Colbert County Bankruptcy Records
Colbert County bankruptcy records are filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The Northern Division office in Huntsville handles cases, with some hearings held in Florence.
Colbert County Quick Facts
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Colbert County
Colbert County is in the Northern Division of the Northern District. The main office for this division is in Huntsville, about 70 miles from Tuscumbia. However, some hearings are held in Florence, which is much closer to Colbert County. This makes attending court easier for local residents.
Bankruptcy is federal law. County courts have no role. All filings, hearings, and 341 meetings go through the federal system. The court has five bankruptcy judges who handle cases from across the district.
| Court Name | U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Alabama |
|---|---|
| Division | Northern Division (Huntsville) |
| Address |
200 Clinton Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801 |
| Phone | (256) 584-7900 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | www.alnb.uscourts.gov |
Florence hearings make things easier for Colbert County residents. Check with the court for the schedule. Not all matters are heard there, but many are.
How to Search Colbert County Bankruptcy Records
PACER is the online search tool for federal courts. Sign up free at pacer.uscourts.gov. Search by name, case number, or last four of Social Security number. PACER covers all bankruptcy courts nationwide.
The fee is $0.10 per page. No document costs more than $3.00. If quarterly fees stay under $30, they are waived. PACER shows dockets, filings, and status.
The PACER Case Locator at pcl.uscourts.gov searches all federal courts at once. Data updates overnight.
To search Colbert County bankruptcy records:
- Full debtor name
- Last four SSN (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Date range
Call McVCIS at 1-866-222-8029 for free phone lookups. Available 24/7. Check status and meeting dates.
Bankruptcy Filing Fees
Federal fees are uniform across the country:
- Chapter 7: $338
- Chapter 13: $313
- Chapter 11: $1,738
- Chapter 12: $278
Installment payments allowed. Up to four payments over 120 days. Chapter 7 fee waivers available for very low income.
Record fees: PACER is $0.10 per page. Certified copies: $12.00. Clerk searches: $32.00 per name. Free viewing at the Huntsville courthouse.
What Colbert County Bankruptcy Records Show
Bankruptcy records are comprehensive. The petition starts the case. It has debtor name, address, and partial SSN. Schedules A through J list all assets, debts, income, and expenses. Every creditor appears with amounts.
The Statement of Financial Affairs covers years of history. It asks about income, property sales, lawsuits, garnishments. Creditors file proofs of claim. Trustees file reports. Courts issue orders.
Typical documents:
- Voluntary petition
- Asset and liability schedules
- Statement of Financial Affairs
- Creditor matrix
- Proofs of claim
- Trustee reports
- 341 meeting notice
- Discharge order
Records are public under 11 U.S.C. Section 107. Anyone can view them. SSN shows only last four digits. Account numbers shortened. Tax returns sealed.
The Bankruptcy Administrator
Alabama uses Bankruptcy Administrators, not U.S. Trustees. Only Alabama and North Carolina do this. The Administrator works for the court, appointing trustees and running 341 meetings.
The 341 meeting happens about a month after filing. The trustee questions you under oath. Creditors can attend but rarely do. Colbert County meetings may be in Huntsville or Florence.
Contact the Bankruptcy Administrator: (205) 714-4300. Website: www.alnba.uscourts.gov.
Free Record Access
RECAP offers free PACER documents at courtlistener.com/recap. Coverage varies by case.
Visit the Huntsville courthouse for free viewing. Public terminals available. Printing: $0.10 per page. Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Old records go to National Archives after 15 years. Retrieval: $64 per box. Call (404) 736-2820.
Legal Help for Colbert County
Most people use lawyers for bankruptcy. Legal Services Alabama: (866) 456-4995 for low-income help. They may refer you to attorneys.
Alabama State Bar referral: (800) 392-5660.
Pro se filing possible. Forms at uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms.
Types of Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 is liquidation. Nonexempt assets sold. Debts discharged. Four months. Means test required.
Chapter 13 is a payment plan. Keep property. Pay three to five years. Good for mortgages.
Chapter 11: Business reorganization. Fee: $1,738. Chapter 12: Farmers and fishermen.
Nearby Counties
Counties near Colbert County in the Northern District: