Clear Creek County Federal Bankruptcy Records
Clear Creek County sits in the Rocky Mountains west of Denver. Interstate 70 runs through it. The county seat is Georgetown. This historic mining town attracts tourists year-round. Idaho Springs is the largest community. The county has a mountain economy. Mining history remains visible. Tourism and recreation drive current growth. When residents face financial hardship, they file bankruptcy at the federal court in Denver.
The proximity to Denver makes court access easier than for other mountain counties. Many Clear Creek residents drive to Denver for hearings. Records can be accessed online through PACER. The County Clerk maintains local property records. This guide covers both federal and county resources.
Clear Creek County Clerk and Recorder
The Clear Creek County Clerk and Recorder is in Georgetown. You can reach them at (303) 679-2339. This office maintains official county records. Property documents are recorded here. Marriage licenses are issued. Elections are administered.
For bankruptcy research, property records matter. Deeds show ownership. Mortgages reveal secured debts. Judgment liens are recorded. These documents help trace financial history. They may be referenced in bankruptcy cases.
The office is typically open weekdays. Mountain county offices may have weather-related closures. Calling ahead is wise. Staff can explain record access. Some records may be digitized. Older ones might need in-person review.
Visit the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Colorado website at https://www.cob.uscourts.gov/.
The Denver federal courthouse serves Clear Creek County and all Colorado counties for bankruptcy matters.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Access
The federal bankruptcy court is at 721 19th Street, Denver, CO 80202. Contact them at 720-904-7300. This court handles all Clear Creek County filings. The drive from Georgetown takes about an hour. Many residents attend hearings in person.
PACER offers online access. Visit https://pacer.uscourts.gov/. This system contains records from 2001 forward. You can search from anywhere. Registration is free.
Create an account to begin. Provide contact details. Choose a username and password. Verify your email. Once approved, start searching. Fees apply only when viewing documents. Most users qualify for quarterly waivers.
Searching PACER for Clear Creek Cases
Name searches are most common. Enter the debtor's full name. The system searches Colorado records. Results appear instantly. You see case numbers and dates. Status is shown. Click any case for details.
The docket sheet lists all activity. Every document filed appears. You can view any document. Cost is $0.10 per page. Maximum charge is $3.00. Downloads are allowed. This makes research efficient.
Advanced search filters exist. You can search by date range. You can filter by chapter type. You can search by attorney. These tools help narrow results. This saves time and money.
Bankruptcy Chapter Options
Individuals usually file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 is liquidation. Assets above exemptions are sold. Most unsecured debts discharge. The process completes in three to six months. It offers a quick fresh start.
Chapter 13 is reorganization. Debtors keep property. They pay over three to five years. A trustee receives payments. Creditors get distributions. Remaining debts discharge at completion.
Means testing applies to Chapter 7. Income is compared to state median. Colorado's median varies by household size. Those above median may not qualify. They might need Chapter 13. The test calculation is detailed.
Clear Creek County Property Records
The Clerk's office maintains land records. You can search at the Georgetown office. Records go back to territorial days. Mining claims are part of the history. Older documents may be archived. Staff can assist with searches.
Property records show ownership. They reveal mortgage liens. Judgment liens appear here. These connect to bankruptcy. Some liens survive discharge. Others may be avoided. Each case is unique.
UCC records are state-level. Search at https://www.sos.state.co.us/ucc/. This is free. These records show personal property liens. Vehicles and equipment may be listed. These affect bankruptcy treatment.
Note: Colorado exemption laws protect certain home equity and personal property in bankruptcy.
Filing Fees and Costs
Court filing fees are standard. Chapter 7 is $338. Chapter 13 is $313. These apply nationwide. Fee waivers exist for Chapter 7. Installments work for Chapter 13.
Attorney fees vary. Denver lawyers serve Clear Creek County. Rates vary by experience. Chapter 7 typically costs $1,200 to $2,500. Chapter 13 ranges $3,000 to $5,000. Payment plans are common.
Required courses add costs. Credit counseling comes first. It costs $15 to $50. Debtor education follows. Similar pricing applies. These are mandatory.
Legal Resources
Legal help is available. Colorado Legal Services serves the region. They help low-income residents. Call to check eligibility. Free help may be available.
Many Denver attorneys serve mountain counties. Some offer virtual consultations. Phone and video meetings work well. This saves travel time. Ask about this option.
The court website has self-help materials. These guide pro se filers. Forms come with instructions. The court cannot give legal advice. But they explain procedures.
- Clear Creek County Clerk: (303) 679-2339
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court: 720-904-7300
- PACER: https://pacer.uscourts.gov/
- Colorado UCC: https://www.sos.state.co.us/ucc/