What Is the 341 Meeting of Creditors and What Happens There?

The 341 meeting of creditors is a short, required meeting where a bankruptcy trustee places you under oath and asks questions about your finances. In Florida it is now held over Zoom, usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes, and no judge is present. Most creditors never show up.

What the 341 Meeting Is

The 341 meeting — named for section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code and also called the meeting of creditors — is a mandatory step in every Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 case. It is run by the bankruptcy trustee assigned to your case, not a judge, and it usually takes place 21 to 40 days after you file. Its purpose is simple: the trustee verifies who you are and confirms, under oath, that the information in your bankruptcy paperwork is true and complete.

It’s Held on Zoom Now

As of 2026, bankruptcy trustees in Florida — including the Southern District, which covers Miami-Dade — conduct Chapter 7 341 meetings by Zoom video rather than in person. The notice the court mails you lists the Zoom meeting ID, the passcode, and a phone number for audio-only access. You can appear from home, but it is still testimony under oath and it is recorded, so join from a quiet, private spot with your camera on and your ID ready.

What to Send Ahead and What to Bring

At least seven days before the meeting you must give the trustee your most recently filed federal income tax return (or a transcript), a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your full Social Security number. Have your bankruptcy petition, recent pay stubs, and recent bank statements within reach during the meeting in case the trustee asks. Missing the document deadline is the most common reason a meeting gets continued to another date.

What the Trustee Will Ask

The questions are largely standard: Did you read the petition before signing it? Is everything in it true and complete? Did you list all of your assets and all of your debts? Has anything changed since you filed? Are you expecting a tax refund, an inheritance, or money from a lawsuit? The trustee first confirms your identity against your ID and Social Security proof. Answer honestly and briefly — this is not the place to argue or over-explain.

What Can Go Wrong — and Why a Lawyer Helps

Problems almost always trace back to the paperwork: an asset that was not listed, a value that looks off, a transfer to a relative before filing, or missing documents. Any of these can lead the trustee to continue the meeting, ask for more records, or take a closer look at the case. In a Chapter 7 the goal is a “no-asset” report, meaning there is nothing for the trustee to sell. Your attorney attends the Zoom meeting with you, which is why most filers find it far less stressful than it sounds.

341 Meetings for Miami-Dade Filers

Miami-Dade bankruptcies are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, and local Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 341 meetings are held on Zoom by the panel trustees who serve this district. If you are preparing to file and the idea of testifying under oath makes you anxious, that is normal — and manageable with preparation. Arturo R. Alfonso P.A. has guided Miami-Dade families through bankruptcy in English and Spanish for over 35 years, from Hialeah and Miami Lakes to Kendall and Homestead. If you have been looking for a bankruptcy attorney near me in Miami, schedule a consultation and we will walk you through exactly what to expect.

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