The UST has announced that 341 bankruptcy hearings will be held by zoom video in the near future. 341 meetings are the required meeting for Debtors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. These hearings are with the Trustee and any creditor that wishes to attend. Prior to the pandemic, 341 hearings were held in person. However, during the pandemic, the hearings were held by phone. More news will be coming shortly on specifics of the zoom 341 hearings.
341 hearings are the required meetings the Bankruptcy Code requires for every Debtor in a Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. At these hearings, the Trustee asks the Debtor under oath a series of questions. In addition, creditors are able to attend and ask additional questions.
The UST stands for the United States Trustees Program. This program is a component of the United States Department of Justice. This program overseas the administration of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. On September 25, 2023, the Stone Law Firm participated in new Zoom 341 training with the UST. Some specifics that were learned, Debtors are required to appear by zoom unless extenuating circumstances exists, mandatory documents such as IDS must be submitted two weeks prior to the 341 hearing, and the Debtor should have their bankruptcy schedules in front of them while be asked questions. Debtor has the option of appearing at their attorney’s office or a professional setting such as their office or a room in their house.