Instructions for Retrieving Copies of Case Files, Case Documents, and Archives Requests  

How to Request Copies of Case

 

Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) PACER is the most efficient and cost-effective means to obtain copies if you do not need certified copies or exemplification. For more information about the fees charged by PACER see:  https://pacer.uscourts.gov/pacer-pricing-how-fees-work

Alternatively, you can request copies of case documents (or certified copies or exemplification) from the court using this online form or mailing your request to: Clerk of Court, United States Bankruptcy Court, 197 S. Main St. Wilkes-Barre PA 18702.

We will require the following information to process your request:

(1) Bankruptcy Case Number,

(2) Debtor’s Name,

(3) A specific indication of the document(s) you want copied and number of copies (preferably identifying the documents by the docket number(s)), and

(4) Your contact phone number and a mailing address where we should send the copies.

You will be responsible for paying a per page copy fee and postage charges (see information on Fees below). All fees and charges must be paid in full before any services will be performed.

How to Obtain Certified Copies of Documents or an Exemplification Certificate

 

To obtain certified copies or an exemplification certificate, follow the instructions above for How to Request Copies of Case Documents and check the appropriate box on the form. There is a per page charge for copies. There are additional charges for a certification or exemplification (see information on Fees below).  All fees and charges must be paid in full before any services will be performed.

Fees for Copies, Searches, Retrieval of Archived Files, Certification, or Exemplification

 

There are fees associated with a request for copies of case documents, record searches, retrieval of archived files, certification, or exemplification. Click here for the current fees.  You will also be responsible for any postage costs. The Court will inform you of the applicable fees and/or postage charges. All fees and charges must be paid in full before any services will be performed.

Fees should be paid online here.

The Clerk’s Office does not accept cash, personal checks from debtors, or third-party checks. A party requesting the document(s) can pay fees on-line using a debit card or can submit a cashier's check or money order made payable to the "Clerk, United States Court".

How to Request Copies of Older Closed Case Documents

 

Copies of old, closed cases (typically before 2005) are maintained by the National Archive and Records Administration (NARA).  To get copies of documents from NARA:

(1) First call the Clerk’s Office at 717-901-2800 so we can give you the information you need to give to NARA.  This will include the transfer (accession) number, location number, box number, case name and case number

(2) Then contact NARA directly using this submission form from NARA’s website.