Search Lubbock County Bankruptcy Records

Lubbock County bankruptcy records are federal court filings maintained by the Northern District of Texas Bankruptcy Court, Lubbock Division. The Lubbock Division courthouse sits at the George Mahon Federal Building in downtown Lubbock. Whether you are looking up a case for personal reasons or checking a business filing, the records are available through PACER. This page explains how to search Lubbock County bankruptcy records, how to file a case, and where to find help if you need it.

Lubbock County Bankruptcy Court

Lubbock County is served by the Northern District of Texas Bankruptcy Court, Lubbock Division. The courthouse is at the George Mahon Federal Building, 1205 Texas Ave., Rm 306, Lubbock, TX 79401. This is a staffed location where you can file documents in person. The Lubbock Division serves Lubbock County and surrounding Panhandle counties. All Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, and Chapter 13 cases for Lubbock County residents go through this court.

The courthouse handles document filing, in-person case inquiries, and public terminal access to PACER at no charge. If you need certified copies of filed documents, visit the clerk's office at the Mahon Federal Building. Staff can help you locate a case by name or case number. Payment for filing fees must be by cashier's check or money order made out to "Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court." Cash is also accepted.

The U.S. Trustee for Lubbock County falls under Region 6, based in Dallas at 1100 Commerce Street, Room 976, Dallas, TX 75242. The trustee office appoints and monitors case trustees, investigates potential fraud, and ensures compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. They are not lawyers for the debtor, but they play an important role in every case.

The Lubbock County Government website provides access to property records and county office contact information relevant to bankruptcy proceedings.

The Lubbock County Clerk maintains deed records and real property data that can help verify ownership or show liens that come up during a bankruptcy case.

How to Search Lubbock County Bankruptcy Records

The primary tool for searching Lubbock County bankruptcy records is PACER. PACER gives you full access to case dockets, filed documents, and court orders. You sign up for a free account at pacer.uscourts.gov. There is a per-page fee for viewing documents, but many searches come at no cost. PACER covers every federal bankruptcy district in the country, so you can search Lubbock and other courts from the same account.

Under 11 U.S.C. § 107, most bankruptcy filings are public records. The law opens up case files to anyone. Some personal details are redacted to protect privacy, such as full Social Security numbers and bank account numbers. Those are covered by Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 9037. But the rest of the record, including debts owed, assets listed, and the full case docket, is open.

The Voice Case Information System (VCIS) at 866-222-8029 is a free phone service. Call and enter a case number or Social Security number to get basic case info read back to you. It is good for quick checks when you just want to know if a case is open or what the status is. You can also visit the Lubbock courthouse and use the public terminal there to search PACER for free.

Filing Bankruptcy in Lubbock County

To file bankruptcy in Lubbock County, you submit your petition to the Northern District of Texas, Lubbock Division. All filings use official federal forms. Chapter 7 discharges most unsecured debt after a trustee reviews your assets for anything non-exempt. Chapter 13 is a repayment plan that runs three to five years. Chapter 11 is used for businesses or individuals with very high debt loads. Most Lubbock County residents file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

The Northern District has specific local rules you must follow. Local forms are available at txnb.uscourts.gov/forms. If you file without a lawyer, you may be asked to complete a pro se questionnaire. You must list creditors in alphabetical order and attach a Verification of Matrix form. Read the local rules before you file. Missing a required document can delay your case or get it dismissed.

Chapter 7 filing fees are $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 starts at $1,738. You can ask to pay in installments if needed, with the first payment due at filing. Fee waivers are available if your income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Submit a written request when you file. The court will let you know if it is approved.

Note: The Northern District requires that pro se filers (those without attorneys) present photo ID enlarged to 150% to the case trustee before the 341 meeting of creditors.

The Northern District of Texas Bankruptcy Court website hosts all local forms and rules that Lubbock County filers must follow.

Lubbock County filers should check this site for current local rules, required forms, and procedural updates before submitting any documents to the court.

Lubbock County Resources

The Lubbock County Government website links to the County Clerk, District Clerk, and other offices. The County Clerk handles deed and property records. If your bankruptcy case involves real estate, you may need to pull deed records from the county clerk's office in Lubbock. The clerk is at 916 Main Street, Suite 300, Lubbock, TX 79401. You can call or check their website to request records.

What is in a typical bankruptcy file? You will find a full list of your debts and creditors, all assets and their values, your monthly income and expenses, a record of property you claim as exempt, and statements about your financial history. In a Chapter 13 case, the repayment plan itself is also part of the record. All of this is filed with the court and becomes part of the public record under Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 5003.

If you need help understanding your options, Texas legal aid groups serve the Lubbock area. Lone Star Legal Aid covers a large part of Texas and offers free help for qualifying individuals. The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral line at (800) 252-9690 can connect you with a bankruptcy attorney. TexasLawHelp.org has free guides on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. These resources can save you time and help you avoid mistakes.

Nearby Counties in the Lubbock Division

These counties are also served by the Northern District of Texas, Lubbock Division, and file cases through the same courthouse as Lubbock County.