I specifically asked him what we should wear and his exact words were dress like you're poor, & no jewelry. My husband and I both laughed and told him that it shouldn't be too hard to do considering we are poor and haven't bought any new clothing in over a year and a half! We did wear our wedding rings(my diamond is so small) and I won't take it off for anyone. Our trustee barely looked at us or any one else for that matter, believe me people were dressed to the hill and others looked like they just rolled out of bed.

[OregonMom]

I wore jeans, nice shirt. Turbo Tax is fine, they took mine that way. Definately get the ID changed, don't want to risk getting delayed. Get your debtors education course and 08 taxes done if you haven't already.

[Moms4Boys]

As some of you might know from my last thread I started - I just got my 341 date today.

Since I like to plan waayy in advance. I just was wondering about a few minor things:

Firsty, it says on my Notice that I need to bring in my state drivers license. Well, the current license I have is for California and I haven't gotten it changed yet since I have moved back here to the Midwest in November 08 (I am now in Wisconsin). Do you think it will be best if I go and get it changed before the 341 or does it matter? I am filing with Wisconsin exemptions.

I know I am technically supposed to get my license changed like 60 days or something after I moved to a new state but I hardly ever drive here since no car and my vain reason is that I really like my California license picture (I so wish I could have it transferred - my last license I had done in Wisconsin they made me look all sunburnt). I'll will probably just go and get it done to be on the safe side but I just was wondering if it would matter.

Secondly, I have read many stories on here about what to wear to the 341 - on my Notice it says "Dress Casual" - now, my definition of casual is my broken in faded jeans, faux fuzzy boots and other hippie style wear. I am guessing that the "Dress Casual" means like "business casual". I don't really own anything nice and conservative. I thinking my hippie style and hemp clothing is not appropriate.

The only thing business like and conservative I own is an interview suit which I am sure is too dressy. The nicest business type purse I own I think looks too fancy and expensive (even though it is not - it is kind of big too so I think it would stick out as me having "nice" stuff). My everyday hippie-looking bag isn't going to cut it (what if the Trustee doesn't like hippies - not saying I am a hippie - ok, I am compared to most people - but some of my wardrobe is on the hippie side esp. my bag). I don't buy leather so it is often hard for me to find decent stuff at some of the stores.

Should I go and raid the clearance rack at Old Navy and Target for some conservative business casual stuff? I could probably use it anyhow for future interviews since my interview suit is sort of dated anyhow.

What is the real interpretation of "Dress Casual" on this Notice?

When I went to my 341 Meeting, there was a not eon the wall that stated the attorneys must be business dress or if you are doing this yourself, you need to be dresses appropriately.

I am notorious for checking out WalMart's clearance racks, (got 4 boys, mom comes last..lol) and I have gotton dress pants for $3. Sears clearance is pretty good too. I went wearing nice jeans and a tee shirt (organ donor tshirt..lol)