Bankruptcy is technically public information. Anyone can see your case, but there are steps that need to be taken first. Your bankruptcy case should not be published in your local paper though.
How can a third party find your bankruptcy case?
First, they will have to visit the federal bankruptcy court’s case locating website. This can be found here: https://pcl.uscourts.gov/pcl/. An account will then have to be created and your case information will have to be searched. This can be done by case number, name, social security, filing information, or attorney.
After your case is found the party searching can see all information in your case and associated filed documents. In order to see your case information the court charges $0.10 per page to view documents with a cap at $3.00 per document.
Although anyone can technically look at your case documents, your personal information like full social security number, birthdate, name of minor children are kept confidential. The last four numbers of your social security number are listed in the case for your creditors to be able to verify your identity. Your birthday will not be listed in the case. Typically, regarding minor children, most attorneys will write minor children and not names. The court and your trustee will verify your identity through your social security card or a W2 and driver’s license.
Your 341 hearing, typically the only hearing you will attend, is also public. Technically, anyone can attend and listen to testimony in any case. This being said, it is highly unlikely that anyone but you, possibly some of your creditors, your attorney and the trustee will attend it.
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If you have any questions about bankruptcy, visit www.lifebacklaw.com to speak with an attorney. You will be glad you did!
