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FAQs

  • How do I find out if a party has filed a bankruptcy petition?

    You can call the automated Multi Court Voice Case Information System (McVCIS) at phone number 866-222-8029 to find out whether a party has filed bankruptcy. You may also check the records available in the Clerk's Office. The clerk does not charge a fee for either of these services. There is a $30.00 fee per name or item for the clerk to search the records including a search to determine if a party has filed bankruptcy. You can also access the PACER system which is discussed under the FAQ topic titled "Computer access to court dockets."

  • How do I obtain a proof of claim form?

    Filing a Proof of Claim

  • Is the claims bar date for government agencies the same as for other creditors?

    No, it is not. Section 502(b)(9) of the Bankruptcy Code and Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 3002(c) provide that governmental agencies have 180 days after the order for relief to file claims in a bankruptcy case. Congress added the 180-day period in 1994 to give governmental agencies extra time to file their claims.

  • How can I obtain copies of documents?

    There is a fee for copy work.

    For Pittsburgh and Johnstown division cases call 412-644-2700 to obtain copies of documents filed in bankruptcy cases.

    For Erie division cases call 814-464-9740.

  • How can I access court dockets by computer?

    The PACER system allows you to access docket sheets for bankruptcy cases and proceedings if you have a computer with Internet access. The fee for accessing the PACER service via the internet is 10 cents per page. In order to register for PACER, call the PACER Service Center at 800-676-6856.

  • How do I order transcripts of court hearings?

    For Pittsburgh Cases and Erie Cases with Hearings Held After December 1, 2013:

    The hearings before bankruptcy court judges are recorded electronically. The cost for reproduction of an audio recording of a court proceeding is $32 per CD.

    The following fees apply when ordering a transcript of a hearing.

      Original First Copy to Each Party Each Add’l Copy to the Same Party
    Ordinary Transcript (30 day) A transcript to be delivered within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of an order. $3.65 $.90 $.60
    14-Day Transcript A transcript to be delivered within fourteen (14) calendar days after receipt of an order. $4.25 $.90 $.60
    Expedited Transcript (7 day) A transcript to be delivered within seven (7) calendar days after receipt of an order. $4.85 $.90 $.60
    Daily Transcript A transcript to be delivered within 1 to 2 days after receipt of an order $6.05 $1.20 $.90

    You can print an order form using the links at the bottom of this FAQ entry or you can have an order form mailed to you by mailing the clerk your request with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

    For Erie Cases On or Before November 30, 2013:

    A court reporter is present at hearings held in the Erie division. Requests for transcripts of hearings held in Erie should be made to:

    Ferguson & Holdnack
    357 West Tenth Street
    Erie, PA 16502
    Phone: (814) 452-4556.

    Transcripts and/or audio recordings may be ordered from the Court for any hearing held in Pittsburgh or Johnstown, PA.

    Transcript Order Form (PDF format)
     
    CD/Tape Order Form (PDF format)

     

     

     

  • Do I need an attorney to file bankruptcy?

    While it is possible to file a bankruptcy case without the assistance of an attorney, it may be difficult to do so successfully. It is recommended that a person considering bankruptcy consult with an attorney prior to filing a case. Your local bar association may have information on lawyer referral programs or free legal clinics in your area.

    While the information presented above is accurate as of the date of publication, it should not be cited or relied upon as legal authority. It is highly recommended that legal advice be obtained from a bankruptcy attorney. For filing requirements, please refer to the United States Bankruptcy Code (title 11, United States Code), the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and the Local Rules for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

  • How do I file for Relief from the Automatic Stay?

    In order for a party to continue a proceeding against the debtor that has been stayed because of the filing of the bankruptcy and the automatic stay, a Motion for Relief from the Automatic Stay or a Stipulation for Relief from the Automatic Stay must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court. Hiring an attorney for assistance is highly recommended. The filing fee for a Motion for Relief from the Automatic Stay is $176.00.

    While the information presented above is accurate as of the date of publication, it should not be cited or relied upon as legal authority. It is highly recommended that legal advice be obtained from a bankruptcy attorney. For filing requirements, please refer to the United States Bankruptcy Code (title 11, United States Code), the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and the Local Rules for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

  • How do I find out who the trustee is in a case?

    The trustee's name and address is printed on the notice of the section 341(a) meeting of creditors. You also may obtain the trustee's name through McVCIS or PACER.

  • How do I get certified copies of documents?

    Certified copies of documents are available directly from the clerk. The cost is $11.00 per certification plus $.50 per page for the copies. Please specify the name of the document to be certified and the document number. There is an additional file search fee of $30.00 for mail requests that do not provide a case and document number.

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