Will I have to see a Judge if I file bankruptcy in Utah?
In most cases, you will not need to appear before a judge if you file for bankruptcy. In fact, the vast majority of bankruptcy cases are handled administratively, and do not require a court appearance.
For example, if you file for Utah Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will typically only need to attend a meeting of creditors, which is an informal hearing where the bankruptcy trustee assigned to your case may ask you questions about your finances and assets. In most cases, these meetings are relatively brief and are conducted in a conference room or via Zoom rather than a courtroom.
In a Utah Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you may need to attend a court hearing, known as a confirmation hearing, which is held to approve your repayment plan. However, even in these cases, the hearing is typically brief and informal, and you will typically only need to answer a few questions from the judge.
It’s worth noting that while appearances before a judge are relatively rare in bankruptcy cases, it’s possible that you may need to appear in court if there is a dispute or issue that needs to be resolved, such as a challenge to your discharge or a motion to lift the automatic stay.
Overall, while you may not see a judge if you file for bankruptcy, it’s important to understand that each case is unique and the specific circumstances of your case will determine whether or not you will need to appear in court. If you have any questions or concerns about the bankruptcy process, it’s a good idea to consult with a Utah bankruptcy attorney for guidance.