Phone vs In-Person 341 Meetings

Since COVID-19, most 341 meetings happen by phone or video. Here is how both formats work.

The shift to remote meetings

Before March 2020, virtually all 341 meetings were conducted in person at federal buildings or trustee offices. When COVID-19 shut down courthouses, the bankruptcy system rapidly shifted to telephonic and video meetings.

What was supposed to be temporary became permanent in many districts. As of 2026, the majority of bankruptcy districts still conduct 341 meetings by telephone, some use video platforms like Zoom, and a smaller number have returned to in-person meetings or offer hybrid options.

Your notice of meeting will tell you the format. If you are not sure, ask your attorney or call the trustee's office.

Phone meetings

How they work

1. You receive a notice with a dial-in number and access code (or a Zoom link)
2. You submit your ID and SSN proof to the trustee in advance (usually by email or secure portal, 2-5 days before the meeting)
3. At your scheduled time, you call in. You may be placed in a virtual waiting room
4. The trustee calls your case, swears you in over the phone, and asks questions
5. The meeting is recorded, just like an in-person meeting

Advantages of phone meetings

• No travel. You do not need to find the courthouse, park, or go through security
• Less stressful. You are in your own space, which reduces anxiety
• Easier for people with disabilities, transportation challenges, or rural locations
• Faster. Trustees can move through calendars more efficiently

Disadvantages

• ID submission in advance. You must plan ahead to email or upload your documents
• Tech issues. Bad cell service or dropped calls can disrupt the meeting
• Harder to read the room. You cannot see the trustee's reactions

Video (Zoom) meetings

Some districts use Zoom or similar video platforms instead of telephone-only. Video meetings work the same as phone meetings with these additions:

• You need a device with a camera (phone, tablet, laptop, or computer)
• You may be asked to show your photo ID on camera
• The trustee can see you, which makes the interaction more personal
• You should treat it like any professional video call

Dress code for video meetings

There is no formal dress code, but this is a federal proceeding under oath. Dress as you would for a job interview -- business casual at minimum. Do not appear in pajamas, without a shirt, or with distracting backgrounds. A plain wall or tidy room behind you is fine.

In-person meetings

Some districts have returned to in-person 341 meetings. If your meeting is in person:

• Arrive 15-30 minutes early. You may need to go through security screening at a federal building
• Bring your photo ID and SSN proof with you (originals, not just copies)
• Dress appropriately. Business casual is the standard
• Expect to wait. The trustee runs a calendar with many cases. You may sit for an hour before your name is called
• You will be in a room with other debtors and their attorneys, not a courtroom
• When called, you sit at a table facing the trustee. Your attorney (if you have one) sits with you

What happens if you have tech issues

Technology problems during phone or video meetings are common. Here is what to do:

• Dropped call: Dial back in immediately using the same number and access code. The trustee will usually wait a few minutes
• Cannot connect at all: Call your attorney immediately. The trustee may continue your meeting to another date
• Audio quality issues: If the trustee cannot hear you clearly, they may ask you to call from a different phone or continue the meeting
• Zoom crashes: Close and reopen the application, then rejoin the meeting link

Comparison at a glance