Introduction — Why the 341 Meeting Matters and What This Guide Covers
The "341 meeting" (Meeting of Creditors) is a mandatory, recorded examination under 11 U.S.C. §341 where the trustee and any creditors present question the debtor about the petition, schedules, assets, and financial affairs. This meeting is not a courtroom hearing before a judge, but it is a critical step: failing to appear or to provide requested documents can jeopardize discharge or cause other case complications.
This guide focuses on Los Angeles (Central District of California) local practice and day‑of preparation: what to bring (and what to send ahead), how virtual 341 meetings are currently handled in the district, typical trustee questions, and practical tips to avoid last‑minute problems. It is intended for self‑represented debtors and attorneys who want a clear, actionable checklist for the meeting.
Local Format & Access: Virtual Meetings, Notice Details, and Where Meetings Are Held
As part of the U.S. Trustee Program's district implementation, virtually all Chapter 7, 12, and 13 341 meetings in the Central District of California (including the Los Angeles Division) are held by video conference (Zoom) for cases filed on or after the district effective date — with telephonic/virtual instructions and trustee login details provided in the 341 notice and on the U.S. Trustee local 341 page. If an in‑person meeting is required, alternate locations and instructions will be provided. Always follow the Notice of Bankruptcy Case (Official Form 309) and the trustee's instructions.
Physical court and trustee meeting-room addresses remain relevant for filings, in‑person needs, and certain local procedures. Trustee meeting rooms for the Central District are generally located at 915 Wilshire Blvd. (trustee offices/meeting rooms) while the U.S. Bankruptcy Court's Los Angeles (Roybal) courthouse sits at 255 E. Temple Street; the court manual and clerk's office pages list division addresses and local contact points. Confirm the meeting format and location/URL on your case notice.
Pre‑Meeting Checklist — Documents to Send Ahead and Bring With You
Many trustees require specific verification documents to be mailed or uploaded at least several days before the meeting; others will accept delivery at the meeting but prefer advance submission. When in doubt, send the requested items to the trustee's office at least 7 days before the scheduled meeting. Typical required and strongly recommended documents include:
- Photo identification: valid government photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport).
- Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card, W‑2, current pay stub that shows SSN, or IRS transcript (some trustees accept employer health card or tax document).
- Bank statements: recent statements covering the period requested (often 3–6 months); highlight any large transfers or unusual deposits.
- Pay stubs / income verification: recent pay stubs (typically last 30–90 days), year‑to‑date earnings, or other proof of income if self‑employed.
- Federal and state tax returns: most recent filed returns (sometimes 2–3 years) and IRS transcripts if available.
- Vehicle titles & registrations: vehicle registration and title (or lien statements) for any vehicles listed.
- Real estate documentation: deed, mortgage statements, escrow papers, recent property tax bill, homeowners insurance declarations.
- Insurance, retirement, and benefit statements: account statements for retirement plans, life insurance policies, and any public assistance documentation.
- Bankruptcy filing copies: full copy of petition, schedules, Statement of Financial Affairs, and the Notice of Chapter 7/13 case (Official Form 309) you received from the court.
- Credit counseling certificate and debtor education intake: certificate of completion for pre‑filing credit counseling and directions for post‑filing debtor education (if already completed).
- Any other items the trustee requested: trustees commonly request additional items in their procedural letters (e.g., proof of recent payments to insiders, business records, appraisals).
Bring at least one hard copy of the documents to the meeting if attending virtually (you may be asked to show them on camera) and be ready to produce originals if specifically requested. If you sent documents ahead, note the date and method of delivery on your calendar.
What to Expect at the Meeting — Procedure, Timing, and Common Trustee Questions
The trustee will call cases in order, place you under oath, verify identity and Social Security number, and then ask questions about items in your schedules and any documents submitted. Most meetings are short (often under 10–15 minutes) but may be continued if the trustee needs more information or time to investigate. If creditors appear they may ask questions, but creditor attendance is uncommon. The meeting is recorded.
Typical trustee questions
- Confirm identity, marital status, and location of residence.
- Verify income sources and recent pay dates / employers.
- Explain any large deposits, transfers, or withdrawals on bank statements.
- Confirm ownership, condition, and value of vehicles and real property.
- Confirm accuracy of scheduled debts and if any debt is disputed or owed to insiders.
- Ask about post‑petition payments, transfers of property, or other events since filing.
Answer truthfully and succinctly; if you don’t know an answer, say so and offer to follow up. Your attorney (if you have one) may advise you, but you must personally appear and respond to questions under oath unless the trustee's rules allow otherwise.
Los Angeles‑Specific Practical Tips & Day‑Of Logistics
Confirm the meeting format and the exact Zoom meeting ID/passcode or telephonic dial‑in in your Notice of Meeting and on the U.S. Trustee local 341 page. Trustees in the Central District post meeting IDs, passcodes, and phone numbers for their assigned 341 meetings on the U.S. Trustee local pages; use those official sources rather than third‑party sites.
- Check technology early: test your camera, microphone, and internet connection at least 15–30 minutes before the meeting. Zoom best practices: use a quiet, well‑lit room, show ID clearly on camera if asked, and have documents ready in a single folder for quick reference.
- If you must be in person: verify in advance — the district sometimes permits in‑person meetings in exceptional circumstances and provides alternate meeting rooms (trustee office at 915 Wilshire Blvd. is commonly used for in‑person meetings). Arrive early and bring printed copies of everything.
- Rescheduling and continuity: Requests to change the meeting date generally must be directed to the U.S. Trustee or the assigned trustee; routine rescheduling is uncommon and may not extend filing deadlines tied to the original meeting date. Keep the original meeting date in mind for related deadlines.
- What happens if you’re disconnected: if disconnected during a Zoom meeting, follow the trustee's reconnection instructions (phone back in on the provided number or rejoin the Zoom link). If you cannot connect at all, contact the trustee's office immediately by phone and document your attempts to join.
- Bring questions for your attorney: if you are represented, coordinate with counsel before the meeting about how to handle sensitive topics (transfers, claims of exemption, business income). If you are pro se, consider a short pre‑meeting consultation with a local bankruptcy clinic or pro bono resource.
After the Meeting — Possible Outcomes and Follow‑Up
At the conclusion the trustee may: (1) close the meeting with no further action; (2) continue the meeting to a later date to obtain more documents or clarification; (3) request turnover of nonexempt assets; or (4) refer matters to the U.S. Trustee or file a motion if problems are discovered. If the trustee requests additional documents or follow‑up, provide them promptly and keep proof of delivery.
Finally, retain copies of everything provided to the trustee and a brief log of who you spoke with, what you sent, and when. Clear organization reduces the chance of continuances and problems that could delay discharge. If issues arise, contact your attorney or the trustee’s office for clarification — contact information appears on the 341 notice and the court docket.