Meeting of creditors verification of identity

Verification of social security number and proof of identity are required at your meeting of creditors. Today, I had two clients attend their meeting of creditors without any proper verification of their social security number. This should be no mystery. On the notice my office sends I specify you need to have proof of id and social security number. Here’s a news flash: Since 9/11, Ohio has not included your social security number on your driver’s license. Before that it was optional. Take out you license and look at it. The number’s gone isn’t it? Don’t wait till you meeting of creditors to figure that out.

First, your proof of identification must be a current government issued id card. If your license or state id is expired, guess what? It isn’t current. If your id is not sufficient then the Trustee will reschedule the meeting of creditors to give you more time to comply. In reality, this isn’t much of a problem for most Ohioans. Driver’s licenses or state id’s are very easy to come by.

Proof of Social security number is a different matter. This goes to the basis of who you are in this day and age. It is your identity. It is that which thieves want to steal. It is what separates your chapter 7 or chapter 13 cases from anyone else who shares your name.

What are good ways to verify your social security number?

Social Security card

Certified copy of social security number from Social Security office

W-2 from employer you used to complete your taxes

Old divorce decree

1099 from tax return

State Conceal and Carry Permit Card

Some health insurance cards

Letters from the IRS with social security number

Check your Passport

I even had one client come in with a rap sheet (I don’t suggest this, but it worked)

In Cleveland your tax return will not work, although it may in other divisions within our district. Cleveland Trustees will not accept any document that you or someone at your direction prepared.

If you do not have proper verification of your identity, the trustee may adjourn your meeting of creditors to another date. In addition to more disruption for you, this mistake on your part often will result in more attorney fees. So unnecessary!

_{»crosslinked«}

Bill Balena

Bill Balena is a Cleveland Area Bankruptcy attorney with an office in Elyria, Ohio. Bill represents consumers in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. He is a former city prosecutor, and an accomplished criminal trial attorney. Bill also defends drunk driving cases, as well as driving related drug offenses.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts