There are two major definitions for a confirmation hearing in a legal context:
- In bankruptcy law, a hearing generally occurs related to either Chapter 13 or Chapter 11 federal bankruptcy. Here, a confirmation hearing is a court proceeding wherein a judge either approves or rejects a proposed debtor repayment plan, based on its feasibility and other legal requirements. At this hearing, a judge will also hear argument and rule on objections filed by creditors to elements of a debtor’s repayment plan. Even if there are no objections, a judge may have independent questions regarding the merits of an individual repayment plan. A confirmation hearing occurs after a meeting of creditors.
- A confirmation hearing is also a hearing held by the U.S. Senate in fulfillment of its “advice and consent” role regarding individuals nominated by the President for high federal office.
[Last updated in July of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]