Jefferson County Federal Court Bankruptcy Records

Jefferson County is west of Denver. Golden is the county seat. It is the fourth most populous county in Colorado. Many residents live here. Some face financial hardship. Bankruptcy is an option. All cases go to Denver federal court.

Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder

The Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder is in Golden. The office keeps public 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 Jefferson County

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado is in Denver. Jefferson 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 Jefferson County Bankruptcy Records

PACER is the main tool for records. 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. You can print them.

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

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

Note: PACER fees are waived if you use less than $30 per quarter.

Jefferson County Property Records

Property records are at the Clerk and Recorder. Jefferson County has many homes. Lakewood is large. Arvada is here. Wheat Ridge too. Values vary by area.

You can search property online. The Jefferson County website has tools. Search by name. Search by address. Search by parcel number.

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

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

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. Cars are included. Boats are included. Business 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. Trustees review these.

Bankruptcy Chapter Types in Jefferson County

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

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

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

Most Jefferson County residents use Chapter 7 or 13. The choice depends on income. It depends on assets. A lawyer can help decide.

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 Jefferson 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 online courses.

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

Jefferson County Communities

Jefferson County has many cities. Lakewood is the largest. Arvada is big. Wheat Ridge is here. Westminster is partly here. Golden is the county seat. All file bankruptcy in Denver.

The economy is diverse. Denver suburbs dominate. Retail is big. Healthcare too. 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. Banks often want certified copies.

The discharge order is most requested. It proves the debts are gone. Keep this document safe. You may need it later.

Nearby Counties

Jefferson County borders these counties: