New Haven County Bankruptcy Records Access
New Haven County bankruptcy records are federal court documents filed at the New Haven Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut. Residents of New Haven, Waterbury, Meriden, and surrounding communities file cases at this division. These records contain petitions, creditor lists, asset schedules, and discharge orders. You can access New Haven County bankruptcy filings through PACER, the federal court's electronic system, or by visiting the courthouse in downtown New Haven. The New Haven Division serves all communities in the county. This includes major cities and smaller towns alike. Records are available online or in person. Public access terminals are at the courthouse for free case viewing.
New Haven County Bankruptcy Court Quick Facts
Where to Find New Haven County Bankruptcy Records
The United States Bankruptcy Court maintains all New Haven County bankruptcy records. This is a federal court. It has exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy matters. The New Haven Division serves residents of this county. Cases filed here create permanent federal records. These files contain complete financial documentation.
Bankruptcy cases from New Haven County include Chapter 7 liquidations. They also include Chapter 13 repayment plans. Some businesses file Chapter 11 reorganizations. Each case generates extensive records. The voluntary petition starts the file. Schedules list all assets and debts. The statement of financial affairs provides background. Trustee reports track case progress. The discharge order ends the matter.
Most New Haven County cases filed since 1998 are stored electronically. The CM/ECF system manages these files. Older cases may be archived. The Federal Records Center in Massachusetts holds them. You can request archived files through the Clerk's Office. Contact them first to check file location. This saves time and effort.
The Connecticut Bankruptcy Court homepage provides access to case lookup tools and divisional office information for New Haven County residents.
Online Access Methods for New Haven County Bankruptcy Records
PACER offers the best online access to New Haven County bankruptcy records. This federal system holds case summaries and docket sheets. You can view document images from your computer. Registration is free at pacer.uscourts.gov. Each page costs eight cents to view. The charge caps at thirty dollars per document. Usage under thirty dollars per quarter is free. PACER covers all federal bankruptcy courts nationwide.
PACER provides nationwide access to federal court records including all New Haven County bankruptcy filings with document images and case status.
The Voice Case Information System offers free phone access. Call 1-866-222-8029 anytime day or night. This automated system gives basic case details. You can hear debtor names and case numbers. Filing dates are available. Trustee names are listed. Meeting of creditors dates are provided. Case status updates regularly. No registration is required for VCIS. This works well for quick lookups.
Attorneys and trustees use CM/ECF for filing documents. The public can view case information here too. The web address is ecf.ctb.uscourts.gov. You must register to use this system. Email ctb_ecf_registrations@ctb.uscourts.gov to begin. CM/ECF offers real-time document access. New filings appear immediately. The system sends automatic notices to participants. This keeps all parties informed of case activity.
Note: PACER charges apply to document viewing. VCIS remains free but provides limited information. Choose the method that fits your needs.
New Haven Division Court Location
The New Haven Division sits in the Connecticut Financial Center. This building is at 157 Church Street. It occupies the eighteenth floor. The office serves all New Haven County residents. This location handles bankruptcy filings from the entire county. Cases are assigned here based on residence.
The Clerk's Office phone number is 203-773-2009. General questions go to ctb_correspondence@ctb.uscourts.gov. Office hours run Monday through Friday. The office opens at nine in the morning. It closes at four in the afternoon. Federal holidays affect the schedule. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
The New Haven Division location page provides complete contact information for accessing bankruptcy records in New Haven County.
Public access terminals are available at the courthouse. These computers allow free case viewing. You can search the CM/ECF database. Self-service copies cost ten cents per page. Staff-assisted research has different rates. The Clerk's Office can help locate files. They also handle certification requests. Parking is available nearby. The courthouse is accessible by public transit.
| Address | Connecticut Financial Center 157 Church Street, 18th Floor New Haven, CT 06510 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 203-773-2009 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| ctb_correspondence@ctb.uscourts.gov | |
| Website | www.ctb.uscourts.gov/content/new-haven |
Local Resources for New Haven County Residents
New Haven is the largest city in the county. It hosts Yale University and major employers. Residents here file bankruptcy at the New Haven Division. The courthouse is downtown near the Green. Local attorneys specialize in bankruptcy law. Many offer free initial consultations. Legal aid services help low-income residents. New Haven County Legal Aid can assist with cases.
Waterbury sits in the northern part of the county. It is the fifth largest city in Connecticut. Residents here also use the New Haven Division. The drive to the courthouse takes about thirty minutes. Waterbury has consumer credit counseling services. These agencies help before and after bankruptcy filing. The U.S. Trustee Program approves these agencies. Completion is required by federal law.
Meriden is centrally located in New Haven County. This mid-sized city has diverse industries. Bankruptcy filings here go to New Haven. The courthouse is accessible via Route fifteen. Local law offices serve Meriden residents. They handle Chapter seven and thirteen cases. Many residents commute to Hartford or New Haven for work. This affects the means test calculations.
West Haven borders New Haven to the south. It is a coastal community with residential areas. Residents file at the New Haven Division. The courthouse is nearby. This convenience helps with required meetings. The three forty-one meeting of creditors happens twenty to forty days after filing. Attendance is mandatory. Having the courthouse close makes compliance easier.
Hamden is a suburban town north of New Haven. Quinnipiac University is located here. Residents file bankruptcy in New Haven. The town has many professional services. Financial advisors can help explore alternatives. Bankruptcy should be a last resort. Hamden residents have access to quality legal help. The New Haven County Bar Association provides referrals.
Milford sits on Long Island Sound. This coastal city has commercial and residential areas. Bankruptcy cases file at the New Haven Division. The drive takes about twenty minutes. Milford residents can use online access tools. PACER works well for those who prefer remote research. This avoids trips to the courthouse. Documents can be viewed from home.
Filing Information for New Haven County Bankruptcy Cases
Federal law sets bankruptcy filing fees. These apply in New Haven County. Chapter seven cases cost three hundred thirty-eight dollars. Chapter thirteen cases cost three hundred thirteen dollars. Chapter eleven business cases cost one thousand seven hundred thirty-eight dollars. These fees must be paid when filing. Payment plans are available in some cases.
Fee waivers exist for qualifying Chapter seven filers. Your income must be below one hundred fifty percent of federal poverty guidelines. You must file an Application to Proceed in Forma Pauperis. The court reviews your financial documents. Approval waives the filing fee. This helps low-income residents access relief. Waivers are not available for Chapter thirteen.
Credit counseling is required before filing. You must complete this within one hundred eighty days. Approved agencies are listed on the U.S. Trustee website. Search by state at www.justice.gov/ust. The certificate of completion must be filed with your petition. Without it, your case may be dismissed. This requirement applies to all New Haven County filers.
Debtor education is required after filing. This is a separate course from pre-filing counseling. It covers budgeting and financial management. You must complete this to receive a discharge. The same agency list applies. File the certificate before your case closes. Failure to complete this course prevents discharge. This keeps you liable for the debts.
The three forty-one meeting is a key step. This meeting of creditors occurs after filing. The trustee asks questions under oath. You must bring photo identification. Proof of Social Security number is required. Creditors may attend and ask questions. Most meetings last five to ten minutes. Preparation is important. Your attorney will help you get ready.
Helpful Links for New Haven County Bankruptcy Records
The following resources help you access New Haven County bankruptcy records. These links connect to official government websites. They provide forms, fee schedules, and court rules. Use these sites for accurate information. The court website should be your first stop.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut manages all local cases. Their website has division locations and hours. You can find forms and local rules there. Visit www.ctb.uscourts.gov for general information. The New Haven Division page is at www.ctb.uscourts.gov/content/new-haven. This page has specific contact details.
PACER provides online record access. Registration is at pacer.uscourts.gov. This system covers all federal courts. You can search nationwide from one account. The cost is minimal for most users. Free access is available at courthouse terminals. This helps those without computer access.
The Connecticut Judicial Branch website is at www.jud.ct.gov. This site covers state courts. It does not have bankruptcy records. However, it may help with related state matters. Some bankruptcy cases involve state court issues. This site provides context for those situations.
The U.S. Trustee Program oversees bankruptcy cases. Their website lists approved credit counselors. It also has debtor education providers. Visit www.justice.gov/ust to find approved agencies. This is required for both pre-filing and post-filing courses. Use only approved providers for these certificates.
Forms for bankruptcy filing are available online. The court website has local forms. National forms are at the U.S. Courts website. These include the voluntary petition and schedules. Proper form completion is essential. Errors can delay your case. Consider hiring an attorney for help. Self-represented filers must follow all rules.
Cities in New Haven County
New Haven County contains many cities and towns. Residents from all these communities file bankruptcy at the New Haven Division. The following cities are the largest in the county. Each has residents who may need bankruptcy records access.
Other communities in New Haven County include Wallingford, East Haven, Shelton, Naugatuck, North Haven, Ansonia, Derby, and Seymour. All residents file bankruptcy cases at the New Haven Division courthouse.
Nearby Counties
These counties border New Haven County. Residents file at different division offices based on their county of residence. Fairfield County cases go to Bridgeport. Hartford County cases file in Hartford. Middlesex and New London Counties also have separate arrangements.