Chapter 7 Meeting of Creditors -- What to Expect in Fresno, California

After filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the Fresno area, you will be required to attend the "Meeting of Creditors" at the Robert E. Coyle Fresno Federal Court House.  The meeting is also referred to as the "341 Meeting." 

The Fresno Federal Court House is located at 2500 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA 93721.  It's on the corner of "O" Street and Tulare.  There are several courthouses in downtown Fresno.  It's the one with the tall evergreen trees.  I have had a lot of clients go to the wrong one.  Here are a couple of pictures of the court house that you want to go into: 

The "Meeting of Creditors" is the only real event of importance you are required to attend.  (Most of the other meetings take place at my office.)   You do need to be prepared for the hearing.  Please bring your driver license, social security card, change for parking, and a pen to write with. 

Parking is available on the side streets, but the parking spots have 2 hour metering.  There are also some nearby parking garages.  Free parking is available, but you will need to walk a few blocks after parking.  If you are in the mood to walk, there is free parking two hour parking on the streets adjacent to the railroad tracks and Amtrak Station.   (Approximately two blocks East of the court house.) 

After parking, you will walk up to the courthouse door.  The picture to the left is the entrance to the courthouse.  As you walk into the courthouse, you will immediately go through security.  After security you will be in an attractive hallway. 
Below, is a picture of the hallway: 

The Meeting of Creditors takes place in two rooms off the first floor hallway.  The two rooms are halfway down the hallway.  Here is a picture of the sign just outside the two rooms:
Once you arrive, go inside the trustee room and look for a questionnaire on a table.  It should be in the back of the room.  Take the questionnaire and answer the questions outside in the hallway.  This is a good place for you and I to meet before the meeting:

Our 341 meeting is set in 1 hour groups.  Along with you, there will be nine other folks that have their meeting of creditors at the same time.  The good news is that the typical case lasts only 5 minutes long.  99% of the time no creditor shows up.  It will likely be me, you and the trustee.  The purpose of the meeting is to allow your bankruptcy chapter 7 panel trustee to ask you questions about the documents you filed and any follow up questions she may have on specific assets of yours.  I will be there the entire time.  Here are three questions that are asked at each meeting of creditors:  

1. Did you list all of your assets and all of your debts on you petition?
2. Did you review, understand and sign your petition?
3. Have you sold any assets in the last three years? 

While it is never fun to give sworn testimony in a court proceeding, the Meeting of Creditors is nothing to stress over.  I know that this is easier said than done.  After it is all over, as we are walking out of the courthouse, you will likely be thinking, "No Sweat!" 

Ken Jorgensen, California Attorneywww.fresnobankruptcylawgroup.com