confirmation hearing

In a legal context, there are two primary definitions for confirmation hearing:

• A confirmation hearing is a formal procedure held by the United States Senate in fulfillment of its “advice and consent” role regarding individuals who are nominated by the President for high federal office. 
• In bankruptcy law, a confirmation hearing generally arises in either Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. In bankruptcy, a confirmation hearing is a judicial proceeding in which a judge either approves or rejects a proposed debtor repayment plan, based on its feasibility and other legal requirements. At this hearing, a judge may also hear arguments 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 generally occurs after the meeting of creditors. 

[Last reviewed in May of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]

Wex

• CIVICS
• the Constitution
• LIFE EVENTS
• financial events
• bankruptcy
• THE LEGAL PROCESS
• courts
• wex definitions
• constitutional law
• courts and procedure
• government
• legal education and practice
• money and financial problems