Is Bankruptcy Complete After the 341 Meeting?

It's a good question, after 341 hearing when does bankruptcy become final? The short answer is after discharge. Bankruptcy will not become final until the date of discharge, generally 45 to 60 days after the meeting. Having a hearing does not mean that the trustee is finished with your case.

What Happens After the 341 Meeting

Now that you've had the meeting, you need to do a little more work to ensure discharge. Another credit counseling session is required. It's known as post filing and has to be done within 45 days after the meeting. The countdown gives any creditors an opportunity to object to your bankruptcy if they missed their opportunity beforehand. And if any creditors were missed in the first filing, this is the time to file an amended schedule with the appropriate fee.

The trustee will now do their job. They've confirmed information that was provided in the bankruptcy at the meeting and start moving forward. Any assets that are to be liquidated will be sold, although the time this takes to accomplish can go long past the date of discharge. In a no-asset case, your trustee will close their investigation at a certain point and request that the judge excuse them from their duties.

Keeping an Eye on your Case Until Discharge

There shouldn't be any further issues provided that you've fulfilled your duties. While you're waiting for the clock to wind down, you can keep an eye on your case in PACER. This is an online court filing system that is accessible by the public. All you need is your case number to find the status. There is a .08 charge per page if you need to pull documents. It's a good idea to check on the status of your case regularly. That way you'll know if a creditor has made a notice or when an amended document was officially filed.

Date of discharge is actually not the day that your case will close on. It will actually close at 12:00am of the following day. Legally your case is still open until 11:59pm on the day of. Any last minute filings are accepted until that point. Don't assume that your case will close on that day. Instead, expect it to be final the day after. Check with PACER to confirm that your case is finished. If says "discharge," your bankruptcy has become final.

Getting Legal Advice

If you have questions about your bankruptcy after the 341 meeting, talk with your attorney. If you haven't had one up to this point, find one who will talk with you for a fee. A bankruptcy attorney will have the answers for your questions.