Do I Have to Go to Court?

In almost all situations the answer is no. However, in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 you have to attend the "Meeting of Creditors" which is usually scheduled about 30 days after you file the case. This meeting is held by the bankruptcy trustee who is the administrator of the process. You will be sworn in under oath, and the meeting will be recorded. Most of the questions will pertain to information in the bankruptcy papers you file with the court. The meeting typically only takes five to ten minutes, and most creditors never come.