Review Case Files
CASE FILES
Anyone may request to review case files, but may only review up to three case files at any one time. 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 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 the PACER Service Center for more information.
If you do not have access to PACER, you can view and/or print documents in electronic format by using the public computers available for use in the Clerk's Office during normal business hours (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) 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
Case files available only in paper format may be temporarily unavailable for review or photocopying because these files have been transmitted to the judge or the cases are scheduled for hearings.
OBTAINING COPIES
IN PERSON:
The Clerk's Office will photocopy up to ten pages a day at a cost of $.50 per page. Requests which exceed ten pages are processed by JHM Research & Development Corporation (JHM), 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 additional information and charges.
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.