La Plata County Federal Bankruptcy Filings
Finding bankruptcy records in La Plata County involves federal and local resources. Durango serves as the county seat. This southwestern Colorado community sits miles from the Denver courthouse. Residents of Durango, Bayfield, and Ignacio file bankruptcy in Denver. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court maintains all case files. Access requires understanding the right systems.
La Plata County offers beautiful mountain living. Financial challenges affect residents here like anywhere else. Bankruptcy provides a fresh start for those who need it. Records of these cases are public. They contain detailed financial information. Researchers can access them through proper channels.
La Plata County Clerk and Recorder Office
The La Plata County Clerk serves the public from Durango. The office is at 1060 E 2nd Avenue, Durango, CO 81301. Phone number is (970) 382-6280. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The office closes on holidays.
This office maintains property records for La Plata County. Deeds, mortgages, and liens are recorded here. These documents relate to bankruptcy cases. They show real estate ownership. They reveal existing claims. Bankruptcy trustees review these records.
The clerk also records state court judgments. These can become judgment liens. Such liens appear in bankruptcy schedules. Priority disputes sometimes arise. The records help resolve questions. Property searches require specific addresses or owner names.
The federal courthouse in Denver houses all bankruptcy records for La Plata County.
The court building stands at 721 19th Street in downtown Denver.
Federal Bankruptcy Court Access
La Plata County bankruptcy cases are filed in Denver. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court address is 721 19th Street, Denver, CO 80202. Phone is 720-904-7300. The court serves all 64 Colorado counties. Distance from Durango is about 350 miles. Most filings occur through attorneys.
Three methods exist for record access. Online PACER searches work best for most people. In-person visits suit those needing immediate help. Mail requests serve distant researchers. Each has different timeframes. Costs vary accordingly.
How to Use PACER for La Plata County Cases
PACER offers online access to court documents. The website is https://pacer.uscourts.gov/. Registration is free and quick. The system includes all Colorado bankruptcy filings. La Plata County cases are searchable by name.
Searching requires an account. Once registered, you can look up cases. Enter a debtor name or case number. Results display instantly. Each page costs ten cents to view. Documents cap at three dollars. Quarterly fees under thirty dollars are forgiven.
Cases from La Plata County use the Colorado District designation. Records from 2001 onward are online. Earlier cases need archive requests. You can save or print documents. Searches work from anywhere. This eliminates travel to Denver.
Note: PACER is the most efficient way to access bankruptcy records from rural counties like La Plata.
La Plata County Bankruptcy Filing Fees
Federal law sets bankruptcy filing fees. These amounts apply nationwide. Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. Chapter 13 filing fee is $313. Fee waivers exist for qualifying Chapter 7 filers. The court examines financial documentation. Approval means free filing.
Chapter 13 allows installment payments. The court permits up to four payments. Initial payment is required at filing. Subsequent payments follow a court schedule. Missing payments can cause dismissal. Stay current to protect your case.
Attorney fees are additional. Most La Plata County residents hire legal counsel. Some Durango attorneys handle bankruptcy. Others refer cases to Denver lawyers. Fees depend on case complexity. Simple Chapter 7 cases may cost one to two thousand dollars.
Related Records at the County Level
La Plata County maintains records connected to bankruptcy. These sources provide asset and debt information. They help complete financial pictures. Researchers should check these records:
- Real property deeds and mortgages
- State court judgment liens
- UCC financing statements
- Trust deeds and releases
UCC records are statewide. Access them at https://www.sos.state.co.us/ucc/. The Secretary of State maintains this system. It tracks secured transactions. Lenders file statements here. Bankruptcy schedules list these creditors.
Real property liens survive bankruptcy. Discharge does not erase them. You must deal with them separately. The La Plata County Clerk explains the process. Legal advice may be needed. Consider consulting an attorney.
Legal Aid Resources in La Plata County
Free legal help exists for eligible residents. Colorado Legal Services serves La Plata County. They assist low-income individuals. Bankruptcy counseling is available. Other debt help is offered too.
The Southwest Colorado Bar Association provides referrals. They connect people with attorneys. Some lawyers give free consultations. Ask about fees upfront. Know what you will pay. This avoids misunderstandings.
The federal court website offers self-help materials. Forms and guides are downloadable. These assist pro se filers. Representing yourself is possible. The court provides procedural help. They cannot give legal advice.
Finding Discharge Records
The discharge order completes bankruptcy. It eliminates qualifying debts. This is the key document. Get it from PACER or the court. Both sources provide certified copies.
The order specifies discharged debts. It also notes exceptions. Certain obligations remain. Student loans typically survive. Recent taxes stay due. Support obligations continue. The discharge clarifies these points.
Preserve discharge orders forever. You may need proof later. Creditors occasionally pursue old debts. The discharge stops them. La Plata County residents should file copies securely.
Note: A certified copy of your discharge order may be required for mortgage applications or other financial transactions.