Do I have to go to court?
Yes. About 30 to 40 days after you file for bankruptcy, you will have to attend a hearing presided over by the bankruptcy trustee. This hearing is called the First Meeting of Creditors. At this hearing the trustee will ask you questions under oath regarding the content and accuracy of your bankruptcy papers. After the trustee is done the creditors will be permitted to question you. If you have an attorney, your attorney will be there to represent you and will help prepare you for the hearing. Sometimes, after your hearing is over, various creditors will approach you 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. However, if a creditor files a motion or an adversary action, you will probably have to return to court. This is the exception and only your attorney can determine if this likely to happen.
Updated: 10/13/99