Crowley County Colorado Bankruptcy Filings
Crowley County is located in southeastern Colorado. It is part of the Arkansas River valley. The county seat is Ordway. This small agricultural community serves a rural area. Farming and ranching dominate the economy. The county has a small population. When residents face overwhelming debt, they file bankruptcy at the federal court in Denver. The distance requires planning for court appearances.
Finding bankruptcy records for Crowley County requires federal court access. The County Clerk maintains local property records. Both may be needed for research. This guide explains how to access records for Crowley County residents and researchers.
Crowley County Clerk and Recorder
The Crowley County Clerk and Recorder is in Ordway. You can call them at (719) 267-5225. This office maintains the county's official records. Property documents are recorded here. The office also administers elections and issues marriage licenses.
For those researching bankruptcy, property records are important. Deeds show ownership. Mortgages indicate secured debts. Judgment liens are recorded. These documents help trace financial history. They may be referenced in bankruptcy cases.
Office hours are typically weekday mornings. Small county offices have limited staff. Calling ahead is recommended. Staff can explain record access. They can guide your search process.
Find federal bankruptcy information at https://www.cob.uscourts.gov/.
The Denver federal courthouse maintains bankruptcy records for all Colorado counties including Crowley.
Federal Bankruptcy Court Access
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court is at 721 19th Street, Denver, CO 80202. Phone contact is 720-904-7300. This court serves all Colorado counties. Crowley County is among them. The distance from Ordway is considerable.
PACER provides online access. Visit https://pacer.uscourts.gov/. This system holds bankruptcy records from 2001 forward. You can search from Ordway or anywhere. Internet access is required.
Registering for PACER is free. Provide your contact details. Create login credentials. Verification is quick. Once approved, you can search. Fees apply only for document viewing. Most users pay nothing.
How to Use PACER
The name search is most popular. Enter the debtor's full name. The system searches Colorado records. Results show matching cases. You see case numbers and dates. Status is indicated. Click for more details.
The docket sheet lists all documents. Every filing is recorded. You can view any document. Cost is $0.10 per page. Maximum is $3.00 per document. Downloads are allowed.
Case number searches are direct. If you know the number, use it. This takes you to the case. It skips search results. This saves time.
Note: PACER users who charge less than $30 per quarter have their fees waived.
Bankruptcy Chapter Options
Most individuals file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 is liquidation. Non-exempt assets are sold. Unsecured debts are discharged. The process takes three to six months. It provides a fresh start.
Chapter 13 is reorganization. Debtors keep their property. They pay over three to five years. A trustee receives payments. Creditors get distributions. Remaining debts discharge at the end.
Means testing applies to Chapter 7. Income is compared to state median. Those above median may not qualify. They might need Chapter 13. The calculation is detailed.
Crowley County Property Records
The County Clerk maintains land records. You can search at the Ordway office. Records show ownership history. Mortgages and deeds are filed. These are public documents.
Judgment liens are recorded locally. These come from lawsuits. They attach to property. Bankruptcy may affect these. Some can be removed. Others survive.
UCC records are at the state level. Search at https://www.sos.state.co.us/ucc/. This is free. These records show security interests. Farm equipment may be listed.
Filing Fees and Costs
Bankruptcy has court costs. Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. Chapter 13 filing fee is $313. These are current as of 2024. Fee waivers may help.
Chapter 7 allows fee waivers. You must prove financial need. The court reviews your situation. If approved, you pay nothing.
Chapter 13 offers payment plans. Pay part when filing. The rest over time. The court sets a schedule.
Finding Legal Help
Legal assistance is available. Colorado Legal Services serves southeast Colorado. They help low-income residents. Call to check eligibility.
Some attorneys consult by phone. This helps rural residents. You can discuss your case. Learn about options.
The court website has self-help resources. Forms are available. Instructions are included. This helps pro se filers.
- Crowley County Clerk: (719) 267-5225
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court: 720-904-7300
- PACER: https://pacer.uscourts.gov/
- Colorado UCC: https://www.sos.state.co.us/ucc/