–Questions Frequently Asked at the 341(a) Meeting of Creditors Hearing
REMOTE 341(A) MEETINGS:
Each debtor that files a bankruptcy petition must attend a meeting of creditors (“Meeting”). Usually, these Meetings are conducted in a meeting room at the Bankruptcy Courthouse. Because of the issues with the COVID-19 virus and the national and state declarations of emergency, effective immediately, all in-person Meetings will now be conducted via video conference.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT the 341(a) Meeting of Creditors will now take place using Zoom.
a) Please let me know if you require an interpreter.
b) Download Zoom
c) CONFIRM that you Tested your Zoom Application on the Link Below. Send me confirmation that you have tested.
d) Review the US Trustee’s Best Practices Sheet
INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO ATTEND THE MEETING USING ZOOM:
ENTER YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME WHEN PROMPTED. The trustee will need to know specifically who is in the “Waiting Room” on Zoom so that he can let the correct people in at the appropriate time.
**If you are going to be using a cell phone during the meeting to connect to Zoom, please download the application first.
PROCEDURES DURING VIDEO CONFERENCES (ZOOM)
-Please Join the Zoom meeting when it is your set time to do so. The trustee will have everyone in the “Waiting Room”. When it is your turn the trustee will let you into the meeting. We appreciate your patience. Please be stationary in a quiet room (please do not be driving).
– One of our attorneys will be on the hearing with you. However, feel free to text me with any questions during the hearing.
-During your video conference, please have the following documents readily available on your computer or phone (I do not recommend printing them out if you do not have to):
a) A copy of your bankruptcy documents (petition, schedules and statements) that you filed with the Court;
b) A copy of the income tax return that you previously provided to the Trustee;
c) Your photo ID (i.e. State issued drivers’ license or identification card)
d) Original Social Security documentation – Original document with full number only such as your Social Security Card or W-2
-PLEASE DO NOT FLASH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION AND ID CARDS ON THE SCREEN
– Please review the first email in this chain. Please also review all of the filed documents attached to that email.
– Make sure you read the US Trustee Information sheet if you haven’t already (attached).
– Complete the attached DSO form if you owe domestic support obligations such as alimony or child support.
– You will typically be on the conference call for about an hour.
– Please text me 20 minutes prior to the hearing to confirm that you will be dialing in: (949) 328-6392
– Login to the hearing 5 minutes prior to your hearing time.
– Please have all of your filed documents opened on a computer or laptop in case you have to reference it. I DO NOT recommend printing the documents. If you reviewed it, then you should be good to go.
– When you log into the Zoom meeting, please make sure to put your microphone on mute. There will be an icon on the lower left of your screen.
– As more than one Meeting will be held during this period and multiple attendees will be in the meeting,listen for your case to be called. When your case is called, unmute your microphone and identify yourself.
– When your case is called, please identify yourself and speak clearly and loudly as the Meeting is being recorded.
-The trustee is NOT a judge. Please do NOT call him/her your honor. You do NOT need to be formal and say “sir/ma’am.” Just answer the question.
-If you filed jointly, you both must answer the question. Do not answer questions at the same time. Choose one person to answer first. This is to ensure both of your answers are heard and recorded.
– Once the case meeting is finished, hang up.
– If you become disconnected before your meeting is finished, please log back in.