Huerfano County Federal Bankruptcy Filings

Huerfano County is in southern Colorado. Walsenburg is the county seat. The county is rural. It has ranching history. The Spanish Peaks are here. Some residents face financial hardship. Bankruptcy cases go to Denver. The federal court handles all Colorado filings.

Huerfano County Clerk and Recorder

The Huerfano County Clerk and Recorder is in Walsenburg. The office keeps local records. They record deeds and mortgages. They handle liens. They issue marriage licenses. They do not handle bankruptcy cases.

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.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Huerfano County

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado is in Denver. Huerfano County residents file there. The court address is 721 19th Street. The phone number is 720-904-7300.

You can file bankruptcy yourself. This is pro se filing. The court provides forms on their website. The clerk can answer basic questions. They cannot give legal advice.

Most filers hire lawyers. Attorneys understand bankruptcy 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 runs it. Creditors may attend. Most do not. You answer questions under oath.

Accessing Huerfano County Bankruptcy Records

PACER is the main tool. Go to pacer.uscourts.gov. Create an account. Then search the database. You pay per page viewed.

To search, enter a name. Add a case number if known. Select Colorado as the court. Results will appear. You can view documents. You can download them.

The courthouse has free terminals. These are in Denver. Search without cost. You pay only for copies. This saves PACER fees.

What you need to search:

• Full name of the debtor
• Case number if you have it
• Approximate year of filing
• Last four digits of social security number

Huerfano County Property Records

Property records are at the Clerk and Recorder. Huerfano County is rural. Much land is ranch property. Walsenburg has homes. La Veta is another town. Values are modest.

You can search property. Visit the Walsenburg office. Ask about online access. Some counties have web portals.

Bankruptcy trustees check these. They look for assets. Real estate is important. Mortgages must be listed. Liens too.

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

UCC Lien Searches

UCC liens are filed with the state. The Colorado Secretary of State keeps them. Search at sos.state.co.us/ucc. This is free. Anyone can search.

UCC liens cover personal property. Vehicles are included. Ranch equipment too. Lenders file UCC-1 forms. This protects their interest.

Bankruptcy treats secured debts special. Creditors have rights. They can take collateral. The UCC filing proves their claim.

Bankruptcy Chapter Types in Huerfano County

Chapter 7 is liquidation. It wipes out most debts. Assets may be sold. Exemptions protect property. The case takes months.

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

Chapter 11 is for businesses. It allows restructuring. The business keeps 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 Huerfano County residents use Chapter 7 or 13. Some may use Chapter 12.

Bankruptcy Costs and Fees

There are filing fees. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. These go to the court. They are due when filing.

You can request a fee waiver. You must show low income. File the application. The court reviews it. If approved, you pay nothing.

Installment plans are possible. Ask the court. File a motion. Pay over time. The case proceeds while you pay.

Attorney fees are separate. Lawyers charge for services. Rates vary. Some offer payment plans. Shop around.

Legal Resources in Huerfano County

Finding a lawyer is important. The Colorado Bar Association can help. They have a referral service. Call them. They screen attorneys.

Legal aid may be available. Colorado Legal Services helps low-income people. They have income limits. Call to check eligibility.

Credit counseling is required. Do this before filing. Approved agencies are listed online. The U.S. Trustee has the list. Many offer phone counseling. This helps rural residents.

Debtor education is also required. Do this after filing. It teaches money management. You must complete it. Otherwise, you do not get discharge.

Huerfano County Communities

Huerfano County has small towns. Walsenburg is the county seat. It is the largest. La Veta is south. Gardner is here. All file bankruptcy in Denver.

The economy is rural. Ranching is traditional. Some tourism. The Spanish Peaks attract visitors. But financial problems happen. Bankruptcy offers relief.

Getting Copies of Documents

You can get copies of any document. Use PACER for electronic copies. Or visit the court in Denver. The clerk makes copies. There is a fee per page.

Certified copies cost more. These have a seal. They prove authenticity. You may need them for legal matters.

The discharge order is most requested. It proves the debts are gone. Keep this document safe.

Nearby Counties

Huerfano County borders these counties: