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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 docket information 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.

RESTRICTED PACER ACCESS TO CERTAIN CLOSED BANKRUPTCY CASES

On September 14, 2010, the Judicial Conference amended the policy on privacy and public access to electronic case files by restricting public access through PACER to documents in bankruptcy cases that were filed before December 1, 2003, and have been closed for more than one year, with the following conditions:

  • The docket sheet and docket information will remain available to the general public via PACER.
  • Any party that has filed a notice of appearance in an individual case will have CM/ECF access to all filings in that case
  • All documents in such cases will remain accessible at the clerks' offices, except those under seal.
  • Access to documents in bankruptcy case appeals filed in the district courts, bankruptcy appellate panels or courts of appeals for bankruptcy cases filed in the bankruptcy court prior to December 1, 2003, will be similarly restricted.

OBTAINING COPIES

IN PERSON:
There are public terminals available in the Clerk's Office during normal business hours for printing of electronic documents. You may view the documents at no cost, however, there is a fee of $.10 per page to print them. There is no cost for printed documents of less than ten (10) pages. If a document is not electronic and the paper file is available in the Clerk's Office, the clerk will photocopy documents at $.50 per page. Requests that are voluminous (i.e. exceeding ten (10) pages) will require a copy request form. The copy request form is available at the intake counter. The copy request is processed usually within 24-48 hours (or possible longer), depending on the request.

BY MAIL:
A request for photocopies of documents in case files may be made in writing by mail. These requests require a $30 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 $30. 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.