Yes. Within about 30 to 45 days after you file the bankruptcy, you will have to attend a hearing presided over by the Trustee or by the Bankruptcy Administrator. This hearing is called the First Meeting of Creditors or Section 341 Meeting. At this hearing, the Trustee or the Bankruptcy Administrator and the trustee will ask questions to you under oath regarding the content of your bankruptcy papers, assets, debts and other matters. After the trustee is done, your creditors will have an opportunity to ask questions to you regarding the location and condition of your property, hazard insurance coverage and matters related to your financial affairs.
Don’t worry, your attorney will be there to represent you and your attorney will help you prepare for the hearing. Sometimes, after your hearing is over, your creditors will approach you through your attorney to discuss the status of secured property or your desire to retain a credit card. Your attorney will negotiate with them, with your knowledge and approval.
After this hearing you will normally not need to return to court unless a creditor files a motion or an adversary action. This is the exception and only your attorney can determine if this is likely to happen. Generally, debtors will only need to appear in the Bankruptcy Court only once.
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