Search Adams County Bankruptcy Filings

Finding bankruptcy records in Adams County requires understanding how federal and local systems work together. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado handles all bankruptcy cases filed by Adams County residents. This federal court sits in Denver at 721 19th Street. Residents of Brighton, Westminster, Thornton, and other Adams County communities file their cases there. The court maintains records of Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 filings. These records include petitions, schedules, and discharge orders.

While bankruptcy is federal, Adams County maintains related records. The County Clerk and Recorder keeps judgment liens and property records. These documents often relate to bankruptcy cases. Understanding both systems helps you find complete information. This guide explains how to access both federal bankruptcy records and related county documents in Adams County.

Adams County Clerk and Recorder Office

The Adams County Clerk and Recorder maintains important records. Their office is at 4430 S. Adams County Parkway in Brighton. You can reach them by phone at (720) 523-6000. The office handles property records, marriage licenses, and judgment liens. These records connect to bankruptcy cases in various ways.

Judgment liens recorded with the clerk may appear in bankruptcy filings. Property records show real estate ownership. These documents help trace financial history. The clerk's office offers both in-person and online record searches. Their website provides access to many records. Some older documents may require an office visit.

Office hours are Monday through Friday. They open at 8:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM. The office closes on federal holidays. It is wise to call ahead before visiting. Some services require appointments. The staff can guide you to the right department.

The federal courthouse in Denver handles all Colorado bankruptcy cases. You can visit their website at https://www.cob.uscourts.gov/ for more information.

The court building houses the clerk's office where bankruptcy records are stored.

Federal Bankruptcy Court Access

All Adams County bankruptcy cases go to the Denver federal court. The court address is 721 19th Street, Denver, CO 80202. Their phone number is 720-904-7300. This court serves the entire District of Colorado. It includes all 64 counties.

The court offers several ways to access records. You can visit the clerk's office in person. You can search online using PACER. You can also request records by mail. Each method has different costs and timeframes. Choose the one that fits your needs.

How to Use PACER for Adams County Cases

PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. It is the online system for federal court documents. You can access it at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/. This system contains bankruptcy filings from Adams County and across Colorado.

To use PACER, you need an account. Registration is free on their website. Once registered, you can search for cases. You can search by name, case number, or Social Security number. Each page you view costs $0.10. There is a $3.00 cap per document. Your fees are waived if you use less than $30 per quarter.

Adams County cases will show in the Colorado District. Look for "District of Colorado" when searching. You can view dockets, filed documents, and case status. The system updates daily. Most documents from 2001 forward are available. Older cases may need in-person requests.

Note: PACER charges fees for document viewing, but many users qualify for fee waivers.

Adams County Bankruptcy Filing Fees

Filing bankruptcy requires paying court fees. These fees are set by federal law. They are the same across all Colorado counties. As of 2024, Chapter 7 filing costs $338. Chapter 13 filing costs $313. These fees can change. Check the court website for current amounts.

You can request a fee waiver for Chapter 7. You must prove inability to pay. The court reviews your income and expenses. If granted, you pay nothing to file. Chapter 13 does not allow fee waivers. You can pay Chapter 13 fees in installments.

Attorney fees are separate from court costs. Most people hire bankruptcy lawyers. Fees vary by case complexity. Simple Chapter 7 cases may cost $1,000 to $2,000. Chapter 13 cases often cost $3,000 to $5,000. The court must approve attorney fees in Chapter 13.

Related Records at the County Level

Adams County keeps records that relate to bankruptcy. These include:

• Property deeds and mortgages
• Judgment liens
• UCC financing statements
• Foreclosure records

UCC records are filed with the Colorado Secretary of State. You can search these at https://www.sos.state.co.us/ucc/. These records show secured debts. They often appear in bankruptcy schedules.

Property records stay with the county even after bankruptcy. Discharge does not remove liens from real estate. You must handle these separately. The Adams County Clerk can help with property record questions.

Legal Aid Resources in Adams County

Legal help is available for those who qualify. Colorado Legal Services serves Adams County residents. They offer free help to low-income individuals. Their services include bankruptcy advice. They can help with other debt issues too.

The Adams County Bar Association provides referrals. They can connect you with bankruptcy attorneys. Some lawyers offer free initial consultations. Ask about fees before hiring anyone. Understanding costs upfront prevents surprises.

The federal court also provides resources. The bankruptcy court website has forms and instructions. They offer information for those filing without a lawyer. This is called "pro se" representation. The court cannot give legal advice. But they can explain procedures.

Finding Discharge Records

A discharge order ends a bankruptcy case. It releases the debtor from certain debts. This is the document most people need. You can get discharge orders from PACER. You can also request them from the court clerk.

The discharge shows which debts were wiped out. It also shows which remain. Not all debts can be discharged. Student loans, recent taxes, and child support usually survive bankruptcy. The discharge order makes this clear.

Keep your discharge order forever. You may need to show it later. Creditors sometimes try to collect discharged debts. The discharge order proves they cannot. Adams County residents can store copies safely at home.

Note: Always keep copies of your bankruptcy discharge order in a safe place for future reference.