Denver County Bankruptcy Records Search
Finding Denver County bankruptcy records starts with the right office. Bankruptcy is a federal process. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado handles all cases. This court sits in Denver. Cases from Denver County and the whole state go here. Records are open to the public. You can view them online or in person. The court is at 721 19th Street in Denver.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Denver County
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court serves Denver County. This is where you file for bankruptcy. It is also where you get copies of records. The court has public access terminals. You can search cases for free. Staff can help you find what you need. The court does not give legal advice. They can only help with records.
All bankruptcy cases in Denver County are federal cases. State courts do not handle them. The court keeps files for many years. Closed cases go to the National Archives. You can still get copies. It just takes more time. Active cases are at the courthouse. You can view them there.
The Denver courthouse has these services:
- Public access to case files
- Copy machines for documents
- PACER terminals for online search
- Help desk for basic questions
Note: The court accepts cash, check, or money order for copy fees. Credit cards are not accepted in person.
Denver County Clerk and Recorder
The Denver County Clerk and Recorder keeps related records. They do not keep bankruptcy files. They do keep property records. They also keep judgment liens. These can relate to bankruptcy cases. You may need to check both offices. The Clerk and Recorder is at 201 W. Colfax Avenue.
Property records show who owns real estate. Bankruptcy may affect these records. Liens are also filed here. A judgment lien can attach to property. Bankruptcy may remove some liens. The clerk can explain how to search these records. You can search online or visit the office.
| Office | Denver Clerk and Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 W. Colfax Avenue, Dept. 101 Denver, CO 80202 |
| Phone | (720) 865-8400 |
| Website | denvergov.org |
How to Search Denver County Bankruptcy Records
You can search Denver County bankruptcy records in several ways. The best method depends on what you need. PACER is the online system. It has most case information. You need an account to use it. There is a fee per page viewed. This is good for remote access.
The public terminal at the courthouse is free. You can search and view cases. You only pay for copies. This is best if you live near Denver. Staff can help you use the system. The terminal has the same data as PACER.
To search Denver County bankruptcy records, you will need:
- Full name of the debtor
- Case number if you have it
- Approximate year of filing
- Social security number (last four digits)
Visit pacer.uscourts.gov to create an account. This is the official PACER website. You can search all federal courts from here. Denver County cases are in the District of Colorado.
Denver County Court Data Access
Denver County has a consolidated city and county government. This means one office handles many services. The Clerk and Recorder manages multiple record types. You can access some data online. Other records require a visit. The office is in the Wellington Webb Building.
Online access is available for property records. You can search by name or address. This is useful for research. You can see transfers and liens. The system is free to use. Some detailed reports may cost money.
The Clerk and Recorder also handles marriage licenses. They record military discharge papers. They manage the elections too. For bankruptcy, their main role is property and lien records. These are public records. Anyone can view them.
UCC Liens in Denver County
UCC liens are filed at the state level. The Colorado Secretary of State handles them. You can search online at sos.state.co.us/ucc. This is important for bankruptcy. UCC liens affect personal property. Cars and business equipment are common examples.
The search is free. You can look up debtors or secured parties. Results show lien status. You can download documents. This helps in bankruptcy research. Secured debts are treated different in bankruptcy. Knowing about liens is key.
Denver County businesses often file UCC statements. Lenders want to protect their loans. The UCC filing gives notice to others. It creates a public record. This system works statewide. It includes Denver County.
Types of Bankruptcy Cases in Denver County
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Denver sees all chapter types. Chapter 7 is liquidation. It is the most common. Chapter 13 is for wage earners. It involves a payment plan. Chapter 11 is for businesses. It allows reorganization. Chapter 12 is for family farmers.
Each type has different records. Chapter 7 cases move fast. Assets get sold. Debts get discharged. Chapter 13 cases last three to five years. The trustee gets monthly payments. Records show all transactions. Chapter 11 cases are complex. They have many motions and hearings.
You can search by chapter type. PACER lets you filter results. This helps if you are doing research. You can see trends in filings. Denver County has many business cases. It is the state's business center.
Getting Copies of Denver County Bankruptcy Documents
You can get copies of any bankruptcy document. The court charges fees. Certified copies cost more. You can request them in person. You can also mail a request. Some documents are online through PACER.
The discharge order is a common request. It shows debts were wiped out. The petition is also important. It lists all assets and debts. The schedule of creditors shows who was owed money. These are public records. Anyone can get them.
Note: Certified copies are often needed for legal purposes. Plain copies work for most other needs.
Legal Help for Bankruptcy in Denver County
Bankruptcy law is complex. Many people hire lawyers. Legal aid may help if you qualify. The Colorado Bar Association has a referral service. They can connect you with a bankruptcy attorney.
Colorado Legal Services offers free help. They have income limits. They prioritize certain cases. Call them to see if you qualify. They have an office in Denver. The bankruptcy court also has pro se resources. This is for people filing without a lawyer.
Credit counseling is required before filing. You must use an approved agency. The certificate of completion gets filed with the court. This is true in Denver County and everywhere else. The U.S. Trustee Program oversees this.
Related Records in Denver County
Besides bankruptcy court, other records may matter. The County Recorder has land records. The District Court has civil cases. These can relate to bankruptcy. A pending lawsuit may be stayed. This means it stops when bankruptcy is filed.
The Denver District Court is at 1437 Bannock Street. They handle state court cases. Their records are separate from bankruptcy. You may need to check both courts. This depends on your research needs.
Filing for Bankruptcy in Denver County
To file bankruptcy, you submit a petition. This is done at the Denver courthouse. You can file in person. You can also mail documents. Electronic filing is required for attorneys. Individuals can file on paper.
The filing fee is several hundred dollars. You can ask for a waiver. This depends on your income. You must complete credit counseling first. You also need to take a debtor education course. These are federal rules.
The 341 meeting happens after filing. This is the creditors meeting. It takes place in Denver. The trustee asks questions. Creditors can attend. Most debtors attend without lawyers. The meeting is recorded.
Nearby Counties
Denver County is surrounded by other counties. Their residents also use the Denver bankruptcy court. Here are nearby counties: