Gilbert Bankruptcy Records

Gilbert bankruptcy records are filed at the federal court in Phoenix. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona handles all bankruptcy cases for Gilbert residents. The Phoenix courthouse is about 23 miles from Gilbert. Online access through PACER makes searching records easy without the drive. All Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 filings appear in this federal database. Gilbert has grown fast and now has nearly 294,000 people. Residents can search bankruptcy cases online any time of day. Records are public under federal law. You can view case documents at the courthouse or through the internet from home.

Gilbert Bankruptcy Filing Location

Gilbert is in Maricopa County. All bankruptcy filings go to the Phoenix division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The main courthouse sits at 230 North 1st Avenue in downtown Phoenix. This is the primary federal bankruptcy office for the District of Arizona.

The drive from Gilbert to Phoenix takes about 35 to 50 minutes with normal traffic. Court hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 602-682-4000 for information. You can file in person or use the CM/ECF electronic filing system.

Attorneys must file electronically. Pro se filers have the option to use paper or file online. The court encourages electronic submission. It speeds up case processing and makes documents available for searching sooner. Most Gilbert residents use PACER for record searches rather than driving to Phoenix.

Note: Bankruptcy is a federal matter. State and county courts play no role in these cases.

Federal Court System for Gilbert Records

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona maintains all Gilbert bankruptcy records. This federal court serves all 15 Arizona counties from offices in Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma.

The Phoenix office is closest to Gilbert. Chief Judge Eddward P. Ballinger Jr. leads the court. Clerk of Court Khadijia White-Thomas runs daily operations. The court has free public access terminals. Staff can help you search Gilbert bankruptcy records and navigate the system.

All case files are public under 11 U.S.C. Section 107. This federal statute makes bankruptcy records available to anyone. You do not need to be a party to the case. You do not need a reason to search. Some personal data like full Social Security numbers gets redacted for privacy.

Gilbert Bankruptcy Records Resources

Community Legal Services helps low-income Gilbert residents with bankruptcy questions. Call 602-258-3434 for information. They explain options and assist with forms. Staff can review your situation and provide guidance on next steps.

The Volunteer Lawyers Program at 602-506-7948 connects people with attorneys who work for free. The Maricopa County Law Library at superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/ has self-help materials. Find sample forms and research bankruptcy law there. Staff cannot give legal advice but point you to helpful resources.

The Phoenix courthouse has a Self-Help Center. Volunteer attorneys answer basic questions about forms and procedures. Call 602-682-4007 for center hours. The Bankruptcy Help Line at 866-553-0893 provides free general assistance. Spanish speakers can get help too.

Search Gilbert Bankruptcy Cases Online

PACER is the main way to search Gilbert bankruptcy records remotely. Register for a free account at pacer.uscourts.gov. After login, access Arizona cases at ecf.azb.uscourts.gov. Search by name, case number, or tax ID.

Results show the full docket with every filing in the case. View documents as PDFs. Download what you need. Fees run $0.10 per page with a $3.00 cap per document. Quarterly charges under $30 get waived. Many Gilbert residents searching records pay nothing.

Call 1-866-222-8029 for free phone access through the Voice Case Information System. This automated line gives case numbers, filing dates, and status 24 hours a day. Use it for quick checks when you just need basic information.

Gilbert Bankruptcy Case Types

Chapter 7 is the most common type filed by Gilbert residents. It eliminates most unsecured debt through liquidation. A trustee may sell non-exempt assets to pay creditors. Cases typically close in three to four months. Records document what property existed and how creditors were paid.

Chapter 13 allows debt repayment over three to five years. Filers keep their property while making payments under court supervision. The case file includes the payment plan and proof of each payment. Gilbert residents with steady income often choose this option to catch up on house or car payments.

Chapter 11 handles larger cases. Businesses or individuals with substantial debts restructure what they owe. The process involves creditor voting and court approval. These files can be extensive. Chapter 12 exists for family farmers and fishermen but is uncommon in Gilbert.

Note: All Gilbert bankruptcy case types create public records you can search.

Gilbert Bankruptcy Record Fees

Fees apply when you access Gilbert bankruptcy records. PACER charges $0.10 per page online. Each document caps at $3.00 regardless of length. Quarterly totals under $30 are waived automatically. Basic searches often cost nothing.

Paper copies at the Phoenix courthouse cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $12.00 per document. The fee schedule lists all current costs. Pay by cashier's check or money order payable to U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Online payments go through Pay.gov. Cash is not accepted.

Mail requests cost $34.00 per name or number searched. Include case details, your contact information, and payment with a stamped return envelope. Allow one to two weeks. In-person requests get faster results.

Nearby Cities for Bankruptcy Records

These major cities near Gilbert also have bankruptcy record information: