El Paso County Bankruptcy Court Records
El Paso County is in eastern Colorado. Colorado Springs is the county seat. It is the second largest city in the state. Many people live here. Some face financial hardship. Bankruptcy is an option. Cases go to Denver federal court.
El Paso County Clerk and Recorder
The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder has an office in Colorado Springs. They handle many records. They record deeds. They file mortgages. They keep liens. They do not handle bankruptcy. That is federal court work.
The Clerk and Recorder can help with related records. Property liens are here. These matter in bankruptcy. Judgment liens too. The trustee checks these.
| Office | El Paso County Clerk and Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Rd Colorado Springs, CO 80907 |
| Phone | (719) 520-6200 |
| Website | car.elpasoco.com |
Federal Bankruptcy Court for El Paso County
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado is in Denver. This is where El Paso County residents file. The court is at 721 19th Street. The phone number is 720-904-7300.
You can file bankruptcy yourself. This is pro se. The court provides forms. They are on the website. You can also buy software. This helps with paperwork.
Most filers hire lawyers. Attorneys understand the law. They file electronically. This is the CM/ECF system. It is required for attorneys.
After filing comes the 341 meeting. This is the creditors meeting. The trustee asks questions. Creditors may attend. Most do not. The meeting is short.
Accessing El Paso County Bankruptcy Records
PACER is the main tool. Go to pacer.uscourts.gov. Create an account. Search the database. You pay per page viewed.
Searching is simple. Enter a name. Add case details if known. Select Colorado. Results appear. You can view documents. You can download them.
Free access is at the courthouse. Denver has public terminals. Search without cost. Pay only for copies. This saves PACER fees.
What you need:
- Full name of debtor
- Case number if available
- Year of filing
- Last four of social security number
Property Records in El Paso County
Real estate records are at the Clerk and Recorder. El Paso County has many homes. Colorado Springs is large. Property values vary. Records show ownership.
You can search online. The website is car.elpasoco.com. Search by name. Search by address. Search by parcel number.
Bankruptcy trustees check these. They look for assets. Homes are major assets. Liens are important too. Mortgages must be listed.
Foreclosure records are here. Bankruptcy can stop foreclosure. The automatic stay works. It halts the process. You get time to work things out.
Note: The Clerk and Recorder provides certified copies of property documents. These may be required in bankruptcy proceedings.
UCC Lien Searches
The Colorado Secretary of State keeps UCC records. Visit sos.state.co.us/ucc. Search for free. No account needed.
UCC liens cover personal property. Cars are included. Boats are included. Business equipment too. Lenders file UCC-1 forms.
Bankruptcy treats these special. Secured creditors have rights. They can take collateral. The UCC filing proves their claim. Trustees review these liens.
Bankruptcy Chapter Options
Chapter 7 is liquidation. It wipes out debts. Assets may be sold. Most people keep their property. Exemptions protect it. The case takes months.
Chapter 13 is reorganization. You keep everything. You make payments. The plan lasts years. You pay part of debts.
Chapter 11 is for businesses. It is complex. It allows restructuring. Businesses keep operating. They pay over time.
Most El Paso County residents use Chapter 7 or 13. The choice depends on income. It depends on assets. A lawyer can help decide.
Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Court fees are required. Chapter 7 is $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Pay when filing. Checks or money orders work. Cash is accepted.
Fee waivers exist. Apply if income is low. File the form. The court reviews it. Approval means no fee.
Installment plans are possible. Ask the court. Make payments over time. The case proceeds.
Attorney fees are extra. Lawyers charge for services. Rates vary. Some have payment plans. Call around for quotes.
Legal Resources in El Paso County
Finding a lawyer is important. The Colorado Bar Association helps. Call their referral line. They screen attorneys. You get qualified help.
Legal aid may be available. Colorado Legal Services helps low-income people. They have income limits. Call to check. They offer advice. They help with forms.
Credit counseling is required. Do this before filing. Approved agencies are listed. The U.S. Trustee has them. Many offer online courses.
Debtor education is next. Do this after filing. Learn money management. Complete it to get discharge.
Cities in El Paso County
El Paso County has many communities. Colorado Springs is the largest. It is the county seat. Fountain is south. Manitou Springs is west. Monument is north. These all file in Denver.
The county has a military presence. Fort Carson is here. The Air Force Academy too. Military members file bankruptcy. Special rules may apply. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act helps.
Economy is diverse. Tourism is big. Military is big. Tech jobs grow. But hard times happen. Bankruptcy offers relief.
Obtaining Document Copies
Get copies through PACER. Download from home. Or visit Denver. The clerk makes copies. Fees apply per page.
Certified copies are available. These have the court seal. They prove authenticity. Legal matters need them. Banks want them too.
The discharge order is most important. It proves debts are gone. Keep it forever. You may need to show it.
Nearby Counties
El Paso County borders these counties: