Filing bankruptcy can be difficult. You may want to keep the entire process confidential and avoid involving others as much as possible. However, one meeting you must attend is the meeting of creditors. Read below to know who will be present at the meeting of creditors so that you are prepared.
If you are considering bankruptcy, you should talk to a skilled legal advisor. Cleveland Bankruptcy Attorneys can help you with filing documents, attending the meeting of creditors, and learning more about bankruptcy. Call us today at (216) 586-6600, or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.
What is a Meeting of Creditors?
After you file for bankruptcy, several hearings will take place to review your financial information. The meeting of creditors gives people who you owe money a chance to submit evidence and challenge your claims. They may dispute how much money you owe, or they may claim that their amount should not be discharged. A knowledgeable bankruptcy lawyer will stand by your side at the meeting of creditors to help present any necessary information.
Who Will Be at the Meeting of Creditors?
While most bankruptcy hearings involve a judge and your attorney, the meeting of creditors will include several other people.
You are required to attend.
Although your lawyer can attend most hearings on your behalf, you must attend the meeting of creditors. In some cases, the court may allow you to attend via phone. You will have to sit in a meeting room and answer questions from the trustee and any creditors who appear. Your attorney can help you answer questions about your bankruptcy, documents, and finances.
Your trustee will attend.
A trustee is an official who is appointed or selected to oversee your case. The trustee will review your financial information, everything you’ve submitted on bankruptcy filings, and all information provided by creditors. You will have to affirm your debts and verify that they are not fraudulent. Your attorney will likely know your trustee or have worked with them in the past, so your attorney can help you through this situation.
Your lawyer will attend.
Your lawyer can attend all hearings and bankruptcy proceedings with you or on your behalf. Many attorneys can handle proceedings over the phone. However, your lawyer will likely attend the meeting of creditors with you.
Your creditors are invited to attend.
A meeting of creditors gives those you owe money to an opportunity to face you in a room and discuss your debts. However, very few creditors actually attend a meeting of creditors. Typically, only those who wish to challenge an aspect of your bankruptcy will appear. Because bankruptcies are common, most creditors do not attend and allow the trustee to handle your debts and verification.
Contact Us for Help With a Meeting of Creditors
A meeting of the creditors is one of the more complex proceedings that you will engage in after filing for bankruptcy. It can cause significant anxiety and confusion. However, a Cleveland bankruptcy lawyer from Cleveland Bankruptcy Attorneys will help you through this situation. Contact us today at (216) 586-6600 for more information about how we can assist you.