Garfield County Bankruptcy Case Search

Garfield County is in western Colorado. Glenwood Springs is the county seat. The county is scenic. Mountains surround it. The Colorado River runs through. Tourism is important. Energy production too. Some residents need bankruptcy. They file in Denver federal court.

Garfield County Clerk and Recorder

The Garfield County Clerk and Recorder is in Glenwood Springs. The office keeps public records. They record deeds. They file mortgages. They handle liens. They issue marriage licenses. They do not keep bankruptcy files.

Bankruptcy is federal court work. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Denver handles it. The Clerk and Recorder can help with property records. These relate to bankruptcy.

Note: The Clerk and Recorder can assist with property lien searches that may be relevant to bankruptcy proceedings.

Bankruptcy Court for Garfield County

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado is in Denver. This is the venue for Garfield County residents. The court is at 721 19th Street. The phone is 720-904-7300.

You can file bankruptcy without a lawyer. This is called pro se. The court has forms online. The clerk answers basic questions. They cannot give legal advice.

Most people hire attorneys. Lawyers file electronically using CM/ECF. This is required for attorneys. It is efficient.

After filing, the 341 meeting occurs. This is the creditors meeting. The trustee conducts it. Creditors may attend. Most do not. You answer questions under oath.

Searching Garfield County Bankruptcy Records

Use PACER to search online. Go to pacer.uscourts.gov. Create an account. Then search the database. You pay per page viewed.

The search is simple. Enter a name. Add case details if known. Select Colorado. Results appear. You can view and download documents.

For free access, visit the Denver courthouse. Public terminals are available. Search without cost. Pay only for copies.

To search you need:

• Debtor's full name
• Case number if available
• Approximate filing year
• Last four digits of social security number

Property Records in Garfield County

Real estate records are at the Clerk and Recorder. Garfield County has valuable property. Glenwood Springs is desirable. Rifle is growing. Values vary by location.

You can search property records. Visit the Glenwood Springs office. Ask about online access. Some records may be online.

Bankruptcy trustees check these records. They look for assets. Real estate is a major asset. Mortgages and liens must be disclosed.

Foreclosure records are also kept here. Bankruptcy can stop foreclosure. The automatic stay applies. This gives you time.

UCC Lien Database

The Colorado Secretary of State maintains UCC records. Search at sos.state.co.us/ucc. This is free. No account needed.

UCC liens cover personal property. Business equipment is included. Vehicles are included. Inventory too. Lenders file to protect their loans.

Bankruptcy affects UCC liens. Secured creditors have rights. They can repossess collateral. The UCC filing proves their claim.

Types of Bankruptcy Cases

Chapter 7 is liquidation. It is most common. Non-exempt assets may be sold. Most debts are discharged. The case takes months.

Chapter 13 is reorganization. You keep your property. You make payments over time. The plan lasts three to five years.

Chapter 11 is for businesses. It allows restructuring. The business continues operating. It pays creditors over time.

Chapter 12 is for family farmers. It has special rules. Farmers keep their land. They pay debts over time.

Most Garfield County residents file Chapter 7 or 13.

Bankruptcy Filing Costs

Court fees are required. Chapter 7 is $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Pay when filing. Check or money order works.

Fee waivers are available. Apply if income is low. The court reviews your application. Approval means no fee.

Installment payments are possible. Ask the court. Pay over time. The case proceeds.

Attorney fees are extra. Rates vary. Some lawyers offer payment plans. Call for quotes.

Legal Help in Garfield County

Finding a bankruptcy lawyer is recommended. The Colorado Bar Association can refer you. Call their service. They screen attorneys.

Legal aid may help. Colorado Legal Services assists low-income people. They have limits. Call to check eligibility.

Credit counseling is required before filing. Use an approved agency. The U.S. Trustee lists them. Many offer online courses.

Financial management course is required after filing. Complete it to receive discharge.

Garfield County Communities

Garfield County has several towns. Glenwood Springs is the county seat. Rifle is west. Carbondale is south. New Castle is east. Silt is here too. All file bankruptcy in Denver.

The economy is diverse. Tourism is big. Skiing in winter. Rafting in summer. Energy production too. But financial hardship occurs. Bankruptcy provides relief.

Obtaining Document Copies

Get copies through PACER. Download from home. Or visit the Denver courthouse. The clerk makes copies. Fees apply.

Certified copies are available. These have the court seal. They prove authenticity. Legal matters may need them.

The discharge order is most important. It proves debts are discharged. Keep it safe.

Nearby Counties

Garfield County borders these counties: