When you file a Bankruptcy Petition with the Court, you are required to appear at a Bankruptcy Creditor’s Meeting which will include a series of common questions asked in most cases. We believe it is an important part of our role as a Bankruptcy Lawyer to prepare you for all aspects of your Bankruptcy case.
While the questions which the Bankruptcy Trustee asks may be different in any particular case, there are some common questions which are typically asked in most cases.
Sample Questions for Bankruptcy Creditors Meeting
The Creditors’ Meeting is actually called a “First Meeting of Creditors” and controlled by 11 U.S.C. §341 of the Bankruptcy Code. The following is a sample of the some of the questions which may be asked at the §341(a) Meeting of Creditors. This is intended to provide a general overview and not intended as legal advice nor should it be used as a replacement for an experienced Bankruptcy Attorney.
- State your name for the record. Is the address on the petition your current address?
- Please provide your picture ID and Social Security number card for review.
- Did you sign the petition, schedules, statements, and related documents and is the signature your own? Did you read the petition, schedules, statements, and related documents before you signed them?
- Are you personally familiar with the information contained in the petition, schedules, statements and related documents? To the best of your knowledge, is the information contained in the petition, schedules, statements, and related documents true and correct? Are there any errors or omissions to bring to my attention at this time?
- Are all of your assets identified on the bankruptcy petition and schedules? Have you listed all of your creditors on the bankruptcy petition and schedules?
- What is the address of your current employer?
- Is the copy of the tax return you provided a true copy of the most recent tax return you filed?
- Do you have a domestic support obligation? To whom? Please provide the claimant’s address and telephone number, but do not state it on the record. Are you current on your post-petition domestic support obligations?
- Have you filed all required tax returns for the past four years?
- Do you own or have any interest in any real estate?
- Have you owned or operated a business within the last six (6) years?
- Have you sold or transferred any property – or given any property away – within the last four to six years?
- Are you currently suing anyone or have a claim against anyone or any business?
- Are you entitled to life insurance proceeds or an inheritance as a result of someone’s death?
- Does anyone owe you money?
- Are you the owner of any cash value or “whole life” life insurance policies?
- Do you have any winning lottery tickets?
The information provided here, as with all information on our website, is not intended to provide legal advice to anyone considering bankruptcy. If you are experiencing serious debt problems or discussing these problems with a friend or family member, the easiest way to learn how the bankruptcy laws may protect you is to arrange a Free Case Review with an experienced New Jersey Bankruptcy Lawyer. Learn about your rights and options before you make a decision from attorneys who have helped families and businesses for over 30 years. We know that making that first call is often the hardest step but once made, you can often find relief and a fresh start for your financial future.