Last Updated September 18, 2026
Short answer
After you file, you must attend a meeting of creditors. You answer the trustee’s questions under oath about your papers and what you own. Creditors may attend. In many consumer cases they do not. It is not the discharge hearing and not a trial.
Federal law requires a meeting of creditors. The trustee — not the judge — usually runs it. Districts differ on video vs. in-person. Bring the ID and tax returns the trustee asks for. False testimony is a crime and can cost the discharge. The length of a meeting varies. Many routine consumer meetings are brief when the required documents are complete, while others take longer or are continued if additional information is needed.
What the trustee is checking
Identity, whether your papers are complete, unusual transfers, property that may not be protected, income for the means test or a Chapter 13 plan, and whether this is a repeat filing. In Chapter 13 the trustee also looks at whether the plan can be confirmed.
After the meeting
In Chapter 7, the deadline to object to discharge usually runs from the first meeting date. In Chapter 13, confirmation is a separate hearing. See discharge.
How Brock & Stout can help
We prepare the petition and the documents the trustee requires, review likely questions with you, and appear with you at the meeting. Call or request a free consultation. We cannot control whether a creditor attends or whether the trustee continues the meeting for more documents.
Frequently asked questions
No. The meeting is with the trustee. The bankruptcy judge does not run it.
Many routine consumer meetings are brief, but there is no guaranteed length. The meeting can take longer or be continued if the trustee needs additional documents or information.
Related resources
- What Is a Bankruptcy Discharge? — What Is a Bankruptcy Discharge?
A discharge is a court order that stops a creditor from collecting qualifying debts from you personally. It is not a refund. It does not, by itself, clear a title or remove a mortgage or car lien. Not every debt qualifies. Timing differs in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
- What Is the Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy? — What Is the Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy?
Filing a bankruptcy petition generally triggers the automatic stay by operation of federal law. The stay pauses many collection actions against the debtor and property of the estate, but it is not permanent. Some actions and proceedings are excepted by § 362(b), creditors can seek stay relief, and prior dismissed bankruptcy cases can limit or prevent stay protection.
- What Is the Bankruptcy Means Test? — What Is the Bankruptcy Means Test?
The means test looks at household income to see whether a consumer Chapter 7 case looks like you can repay creditors. It starts by comparing income to Census medians for your state and household size. If you are over the median, a second form applies allowed expenses. Chapter 13 uses related forms for plan length. Median-income figures and expense standards change periodically, so the correct U.S. Trustee Program tables should be matched to the expected filing date.
Talk with a bankruptcy attorney
We can review your debts, property, and goals and explain Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 options that may be available.
Prefer to send us your information? Start a case evaluation.
This page is general educational information about bankruptcy as of the date shown. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not guarantee results. Outcomes depend on individual facts and current federal and state law. We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
