Otero County Bankruptcy Records Search

Otero County sits in southeastern Colorado. La Junta serves as the county seat. This agricultural region relies on farming and ranching. Residents facing financial hardship may file bankruptcy. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Denver handles all cases.

Researching bankruptcy records for Otero County requires remote access methods. La Junta is about 170 miles from Denver. Most residents use PACER online. The county clerk maintains related local records. This guide covers all access options.

Otero County Clerk and Recorder Office

The Otero County Clerk serves from La Junta. The office is at 13 W 3rd Street, La Junta, CO 81050. Phone number is (719) 383-3020. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

This office records property documents. Deeds and mortgages are filed here. These connect to bankruptcy cases. They show real estate ownership. They reveal existing claims. Trustees examine 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 need specific information.

The federal bankruptcy court in Denver maintains all bankruptcy records for Otero County.

The court building stands at 721 19th Street in Denver.

Federal Bankruptcy Court Access

All Otero County cases go to Denver. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court is at 721 19th Street, Denver, CO 80202. Phone is 720-904-7300. This court serves all Colorado counties. La Junta is in the southeast corner of the state.

Access options include PACER, mail, and visits. Online PACER works best for most. It avoids long drives. Mail suits formal requests. In-person visits require planning.

How to Use PACER for Otero County Cases

PACER provides online access to court records. The site is https://pacer.uscourts.gov/. Registration is free. The database covers Colorado cases. Otero County filings are searchable.

Account setup is quick. Provide basic information. Verify your email. Begin searching. Use names or case numbers. Results appear fast. Each page costs ten cents. Documents cap at three dollars. Quarterly fees under thirty dollars are waived.

Otero County cases are under District of Colorado. Records from 2001 forward are online. Older cases need archive access. Download or print documents. Work from La Junta. No travel needed.

Note: PACER is the most practical way for Otero County residents to access bankruptcy records without traveling to Denver.

Otero County Bankruptcy Filing Fees

Federal filing fees are the same everywhere. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. Fee waivers exist for qualifying Chapter 7 filers. Income proof is required. The court reviews carefully. Approval means free filing.

Chapter 13 allows installment payments. Four payments are permitted. First payment at filing. Others follow a schedule. Keep payments current. Missing them risks dismissal.

Attorney fees are additional. Otero County has limited bankruptcy attorneys. Many residents hire Denver or Pueblo lawyers. Some work remotely. Fees vary by complexity. Expect one to three thousand dollars.

Related Records at the County Level

Otero County keeps records tied to bankruptcy. These show financial history. They document assets and debts. Review these sources:

• Property deeds and mortgages
• Judgment liens
• UCC financing statements
• Trust deeds

UCC records are statewide. Find them at https://www.sos.state.co.us/ucc/. The Secretary of State maintains this system. Secured creditors file here. Bankruptcy schedules reference them.

Property liens survive bankruptcy. Discharge does not erase them. Separate action is needed. The Otero County Clerk can explain.

Legal Aid Resources for Otero County

Free legal help exists for qualifying residents. Colorado Legal Services serves southeastern Colorado. They assist low-income individuals. Bankruptcy counseling is available. Other debt services too.

Attorney referrals come from bar associations. The Colorado Bar can help. Some lawyers offer free consultations. Ask about fees early. Know what you will pay. This prevents surprises.

The federal court provides self-help resources. Their website has forms. Instructions are included. Pro se filing is possible. Court staff helps with procedures. They do not give legal advice.

Finding Discharge Records

Discharge orders complete bankruptcy cases. They cancel qualifying debts. This document is essential. Get it from PACER. The court clerk also provides copies.

The order shows what was discharged. It notes what remains. Some debts are not dischargeable. Student loans typically survive. Recent taxes stay due. Support obligations continue. The order makes this clear.

Keep discharge orders forever. You may need proof later. Creditors might pursue old debts. The discharge stops them. Otero County residents should store copies safely.

Note: Always keep your discharge order as proof that your debts were legally discharged through bankruptcy.