Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Court Hearing "Meeting Of Creditors"
As explained in our bankruptcy timeline, the meeting of creditors in New Jersey (often refered to as the section 341 meeting) is scheduled approximately 6 weeks after the filing of the chapter 7 bankruptcy petition. Depending on where you reside in NJ, your hearing will be scheduled in either Newark, Trenton or Camden.
What to Bring to the Meeting
You must bring a photo ID (a driver's license or passport) and your social security card (or other proof of your social security such as a W-2, signed tax returns, payroll stub). If you have not provided our office with the tax returns and proof of income, you must bring these documents with you to the hearing.
Who Must Attend
If you have filed an individual petition, you must attend with your attorney. If you have filed a joint petition, both you and your spouse must appear with your attorney.
Will Creditors Appear
Since this is a "meeting of creditors" it gives the creditors the opportunity to appear. In "no asset" bankruptcy cases, the creditors rarely appear.
Are the Meetings Private
No. The creditor meetings are not private. You will be in a meeting room with others that have filed for bankruptcy and may listen to your meeting. In our experience, the trustees usually speak with a soft tone to prevent others from listening to your case and to prevent any embarrasment to you.
How Long Does the Meeting Take
Once your name is called, the meeting lasts approximately 5 minutes. There are, however, a very large amount of cases being filed in New Jersey. As a result, it may take up to 1 hour for your case to be called. It is difficult to answer this question because the it is dependent on the volume of cases being heard on a particular day. We suggest that you plan to spend at least 1 hour at the hearing room.
Is There a Dress Code
No.
What Will the Trustee Ask Me
The following is a list of questions the trustee may ask you. Answer the questions truthfully and your hearing will be complete in approximately 5 minutes:
1. State your name and address for the record.
2. Please provide me with your photo ID and proof of social security.
3. Is that your signature on the bankruptcy petition? Did you review this petition with your attorney prior to signing? Does is accurately represent your assets and liabilities? Have there been any changes since the filing of the bankruptcy petition?
4. Have you previously filed a bankruptcy?
5. Why have you filed a chapter 7 bankruptcy? What has brought you into financial difficulty?
6. Do you own any property? Have you transferred any property or given any property away within the last 1 year? Does anyone hold any property belonging to you?
7. Do you have a claim against anyone or a right to sue anyone? Does anyone owe you any money?
8. Do you have any domestic support obligations?
9. Have you closed any bank accounts in the last 1 year?
10. Will you be inheriting any money in the next 6 months?
How Do I Get to the Hearing Locations
NEWARK
One Newark Center (14th Floor)
Newark, NJ 07102
From NJ Turnpike - Take Exit 14, follow signs for Routes 1 & 9 North, 21 and 22/ Newark. As you get closer to Newark the route numbers change from Routes 1 & 9 to Route 21 NEWARK. Continue to travel Route 21 (Route 21 is Mc Carter Hwy.) to Raymond Blvd. Turn left on to Raymond Blvd. (One Newark Center is located in the Seton Hall Law Building at the intersection of Route 21 and Raymond Blvd.)
From New York City - Cross the George Washington Bridge and follow the signs to Route 95/NJ Turnpike South. Travel the NJ Turnpike South to Exit 15E. Follow signs for Newark and Raymond Blvd. One Newark Center is located in the Seton Hall Law Building at the intersection of Route 21 and Raymond Blvd.
From Lincoln Tunnel - Follow signs to Route 3 West. Travel Route 3 West to Route 21 South (Mc Carter Highway). Turn right on Raymond Blvd. One Newark Center is located in the Seton Hall Law Building at the intersection of Route 21 and Raymond Blvd.
From South Jersey - Travel the NJ Turnpike North to Exit 13A. Follow the signs for Routes 1 & 9 North until they intersect with Route 21/Mc Carter Highway. Stay on Route 21 to Raymond Blvd. Turn left on Raymond Blvd. One Newark Center is located in the Seton Hall Law Building at the intersection of Route 21 and Raymond Blvd.
From Princeton - Travel Route 1 North to Routes 1 & 9 North (Mc Carter Highway). Stay in the left lane and turn left on to Raymond Blvd. One Newark Center is located in the Seton Hall Law Building at the intersection of Route 21 and Raymond Blvd.
From Morristown - Travel Route 287 North to Route 280 East. Exit at the Harrison exit. Turn right on Harrison Avenue. Go 2 traffic lights, over bridge and turn left on Route 21/Mc Carter Highway. Continue 3 blocks and turn right on Raymond Blvd. One Newark Center is located in the Seton Hall Law Building at the intersection of Route 21 and Raymond Blvd.
From Hackensack - Travel Route 17 South to Route 3 West to Route 21 South/Mc Carter Highway. Turn right on Raymond Blvd. One Newark Center is located in the Seton Hall Law Building at the intersection of Route 21 and Raymond Blvd.
CAMDEN
800 Hudson Square, Suite 102
Camden, NJ 08102
Directions from Center City Philadelphia:
After crossing the Ben Franklin Bridge, go through toll booth at the extreme right. Turn right at second street (Broadway), proceed to 1st traffic light and turn left onto Cooper Street. Stay in right lane and proceed to 800 Hudson Square.
Directions from Cherry Hill Area:
Proceed west on Route 30 (Admiral Wilson Blvd.) to sign for Camden Business District/Rutgers University - stay in right lane. Continue on Linden Street through 5 traffic lights. Turn left at 7th Street and cross highway leading to Ben Franklin Bridge. Stay to left and make a soft/wide left at next traffic light onto Cooper Street. Proceed to 800 Hudson Square.
Directions from Gloucester County area:
Travel Route 295 North to Route 676. Follow 676 to Exit 5B (Camden Business District). Exit onto Linden Street and proceed, staying in left lane, to traffic light at 7th Street. Turn left onto 7th. Again stay in left lane and make a soft/wide left turn onto Cooper Street. Proceed to 800 Hudson Square.
Directions from New York/North Jersey area:
Travel NJ Turnpike to Exit 4. Exit onto Route 73 North and continue 1.2 miles to Route 38 West (Ben Franklin Bridge) exit. Proceed on Route 38 5.3 miles and bear right onto over-pass marked Camden-Philadelphia, Route 30. Stay in right lane 1.5 miles and exit at sign for Camden Business District/Rutgers University. Continue on Linden Street through 5 traffic lights. Turn left at 7th Street and cross highway leading to Ben Franklin Bridge. Stay to left and make a soft/wide left at next traffic light onto Cooper Street. Proceed to 800 Hudson Square.
Directions from Philadelphia Airport area:
Travel Route 95 North to Walt Whitman Bridge. Stay in right lane as you cross bridge. Exit following signs for route 676 North - Camden. Continue on Route 676 to Exit 5B (Camden Business District). Exit onto Linden Street and proceed, staying in left lane, to traffic light at 7th Street. Turn left onto 7th. Again stay in left lane and make a soft/wide left turn onto Cooper Street. Proceed to 800 Hudson Square.
TRENTON
Clarkson S. Fisher Courthouse
402 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
From North:
Take N.J. Turnpike South to exit 7A (Trenton/Shore Points). After toll, take ramp to 195 West (Trenton). 195 W. will become Rt. 129. Proceed on Rt. 129 to end where it will merge with Rt. 1 North. Exit Rt. 1 at Perry Street (first exit). Turn left at end of ramp. Turn left at second light (Stockton Street). Turn left again on Merchant Street (second left). Parking lot is on left at end of street. Courthouse is located to the left of the parking lot.
When leaving parking lot for courthouse, proceed 1 block on Canal Street. Make left at East State Street (Tremont Lounge on right corner). Cross railroad tracks, courthouse is on left. Enter building through front doors. Bankruptcy Court Clerk's Office on 1st floor.
From South:
Take 295 North to Exit 60 (Rt. 29/129/I-195 - TRENTON/SHORE POINTS). Stay left at fork in ramp. Merge onto Rt. 29. Take Rt.129 N exit toward Trenton. Proceed on 129 N. to US-1 N ramp; merge onto Rt. 1 N. Take Perry Street exit. Make left at light at top of ramp. Make left onto Stockton Street. Make left onto Merchant Street. Parking lot is on left.
From parking lot you will see courthouse on left. When leaving parking lot proceed 1 block on Canal Street to East State Street (Tremont Lounge on right corner). Make left, cross railroad tracks - courthouse on left. Enter building through front doors. Bankruptcy Court Clerk's Office on 1st floor.
From East:
Take 195 West. 195 W. will become Rt. 129. Proceed on Rt. 129 to end where it will merge with Rt. 1 North. Exit Rt. 1 at Perry Street (first exit). Turn left at end of ramp. Turn left at second light (Stockton Street). Turn left again on Merchant Street (second left). Parking lot is on left at end of street. Courthouse is to the left of the parking lot.
When leaving parking lot for courthouse, proceed up Canal Street. Make left at East State Street (Tremont Lounge on right corner). Cross railroad tracks, courthouse is on left. Enter building through front doors. Bankruptcy Court Clerk's Office on 1st floor.
Law Offices of Jay Bhatt
618 Newark Avenue, Suite 210
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: (201) 798-8000
Fax: (201) 798-8001
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Info
Consultation Checklist
Click Below for a complete checklist of items that are necessary to proceed with a chapter 7 bankruptcy. We suggest you bring these to our office during the first consultation or supply them by fax or email if the consultation is done over the phone or via the internet.
Client Testimonials
Thank you for helping my wife and I. You have been an angel in our lives during these tough times. You have given us a fresh start. God bless you.
- Edward S.-
I'm grateful for having you take care of my case. The credit card bills, medical bills and lawsuits were a constant stress in my life. I am so glad that I took the next step. I can finally breathe again.
- Rafael R.-
When I became unemployed, I thought I had no way out. My credit card debts would continue to increase and I was overwhelmed with phone calls from collectors. Fortunately, I found Jay Bhatt who advised me to file for chapter 7. It was the best decision I ever made. He is very knowledgeable, experienced and most importantly he works fast. For a reasonable fee, I got out of my debts in no time. I have gone back to work full time and my previous debts have been discharged. Thanks Jay for your help.
- Ana A.-