Search Etowah County Bankruptcy Records
Etowah County bankruptcy records are maintained by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The Eastern Division in Anniston, just 25 miles from Gadsden, serves Etowah County.
Etowah County Quick Facts
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Etowah County
Etowah County falls under the Eastern Division of the Northern District. The Anniston courthouse is close to Gadsden. This makes it easy for Etowah County residents to access the court. Federal bankruptcy courts handle all bankruptcy matters. County courts have no role.
Gadsden is one of the larger cities in northeast Alabama. The Etowah County area sees a steady number of bankruptcy filings each year. The Anniston office handles filings, hearings, and 341 meetings for the area.
| Court Name | U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Alabama |
|---|---|
| Division | Eastern Division (Anniston) |
| Address |
Federal Building 1129 Noble Street, Suite 117 Anniston, AL 36201 |
| Phone | (256) 741-1500 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | www.alnb.uscourts.gov |
How to Search Etowah County Bankruptcy Records
PACER is the main online tool. Register free at pacer.uscourts.gov. Search by name, case number, or last four SSN.
PACER costs $0.10 per page. Cap of $3.00 per document. Quarterly fees under $30 waived. Full docket and document access.
PACER Case Locator at pcl.uscourts.gov searches all federal courts.
What you need:
- Debtor name
- Last four SSN (optional)
- Case number (if known)
- Date range
McVCIS phone: 1-866-222-8029. Free, 24/7. Status and meeting dates.
Bankruptcy Filing Fees
Federal fees are uniform:
- Chapter 7: $338
- Chapter 13: $313
- Chapter 11: $1,738
- Chapter 12: $278
Installments allowed. Up to four payments. Fee waivers for very low income Chapter 7 filers.
Record fees: PACER $0.10 per page. Certified copies: $12.00. Clerk search: $32.00. Free viewing at courthouse.
What Etowah County Bankruptcy Records Contain
Bankruptcy files are comprehensive. Petition starts the case. Schedules cover assets, debts, income, expenses. All creditors listed.
Statement of Financial Affairs covers history. Creditors file claims. Trustees report. Courts order.
Documents in a file:
- Voluntary petition
- Schedules
- Statement of Financial Affairs
- Creditor matrix
- Proofs of claim
- Trustee reports
- 341 notice
- Discharge order
Records are public per 11 U.S.C. Section 107. SSN shows last four only. Tax returns sealed.
The Bankruptcy Administrator
Alabama uses Bankruptcy Administrators. They appoint trustees, run 341 meetings, monitor cases.
The 341 meeting is about a month after filing. Etowah County meetings are in Anniston.
Contact: (205) 714-4300. Website: www.alnba.uscourts.gov.
Free Access Options
RECAP at courtlistener.com/recap has free documents.
Visit Anniston courthouse for free viewing. Printing: $0.10 per page.
Old records at National Archives. Retrieval: $64 per box. Call (404) 736-2820.
Legal Help for Etowah County
Legal Services Alabama: (866) 456-4995.
Alabama State Bar: (800) 392-5660.
Pro se forms: uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms.
Types of Bankruptcy
Chapter 7: Liquidation. Four months. Means test.
Chapter 13: Payment plan. Three to five years.
Chapter 11: Business. $1,738. Chapter 12: Farmers.
Nearby Counties
Counties near Etowah County: