Attending a Meeting of Creditors in Sacramento, CA

The US Bankruptcy Court has several California locations:  Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Santa Rosa.  When an individual files bankruptcy, s/he chooses a court closest to his/her resident.

Bankruptcy Court in Sacramento

The US Bankruptcy Court in Sacramento, CA is located at 501 I St # 3200, Sacramento, CA 95814-7303, accessible by public transportation, in the downtown district, with ample shopping and tourism.  After an individual living in and about Sacramento files a Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition, the court notifies the debtor of a meeting of creditors.  Known as the 341 Hearing, the meeting provides an opportunity for the trustee to evaluate the bankruptcy petition to question truthfulness, and for creditors to ask the debtor about debts for discharge.

Checking In

In Sacramento, CA, the 341 Hearing is held at a federal building, with offices for other federal matters besides bankruptcy.  Security guards check identification and packages at the entrance.  Everyone must tell the guards where they are going and show identification.  No fake names allowed.  A debtor scheduled for a 341 Hearing should arrive early to allow time for security screening. The trustee may dismiss a case if an individual is late to the hearing.

Inside the Trustees Office

Once inside the trustee's office, the 341 Hearing is open to the public.  Before entering the trustee’s office, the debtor may discuss the 341 Hearing process with an attorney, fill out any trustee questionnaires, and read required bankruptcy information sheets.  A calendar lists each case by line number.  A debtor must be ready when called.  The trustee generally goes through all of the cases on the calendar in 30 minutes. 

Swearing In

When the trustee calls the case number, the debtor goes to the front of the room.  The trustee swears in the individual.  If the debtor is dishonest or omits information, it is perjury, and subject to civil penalties and criminal charges.

Translators

If the debtor prefers a foreign language, s/he may request a translator.  The debtor may not bring a translator to the hearing.  The trustee does not want misinterpretations.  The trustee dials into a telephone court translation service to proper translations.

Questions

The trustee asks each debtor similar questions on the completeness of the petition, whether any events changed since filing, such as unemployment, death, and lawsuits.  The trustee asks if there are any creditors present.  If there are no creditors, and the debtor answers the trustee questions completely, the communications with the trustee are over.  The debtor’s communications going forward will be with the court.

Rinne Legal helps people with bankruptcies, estate planning, and loan modifications in Contra Costa County, Sacramento County and Solano County. Rinne Legal has offices in Walnut Creek, Fairfield, Sacramento and Elk Grove. Contact Rinne Legal for a free consultation.  These blog posts are for informational purposes only and not intended nor should be construed as legal advice.  These blog posts may be considered attorney advertising in some states. Prior results described on blog posts do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases.  There is no intent to create an attorney-client privilege or relationship with anyone accessing information on this blog.  Authors posting on this blog are not obligated to reply to any emails seeking legal advice.  The information contained on this blog is not intended to be a solicitation.