Clients often wonder how much they should dress up for their 341 meeting, also called the meeting of creditors. Though the meeting does not take place in court, meetings with the trustee are often held in a courthouse or other government building. Clients want to make sure they are making the right impression, which generally means dressing business casual.
What exactly is business casual? Unfortunately, business casual means different things to different people, but in general pants (not jeans) and a button down shirt, blouse, or sweater will always be suitable. Women can certainly wear dresses and skirts with appropriate hemlines. Ask yourself, do I look like I could work at a bank?
In truth, pretty much every type of clothing is technically acceptable. There is no dress code at 341 meetings, so the trustee will not throw anyone out for not wearing a certain thing. This is not like some courtrooms where people not wearing a suit jacket or blazer will be denied entry.
Nevertheless, debtors should avoid wearing ripped jeans, workout and athleisure apparel, and dirty clothing. You want to show the trustee that this meeting is important to you and that you put at least some effort into being presentable.
Clients should not, however, wear their Sunday best to the 341 meeting. Dressing to the nines or wearing lots of jewelry creates a disconnect at a bankruptcy proceeding meant to help people in financial distress. Debtors do not need to sell everything they own, but they should not flaunt what they do own in front of the trustee, either.
If you would like to learn more about filing for bankruptcy in Minnesota, contact Minnesota’s LARGEST bankruptcy law firm at www.kainscott.com. You will be glad you did.
