How To Find Out If Someone Filed Bankruptcy

If you’re worried that someone may have filed for bankruptcy, you’re not alone. A lot of people are curious about this topic and with good reason. Filing for bankruptcy can be a difficult decision, and it can have a lot of consequences for the person who does it. 

You may be wondering how to find out if someone has filed for bankruptcy. There are a few different ways to do this. 

The most obvious way is to ask the person directly. If you’re close with the person and they trust you, they may be willing to tell you about their financial situation. 

They may also have told other people about their financial problems, so asking around may be another option for finding out if someone has filed for bankruptcy. 

If you’re curious about whether or not someone has filed for bankruptcy, there are a few ways to find out. This blog post will discuss finding out if someone has filed for bankruptcy.

Is Bankruptcy Public Information? 

Yes, bankruptcy records in the United States are public information. This means that anyone can access these records to determine if someone has filed for bankruptcy. 

The only exception is when a person files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, typically granted to people with little income and few assets. In this case, the debtor’s name is not listed on public documents. 

The best way to find out if someone has filed for bankruptcy is to search the United States Bankruptcy Court Records Database. 

When you access this website, you will search by name or case number. If you do not know the person’s name, you can search by their address. 

The website will then provide a list of all the bankruptcies that have been filed in that area. You can also call your local courthouse and ask them if anyone has filed for bankruptcy in your area.

Do I Need a Lawyer To Find Out? 

You may be able to find out if someone has filed for bankruptcy without the help of a lawyer. As long as you know where the person is living or doing business and their name, it shouldn’t take much effort. In addition, many counties will have records of bankruptcy filings. 

You can contact each county and make a public records request or check their website for information on how to search the court’s database. 

Some counties may also require you to go there in person to do your own search, which means you could incur some travel expenses and time away from work. 

If this sounds like too much trouble, then it might make sense for you to hire an attorney familiar with the rules regarding accessing bankruptcy files to find out if someone else has filed one against them before proceeding any further with plans related to those assets.

Why Should You Find Out If Someone Filed For Bankruptcy?

You may want to know if someone has filed for bankruptcy in the past for various reasons. Perhaps you’re thinking about doing business with them and wish to know more about their financial history. 

Or perhaps you’re simply interested in learning more about someone in your life who may have gone through this difficult time. 

Some people file for bankruptcy to gain an advantage over their creditors or even get out of debt completely – it is critical that you understand why someone has done so before making any decisions about working with them! 

This is why it is essential to understand the process of filing for bankruptcy and how to determine whether or not someone else has filed before deciding whether or not this debt relief option is appropriate for your situation.

What Information Do I Need To Find Out If Someone Filed For Bankruptcy? 

You’ll need some specific information to determine whether or not someone has filed for bankruptcy. This includes information such as the individual’s name and date of birth. 

You’ll also need to know what state they’re from and which county they’re from. You can check public records to see if a bankruptcy filing has been filed against you with this information. 

Furthermore, you can find out if a person has been discharged from bankruptcy by searching the public records. This information can be found quickly and easily through some online resources, and you can also seek assistance from a legal professional. 

It is also possible to obtain a free credit report containing information about bankruptcy filings in some cases. However, to obtain the report, you may be required to provide some information.

Bankruptcy Types

Chapter 7 

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most frequently encountered type of bankruptcy. It is referred to as a “liquidation” because the debtor’s assets are liquidated to pay creditors. 

The process can take anywhere from three to six months, and a trustee is appointed to oversee the case throughout the duration.

Chapter 9 

Chapter 9 is the section of bankruptcy law that covers municipalities. A municipality is a city, county, town, school district, or other public entity. Chapter 9 is the only chapter of bankruptcy that can be used by a municipality. 

A municipality can file for bankruptcy under Chapter 11, but this is very rare. Instead, the vast majority of municipal bankruptcies are filed under Chapter 9.

Chapter 11 

Using Chapter 11 bankruptcy, businesses and individuals can reorganize their debts and assets to get back on their feet. 

A Chapter 11 petition allows the debtor to continue operating his business while reorganizing his financial situation through a payment plan. Debtors can also use Chapter 11 to get rid of their tax debt if they have it.

Chapter 12 

Chapter 12 is similar to chapter 13 but is designed for the debtor to have a regular income from business operations. 

The purpose of chapter 12 is to permit financially distressed businesses and individuals to propose and carry out a plan to repay their debts over time.

Chapter 13

Chapter 13 is a reorganization bankruptcy that allows people with regular income to propose a repayment plan to creditors. The advantage of Chapter 13 is that it allows you to keep your property, like your house or car, while you are paying off your debt. 

However, you will need to have a steady income and make monthly payments for three to five years to complete a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Chapter 15

Chapter 15 of the bankruptcy code governs cross-border insolvency. This provision helps companies and individuals who have business interests in multiple countries. 

If you’re wondering if someone has filed for Chapter 15 protection, there is a way to find out. The United States Bankruptcy Court website maintains a list of all cases that have been filed under Chapter 15. 

Where Can I Find Bankruptcy Records For Free?

Pacer Case Locator

The Pacer Case Locator, a National Data Center operated by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, can help you search for bankruptcy cases and court documents and records using Pacer’s Case Locator database.

This saves time and allows you to save money. You can find it on various websites, including Pacer.gov, and USCourts.gov, among others. 

Searches for individuals’ names, search for business entities’ names (including corporations’ names), and searches for bankruptcy cases and court numbers are the three types of searches available through Pacer. This will more than likely also give you even more detailed information.

Public Terminal In The Courthouse

Looking at the public terminal in the courthouse will allow you to determine whether or not someone has filed for bankruptcy. The records are updated daily to ensure that you receive up-to-date information. 

Another option is to get in touch with one of the major credit reporting agencies and inquire about your options. 

In the last seven years, they will be able to tell you whether or not a particular individual has filed for bankruptcy. However, remember that this may not be completely accurate because individuals may choose not to report bankruptcies to credit reporting agencies on occasion.

Leverage VCIS System If You Have SSN

VCIS is a computerized system that links bankruptcy records from all 94 federal court districts in the United States. The best part: you don’t need to know where someone lives or works to get their records through this system. 

Once VCIS identifies a person, it will provide information about any bankruptcies filed during the previous 18 months. You can also see when and where they were filed and what type of chapter was used (Chapter 13, Chapter 20, or Chapter 11). 

You may want to ask an attorney for help with this search since it could take up some time if there are many false positives on your results page!

Wrapping Up

You now know how to find out if someone has filed for bankruptcy. However, it is a good idea to be proactive and investigate whether or not a person you are considering doing business with has filed for bankruptcy in the past. 

Bankruptcy can signify that a person is struggling financially and may not repay their debts. Bankruptcy can be a complex topic to discuss, but it is essential to be aware of its implications on your life and finances. 

By following the tips in this article, you will be better equipped to handle any potential financial difficulties that may arise.