Access Mesa Bankruptcy Records

Mesa bankruptcy records are kept at the federal court in Phoenix. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona handles all bankruptcy filings for Mesa residents. The Phoenix courthouse is about 17 miles from downtown Mesa. You can also search records online through PACER without driving there. This federal database has all Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 filings. Mesa is the third largest city in Arizona with over 500,000 people. Many residents use the online system to look up bankruptcy cases. The records are public under federal law. Anyone can search them for free at courthouse terminals or pay a small fee online.

Mesa Bankruptcy Court Filing Location

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

The drive from Mesa to the Phoenix courthouse takes about 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. You can file papers in person during business hours. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. Call 602-682-4000 for questions. Most Mesa residents prefer searching records online rather than making the trip.

Lawyers must file electronically through CM/ECF. Pro se filers can use paper or electronic submission. The court encourages electronic filing when possible. It speeds up the process. Documents show up in the public system faster. This makes searching Mesa bankruptcy records easier for everyone.

Mesa Bankruptcy Records Resources

The Maricopa County Law Library has branches around the valley. Mesa residents can use the Law Library Resource Center locations for self-help materials on bankruptcy.

The downtown Mesa branch is at 222 East Javelina Avenue in the Southeast Regional Court Building. Staff can help you find forms and research materials. They cannot give legal advice. But they can point you to useful resources. The library has sample bankruptcy petitions and schedules you can review.

Community Legal Services helps low-income Mesa residents. Call 602-258-3434 for information. They can explain your options and help with paperwork. The Volunteer Lawyers Program at 602-506-7948 matches people with attorneys who work for free. These resources make it easier for Mesa residents to understand the bankruptcy process.

Note: The Phoenix courthouse Self-Help Center offers additional assistance if you can make the drive.

Search Mesa Bankruptcy Cases Online

PACER lets you search Mesa bankruptcy records from home. No need to drive to Phoenix. Register for free at pacer.uscourts.gov. Then log in and go to ecf.azb.uscourts.gov for Arizona cases.

Search by party name, case number, or Social Security number. Results show filing date, case status, assigned judge, and complete docket information. You can view and download any public document. Fees are $0.10 per page with a $3.00 cap per document. If your quarterly use stays under $30, the court waives all charges.

The Voice Case Information System provides free phone access. Call 1-866-222-8029 any time. The automated system gives you case numbers, filing dates, and status. It works around the clock. Use it for quick lookups when you just need basic info.

For free searches with full document access, visit the Phoenix courthouse. Public terminals there connect to PACER at no charge. Bring a photo ID for security screening.

Types of Mesa Bankruptcy Filings

Most Mesa bankruptcy cases are Chapter 7 liquidations. This type erases most unsecured debt quickly. A trustee sells any non-exempt assets to pay creditors. Most Chapter 7 cases close in three to four months. Records show what property the debtor had and which creditors received payment.

Chapter 13 is the second most common filing type. It lets people keep their property while repaying debts over three to five years. The case file includes the payment plan and proof of each payment. These files tend to be larger because the case lasts longer. Mesa residents with steady income often choose this option.

Chapter 11 filings are less common but happen for larger cases. Businesses or people with significant debts use this type. The debtor proposes a restructuring plan. Creditors vote on it. Court orders document every step. Chapter 12 exists for family farmers but is rare in Mesa.

Mesa Bankruptcy Record Fees

Fees apply when accessing Mesa bankruptcy records. PACER charges $0.10 per page viewed online. A $3.00 cap applies to each document. Quarterly fees under $30 get waived automatically. Many searchers pay nothing.

Paper copies at the Phoenix clerk window cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $12.00 per document. The court fee schedule lists all current charges. Pay with cashier's check or money order to U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Online payments go through Pay.gov.

Mail requests cost $34.00 per name or number searched. Include case details and a stamped return envelope. Processing takes one to two weeks. Going to the Phoenix courthouse is faster if you need records right away.

Mesa Bankruptcy Case Documents

Every Mesa bankruptcy case file has standard documents. The petition starts the case. It lists the debtor name and chapter type. Schedules detail all assets, debts, and income. The statement of financial affairs shows recent transactions and employment history.

Creditors file proofs of claim stating what they are owed. The trustee reviews these claims. Court orders record every decision. The discharge order ends the case by releasing the debtor from covered debts. All documents are public and searchable.

Records stay available indefinitely. The federal court keeps all files permanently. You can find cases from years ago. Current filings appear in the system within a day of submission. Mesa bankruptcy records are fully accessible through PACER or at the Phoenix courthouse.

Note: Some personal information like full Social Security numbers is redacted for privacy.

Nearby Cities for Bankruptcy Records

These major cities near Mesa also have bankruptcy record information: