Custer County Federal Bankruptcy Records
Custer County sits in south-central Colorado. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains form its western border. The county seat is Westcliffe. This small mountain town is known for dark skies. The area attracts stargazers and outdoor enthusiasts. Ranching and tourism drive the economy. When residents face financial hardship, they file bankruptcy at the federal court in Denver.
Finding bankruptcy records for Custer County requires federal court access. The County Clerk maintains local property records. Understanding both systems is important. This guide explains how to access both types of records.
Custer County Clerk and Recorder
The Custer County Clerk and Recorder is in Westcliffe. You can reach them at (719) 783-2441. This office maintains the county's official records. Property documents are recorded here. The office also handles elections and marriage licenses.
For bankruptcy research, property records are relevant. Deeds show ownership. Mortgages indicate secured debts. Judgment liens are recorded. These documents help trace financial history.
The office is typically open weekdays. Mountain county offices may have weather closures. Calling ahead is wise. Staff can explain record access.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court website is at https://www.cob.uscourts.gov/.
The Denver federal courthouse serves Custer County for all bankruptcy matters.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Colorado
The federal bankruptcy court is at 721 19th Street, Denver, CO 80202. Contact them at 720-904-7300. This court handles all Custer County filings. The distance from Westcliffe is significant. Online access through PACER is essential.
PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. Find it at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/. This system holds records from 2001 forward. You can search from Westcliffe or anywhere.
Creating an account is free. Registration takes minutes. You need an email address. Create a secure password. Once verified, you can search. Fees apply only for viewing documents.
How PACER Works
Name searches are most common. Enter the debtor's full name. The system searches Colorado records. Results show matching cases. You see case numbers and dates. Click for details.
The docket sheet lists all documents. You can view any document. Cost is $0.10 per page. Maximum is $3.00. Downloads are allowed.
Case number searches are direct. If you know the number, use it. This goes straight to the case.
Note: PACER fee waivers apply to users with quarterly charges under $30.
Bankruptcy Chapter Types
Individuals usually file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 is liquidation. Assets above exemptions are sold. Debts are discharged. The process takes months.
Chapter 13 is reorganization. Debtors keep property. They pay over three to five years. Remaining debts discharge at the end.
Means testing applies to Chapter 7. Income is compared to state median. Those above median may need Chapter 13.
Custer County Property Records
The Clerk's office maintains land records. You can search at Westcliffe. Records show ownership history. Mortgages and deeds are filed.
Judgment liens are recorded locally. These attach to property. Bankruptcy may affect them.
UCC records are state-level. Search at https://www.sos.state.co.us/ucc/. This is free.
Filing Fees and Options
Court filing fees are standard. Chapter 7 is $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Fee waivers exist for Chapter 7. Payment plans work for Chapter 13.
Attorney fees vary. Chapter 7 typically costs $1,200 to $2,500. Chapter 13 ranges $3,000 to $5,000. Payment plans are common.
Legal Help for Mountain Residents
Colorado Legal Services serves the region. They help low-income residents. Call to check eligibility.
Some attorneys consult remotely. Phone and video meetings work well.
The court website has self-help materials. Forms are available with instructions.
- Complete credit counseling before filing
- Gather all financial documents
- List every creditor accurately
- Attend the meeting of creditors
- Complete debtor education before discharge