CASE FILES

Up to three files at a time may be reviewed by anyone requesting them.  When reviewing case files, you are prohibited by federal law from removing any documents from the file.  If you need copies, please ask a deputy clerk for assistance.As of October 6, 2003, the Clerk's Office began using a new case management system.  All documents filed on or after October 6, 2003, are available in an electronic format only.  These images are available to all attorneys or other users who have a PACER account.  If you do not have a PACER account, please go to www.pacer.uscourts.gov for more information regarding the PACER Service Center.

If an individual does not have access to PACER, images can be obtained by coming into the Clerk's Office during normal business hours and using the public terminals to view and print the electronic documents.  There is no cost to view the documents but there is a fee of $.10 per page to print them.

FILE AVAILABILITY

Occasionally, case files are pulled from the shelves for transmittal to the Judge or because the cases are scheduled for hearings.  As a result, certain case files may be temporarily unavailable for review or photocopying.

OBTAINING COPIES

IN PERSON:
The Clerk's Office will photocopy up to ten pages a day at a cost of $.50 per page for anyone requesting them. Requests which exceed ten pages are processed by JHM Research & Development Corporation, Jacqueline Williams, Operations Manager, 5776 2nd Street, NE, Washington, DC 20011, Telephone: 202-526-4257, Fax: 202-526-6868. The forms required by JHM for photocopying requests can be obtained from the Clerk's Office. These requests are usually processed within 48 hours. Please contact JHM for information and charges.

BY MAIL:
By Mail A request for photocopies of documents in case files may be made in writing by mail. These requests require a $26 search fee for the deputy clerk to locate the documents and an additional photocopying fee of $.50 per page. To ensure timely processing of your request, please include the debtor's name, the case number, a list of documents to be copied, and a money order or attorney's business check payable to "Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court" for $26. Please do not send cash or personal checks. A self-addressed stamped envelope should also be provided for the return of the photo copies. The deputy clerk will search the case file for the document(s) and contact you for the additional photocopying charge of $.50 per page.