Access Hoover Bankruptcy Records
Hoover bankruptcy records are handled by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Alabama. Hoover residents use the main office in Birmingham, about 15 miles north.
Hoover Quick Facts
Where to File Bankruptcy from Hoover
Hoover does not have its own bankruptcy court. The nearest office is in Birmingham. It is about 15 miles from Hoover. This is the main office for the entire Northern District of Alabama.
Hoover sits in two counties. Part is in Jefferson County. Part is in Shelby County. Both counties are in the Northern District. Both use the Birmingham courthouse. No matter which side of Hoover you live in, you file in Birmingham.
| Court | U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Alabama |
|---|---|
| Address | 1800 Fifth Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 |
| Phone | (205) 714-4000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | alnb.uscourts.gov |
The drive from Hoover to Birmingham takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Take I-65 North. The courthouse is downtown in the Robert S. Vance Federal Building. Paid parking is available nearby.
How to Search Hoover Bankruptcy Records
Bankruptcy records are public. You can search them online. You can also visit the Birmingham courthouse. Most people prefer online access through PACER.
PACER is the federal court records system. Register for free at pacer.uscourts.gov. Searches cost $0.10 per page. Each document caps at $3.00. If you spend less than $30 in a quarter, they waive the fees.
To search for a Hoover resident's bankruptcy:
- Full name of the debtor
- Case number if you have it
- Last four of Social Security number (optional)
- Year the case was filed
McVCIS is a free phone system. Call 1-866-222-8029 any time. Get basic case info without paying. It works 24 hours a day.
At the Birmingham courthouse, public terminals let you view records free. Print for $0.10 per page. Staff can help you find what you need.
Bankruptcy and Hoover Residents
Hoover is a suburb of Birmingham. It is one of the largest cities in Alabama. Many residents work in Birmingham or nearby areas. The city has a strong economy. But financial problems can happen to anyone.
Medical debt is a top cause of bankruptcy. Job loss triggers many filings. Divorce often leads to financial trouble. Even in a prosperous city like Hoover, people face situations where bankruptcy helps.
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common options. Chapter 7 wipes out most debts fast. Chapter 13 lets you keep property while paying back over time. The right choice depends on your situation.
Types of Bankruptcy for Hoover Residents
Chapter 7 liquidates assets. A trustee reviews what you own. Exempt property stays with you. Non-exempt items may be sold. Most Hoover residents keep everything because Alabama exemptions protect common assets. The fee is $338. Cases close in about 4 months.
Chapter 13 is a payment plan. You propose paying back some or all debts over 3 to 5 years. You keep your home and car. The fee is $313. This works well for people with steady income who want to catch up on mortgage payments.
Chapter 11 is for businesses and high-debt individuals. It costs $1,738 to file. The process is complex. It involves creditor negotiations and court-approved plans.
Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy papers are public records. Personal identifiers get redacted. But the case information is open to anyone.
Filing Bankruptcy from Hoover
Start with credit counseling. Federal law requires an approved course before filing. Get the certificate. You need it for your petition.
Complete the schedules. You list all assets. You list all debts. You report income and expenses. You file a statement of financial affairs too. These forms tell the court about your finances.
File at the Birmingham clerk's office. You can drive there or file online through an attorney. Pay the fee or ask for installments. Low-income Chapter 7 filers may qualify for a fee waiver.
The automatic stay starts when you file. Creditors must stop collection. No calls. No lawsuits. No garnishments. This lasts until your case ends.
The 341 meeting happens about 30 days later. It is held in Birmingham. A trustee asks questions about your finances. Creditors can come but rarely do. Bring ID and proof of Social Security number.
Complete the debtor education course before discharge. File the certificate. Wait for your discharge order.
Alabama uses Bankruptcy Administrators instead of U.S. Trustees. The Bankruptcy Administrator schedules 341 meetings and oversees trustees. Contact them through alnba.uscourts.gov.
Online Resources for Hoover Bankruptcy
The Northern District website at alnb.uscourts.gov has forms, local rules, and filing instructions. Check the court calendar for hearing schedules.
CM/ECF at ecf.alnb.uscourts.gov handles electronic filing. Attorneys must use this system. Pro se filers can file paper documents at the Birmingham clerk's office.
RECAP Archive at courtlistener.com/recap has some documents for free. Users share what they download from PACER. Coverage varies by case.
PACER Case Locator at pcl.uscourts.gov searches all federal courts. Use it if you are not sure where a case was filed.
Hoover Bankruptcy Fees
Filing fees are set by federal law. They apply everywhere:
- Chapter 7: $338
- Chapter 13: $313
- Chapter 11: $1,738
- PACER: $0.10/page, max $3.00/document
- Certified copies: $12.00
- Clerk search: $32.00 per name
Quarterly PACER charges under $30 are waived. Free viewing at courthouse terminals. Print for $0.10 per page.
Legal Help for Bankruptcy near Hoover
Many Hoover residents hire bankruptcy attorneys in Birmingham. Lawyers know local rules. They can protect your assets. Most offer free consultations.
Legal Services Alabama helps low-income people. Call (205) 328-3540 for the Birmingham office. Or call (866) 456-4995 statewide. Visit legalservicesalabama.org.
The Birmingham Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. Call (205) 251-8006. Ask about bankruptcy attorneys. Initial meetings are often affordable.
Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has guides about bankruptcy. It helps you understand your options.
Some people file without a lawyer. This can work for simple cases. The court cannot give legal advice. But staff can explain procedures. Complex situations benefit from professional help.
County Bankruptcy Records
Hoover spans two counties. Jefferson County is to the north. Shelby County is to the south. Both are in the Northern District. Both use the Birmingham office. See the county pages for more details on each.
Nearby Cities
Other major cities near Hoover include:
- Birmingham - Northern District headquarters (about 15 miles north)
- Tuscaloosa - Has own divisional office (about 45 miles west)
- Montgomery - Middle District headquarters (about 90 miles south)