Bankruptcy Records in Delaware County
Delaware County bankruptcy records are filed with the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The county seat is Media, but all bankruptcy cases are handled at the federal courthouse in Philadelphia, about 15 miles away. Delaware County is one of the most populous counties in Pennsylvania, with over 576,000 residents. The Eastern District processes a large number of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings from Delaware County each year. This guide explains how to search Delaware County bankruptcy records, how to file, and where to find legal help locally.
Delaware County Quick Facts
Delaware County Bankruptcy Court
The Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court handles all Delaware County bankruptcy cases. The court is at 900 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Phone: (215) 408-2800. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Delaware County residents travel approximately 15 miles to Philadelphia for filings and hearings. The 341 meeting of creditors for Delaware County cases is held in Philadelphia at the same location.
The court's website is paeb.uscourts.gov. Local rules, judge assignments, filing forms, and electronic filing instructions are posted there. Attorneys file using CM/ECF with multi-factor authentication. Pro se filers submit documents through EDSS. The ePOC portal is available for creditors filing proofs of claim. Court opinions from Delaware County cases are accessible free of charge through PACER.
The Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court at paeb.uscourts.gov processes Delaware County bankruptcy filings from its courthouse at 900 Market Street in Philadelphia.
| Bankruptcy Court |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania 900 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 Phone: (215) 408-2800 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | paeb.uscourts.gov |
| County Court of Common Pleas |
Delaware County Courthouse 201 West Front Street Media, PA 19063 Phone: (610) 891-4267 |
| County Website | delcohc.org |
Find Delaware County Bankruptcy Filings Online
PACER is the federal system for searching Delaware County bankruptcy case records. Register at no cost at pacer.gov. You can search by debtor name, case number, Social Security number, or tax ID. PACER charges $0.10 per page, with a cap of $3.00 per document. If your quarterly charges stay below $30.00, they are waived. The PACER Case Locator allows searches across all federal courts nationwide, which helps if you are unsure whether a case was filed in the Eastern or another district.
PACER at pacer.gov provides round-the-clock access to Delaware County bankruptcy case records, dockets, and documents from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
You can also use the Voice Case Information System at 1-866-222-8029, extension 713, for the Eastern District. This free automated phone line provides basic case information including filing date, chapter, and trustee. No registration is required. For full document retrieval, PACER is the most complete option available.
Note: If a debtor previously filed and was dismissed within the last year, the automatic stay may be limited or not apply at all, so checking case history through PACER before relying on any stay is important.
Filing Bankruptcy as a Delaware County Resident
Every Delaware County debtor must complete an approved credit counseling course within 180 days before filing their bankruptcy petition. The U.S. Trustee Program publishes a list of approved counseling providers. The U.S. Trustee for Region 3 oversees the Eastern District and can be contacted at (215) 597-4411. After completing counseling, you will receive a certificate that must be filed with your petition. Missing this step will result in dismissal of your case.
The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. Chapter 13 requires a $313 filing fee. Delaware County residents with low incomes may apply to pay in installments using Official Form 103A. A full fee waiver in Chapter 7 cases is available through Official Form 103B for qualifying filers. Upon filing, the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 goes into effect immediately, pausing foreclosures, wage garnishments, utility shutoffs, and most other collection actions.
The 341 meeting is held in Philadelphia, usually 21 to 40 days after your filing date, under 11 U.S.C. § 341. Delaware County residents travel about 15 miles to attend. The trustee will review your petition and ask basic questions about your financial disclosures. Most creditors do not appear. Chapter 7 cases typically discharge about four months after filing. Chapter 13 requires completing a 3 to 5 year repayment plan. Discharge is governed by 11 U.S.C. § 524.
Delaware County Bankruptcy Exemptions
Delaware County filers choose between Pennsylvania state exemptions and federal exemptions under 11 U.S.C. § 522. You must pick one system. You cannot combine them. Federal exemptions generally protect far more property. The federal homestead exemption covers up to $27,900 in home equity, which is significant for Delaware County homeowners given local real estate values. The federal vehicle exemption protects up to $4,450 in car equity. Federal law also protects retirement accounts in full, which helps workers with pension or 401(k) savings.
Pennsylvania's exemption statute at 42 Pa.C.S. § 8123 provides only a $300 wildcard exemption. This is very limited and leaves most property unprotected under state law alone. The majority of Delaware County filers benefit from choosing federal exemptions. Your specific assets, including home equity, vehicle value, and retirement balances, determine which system works best. An attorney can analyze your full asset profile before you decide. Exemptions are listed on Schedule C of the bankruptcy petition. Non-dischargeable debts are listed under 11 U.S.C. § 523.
Legal Aid and Attorneys in Delaware County
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania provides free civil legal services to low-income Delaware County residents. The Media office serves Delaware County residents. Phone: (610) 891-4157. Services include bankruptcy representation, foreclosure defense, and consumer protection. Eligibility requires income at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Visit lasp.org to apply or review eligibility requirements. Self-help resources are also available through their website for those who do not qualify for direct representation.
The Delaware County Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service at (610) 566-2685. Their office is at 335 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063. Visit delcobar.com for information on referrals and reduced-fee programs. The Pennsylvania Bar Association's statewide referral line is (800) 692-7375. For self-represented filers, the court provides forms and guidance at paeb.uscourts.gov. The Delaware County Courthouse website at delcohc.org also maintains useful local court resources.
Related Delaware County Court Records
The Delaware County Prothonotary maintains civil court records including judgments, liens, and complaints. The office is at 201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063, phone (610) 891-4267. Online access to records is available through delcohc.org/prothonotary. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Reviewing existing civil judgments before you file bankruptcy is an important step in completing your schedules accurately.
The Delaware County Recorder of Deeds is located at the Government Center Building in Media, PA 19063, phone (610) 891-4152. Property records are accessible at delcohc.org/recorder-of-deeds. Deeds, mortgages, and liens must be accounted for in your bankruptcy schedules. The Register of Wills office at 201 West Front Street, phone (610) 891-4269, maintains estate records and marriage licenses. Visit delcohc.org/register-of-wills for estate record details. Property inherited within 180 days of filing must be reported as a bankruptcy asset.
Cities in Delaware County
Delaware County includes several large communities such as Upper Darby, Chester, Haverford, and Radnor. All bankruptcy filings for these communities go to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania courthouse in Philadelphia. Residents across the county share the same filing location and the same PACER access procedures.
Whether you live in Media, Chester, Marple, or any other Delaware County township, your bankruptcy case is processed by the Eastern District at paeb.uscourts.gov.
Nearby Counties
Delaware County is bordered by other Eastern District counties to the north and west, and by Maryland to the south. If you live near a county line, confirm your filing district by checking the Eastern District's county list at paeb.uscourts.gov.