Is Bankruptcy a Public Record?

If you’re considering filing for bankruptcy, you may be concerned that your financial situation may be made public. That’s understandable, and you’re not alone in that worry.

Will My Bankruptcy Filing Show Up In Public Records?

The bottom line is that, once you file a bankruptcy petition with the court, it will become a public record. However, the chance that a friend, neighbor, or coworker will find out about your bankruptcy filing is slight.

That’s because bankruptcy filings – and all federal court documents – are uploaded to a system called Pacer. Pacer enables those who have accounts to search for court documents. Someone could look up your name, for example, and find your bankruptcy filing. In order to do that, though, the person would need to register for a Pacer account and know enough to try and find your petition.

Are bankruptcy filings made public in other ways?

There are some areas – typically small jurisdictions – that might publish bankruptcy notices online or in a local newspaper. You should ask your bankruptcy attorney about the procedures that your local jurisdiction uses.

It’s important to note that your most personal information – like your Social Security number – is never revealed, even on Pacer.

If you have privacy concerns related to bankruptcy, you need a skilled attorney who understands the disclosures that occur during the bankruptcy process. Lemberg Law has a team devoted to representing clients who pursue bankruptcy as a way to resolve their debts.