If the documents you are looking for were filed prior to May 17, 2001, they may no longer be available. Otherwise, documents filed prior to May 17, 2001 are stored at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Seattle, Washington. Call the Clerk's office to check on the location of the file. If the case is stored at the National Archives ("archived"), you have the following options:

1. Review the archived file at the Bankruptcy Court

The Clerk's office will request the file from NARA and contact you when the file arrives. A retrieval fee applies ($70.00 for first box containing requested record; $43.00 for each additional box), payable online, cashier's check, or money order, to the Bankruptcy Court. There is no search fee to review the retrieved file; however, other fees (such as copy fees or a certification fee) might apply.

Effective June 1, 2016, for electronic retrievals, $10 plus any charges assessed by the Federal Records Center, National Archives, or other storage location removed from the place of business of the courts.

2. NARA's website – online request

Begin by requesting that the Clerk's office provide you with the box, location and accession/transfer numbers for the file. Make your copy request online to NARA by visiting NARA's website(link is external). Account setup is required. NARA's fees will apply.

3.  Phone NARA

Begin by requesting that the Clerk's office provide you with the box, location and accession/transfer numbers for the file. Phone NARA at 206-336-5132 with your copy request and charge it to a credit card or debit card. NARA's fees will apply.

4. Mail, fax, or email NARA

Begin by visiting NARA's website(link is external) and downloading the Bankruptcy Form(link is external). Contact the Clerk's office for the box, location and accession/transfer numbers for the file. Complete the form with the location information, your name, address, and payment information. Mail, fax, or email your copy request to NARA (see page 2 of the Bankruptcy Form(link is external)). NARA's fees will apply.

Further Information

If you need further information about obtaining copies, please contact the Bankruptcy Court at (251) 441-5391