WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR 341 MEETING OF CREDITORS

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,

But not express'd in fancy; rich, not gaudy;

For the apparel oft proclaims the man;

- Polonius to Laertes in Hamlet

Clients commonly want to know how to dress for the 341 Meeting of Creditors.  This is the first (and usually the only) time you will see the Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee, so it is important to make the right impression.  How you dress may mean the difference between flying under the trustee's radar and being squarely in the crosshairs.

While the trustee is not a judge, and the meeting is intended to be "informal," your appearance should convey respect towards this federal process.  Some clients believe that they should dress like they are very poor.  This is not recommended and will make you stand out in stark contrast to the attorneys and creditors who may attend your meeting (though, as explained here, it is unlikely that any creditors will attend your meeting).  Likewise, some clients over-dress for the meeting.  Wearing a suit or Sunday best attire will also attract unwanted attention and cause you to stand out apart from the other debtors.

The best advise is to dress in a business casual manner.  For men this means long pants and a collared long or short sleeved shirt.  For women long pants or skirt, and a modest top that covers the shoulders.  Jeans, t-shirts, shorts, short skirts, flip-flops, and revealing clothing are not appropriate.  Hair should be neatly trimmed and you should convey an overall clean, neat, and respectful appearance.

If you are actually poor, the trustee will recognize this fact from your bankruptcy schedules and will appreciate your respectful appearance.  If you are not poor, dressing like you are homeless will cause the trustee to wonder why you are appearing that way, considering the information that will be listed in your bankruptcy schedules.  This may cause further questioning - which is never a good thing for a debtor!

Leave personal electronics and most jewelry at home!  Bankruptcy trustees are always looking for personal items that may be under-valued or not disclosed on the bankruptcy schedules (however, assuming you have been truthful with your attorney and the bankruptcy court, as the laws requires, there should be no "surprises" in relation to failing to disclose an asset).  Again, leave unnecessary items at home.

The vast majority of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy meetings are quick and uneventful.  Make sure you are not causing questions from the trustee by your appearance or by personal items brought to the meeting.  The goal is to have no one notice you or remember you case.  If you have further questions about how to dress for your 341 Meeting of Creditors, consult with your bankruptcy attorney.