Are Bankruptcy Records Public in Arizona?

Generally, bankruptcy filings are matters of public record in Arizona. This means that if you file for bankruptcy, members of the public can access information about your case, including your petition, meeting of creditors, and case status, unless an exception applies. 

These records are available electronically through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system and by visiting the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona (11 U.S.C. § 107(a)). Most people do not know how to navigate this system. They must further know your social security number or specific case number to search for your case. 

If you have any questions about bankruptcy, please contact Stone Rose Law at (480) 739-2448.

What Bankruptcy Records Are Public Records?

Bankruptcy records include documents such as court dockets, hearing transcripts, claims registers, case pleadings, and orders. These records may contain information including:

• Your name
  
• Information about your creditors and debts
  
• Bankruptcy estate assets
  
• Type of bankruptcy filed
  
• Case number, status, and disposition

How Can People Access Bankruptcy Records?

Members of the public can access bankruptcy records in several ways:

• Visiting the U.S. Bankruptcy Courthouse in Phoenix, Tucson, or Yuma. Public access terminals are available in the clerk’s office, with a small fee for printing.
  
• Requesting copies of records by mail from the bankruptcy court clerk, with required fees and case details.
  
• Calling the Voice Case Information System (VCIS) at (866) 222-8029 to obtain basic case details.
  
• Using PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records), which requires registration.
  
• Requesting older case records from the Federal Records Center (FRC) through the court clerk.

What Bankruptcy Information Is Not Public?

Certain personal identifiers are protected from public disclosure, including:

• Home addresses
  
• Social Security numbers
  
• Full financial account numbers
  
• Names of minor children

These protections are governed by Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 9037 and local rules. Additionally, discovery materials are not filed with the court except for notices of service (Local Rule 5005-1).

Can Bankruptcy Records Be Sealed?

In limited circumstances, a bankruptcy judge may order records sealed. Under 11 U.S.C. § 107(b), the court may protect:

• Information relating to minor children
  
• Trade secrets, confidential commercial information, or research
  
• Information that could endanger a person’s safety or property
  
• Information that could lead to identity theft
  
• Defamatory or scandalous matter

Motions to seal must be filed with the bankruptcy court (Local Rule 5005-6). Sealed materials are still accessible to court personnel and remain part of the official case record.

Can Bankruptcy Records Be Expunged?

Bankruptcy records cannot be expunged under federal law. Even if sealed, the records remain part of the court docket.

Who Typically Requests Bankruptcy Records?

Although bankruptcy records are public, relatively few people seek them out. 

Creditors already have access, and most employers, landlords, or lenders rely on credit reports rather than direct court records. 

The public nature of bankruptcy primarily reflects the fact that bankruptcy is a federal court proceeding.

Do You Have Questions About Bankruptcy Record Privacy in Arizona?

If you have concerns about the kind of personal and financial information that may become public records if you file for bankruptcy or want to know what bankruptcy-related court documents can be kept from public access, call Stone Rose Law at (480) 739-2448 or use our contact form to speak with an experienced Arizona bankruptcy lawyer.