Monroe County Bankruptcy Records and Case Lookup
Monroe County bankruptcy records are filed with the Middle District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court, Wilkes-Barre Division. The county seat is Stroudsburg, and Monroe County has a population of approximately 169,000 residents. Wilkes-Barre is about 40 miles from Stroudsburg. Monroe County bankruptcy filings can be searched through PACER, by phone via VCIS, or by contacting the Middle District clerk. This page covers the court, search methods, filing process, and legal resources for Monroe County.
Monroe County Quick Facts
Monroe County Bankruptcy Court Details
The Middle District of Pennsylvania handles all Monroe County bankruptcy filings. The Wilkes-Barre Division is located at the Max Rosenn Memorial U.S. Courthouse, 197 S. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. Phone: (570) 831-2500. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Most Monroe County debtors have their 341 meetings of creditors held in Wilkes-Barre, about 40 miles from Stroudsburg. The court uses CM/ECF for attorney filings and EDSS for pro se document submission.
The Middle District court website at pamb.uscourts.gov provides court forms, local rules, judge information, and instructions for filing in Monroe County cases. The ePOC system allows creditors to submit proof of claim documents electronically. Self-scheduling for certain motion hearings may be available for Monroe County cases. Remote appearance options can reduce travel for Stroudsburg-area debtors.
The screenshot below shows the Middle District court website where Monroe County bankruptcy records and procedures are published.
The court at pamb.uscourts.gov is the official source for local rules, petition forms, and filing requirements for Monroe County bankruptcy cases.
| Wilkes-Barre Division |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Middle District of Pennsylvania 197 S. Main Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 Phone: (570) 831-2500 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | pamb.uscourts.gov |
How to Search Monroe County Bankruptcy Cases
PACER is the standard system for searching Monroe County bankruptcy records online. Sign up for a free account at pacer.gov. Search by debtor name, case number, or Social Security number to find Monroe County filings. PACER displays docket entries, creditor lists, discharge orders, and all filed documents. The cost is $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. Accounts with quarterly usage under $30 are not charged.
The image below is from PACER, the federal system used to access Monroe County bankruptcy case information.
At pacer.gov, Monroe County residents can find bankruptcy case details around the clock with a basic online account.
For phone-based searches, call VCIS at 1-866-222-8029 and press extension 48 for Middle District cases. VCIS is available 24 hours a day. The system looks up cases by name or Social Security number and returns case numbers, chapter type, and status. No internet or PACER account needed for this method.
The Monroe County Prothonotary is at 610 Monroe Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360, phone (570) 517-3001. This office maintains civil court records, judgments, and liens searchable by name or docket number. Online records search is available through monroecountypa.gov. Civil judgments frequently appear as listed debts in Monroe County bankruptcy petitions. The Prothonotary is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The image below shows the Monroe County government website, which links to local court records and county services.
Visit monroecountypa.gov for access to Monroe County departments, court information, and records relevant to bankruptcy case preparation.
The Monroe County Prothonotary at monroecountypa.gov/departments/prothonotary/ provides online access to civil docket records and certified copy services for Monroe County court documents.
The Prothonotary page at monroecountypa.gov/departments/prothonotary/ explains how to search and order Monroe County civil court records online or in person.
Note: The PACER Case Locator at pacer.uscourts.gov lets you search across all federal bankruptcy courts if you are not certain which district a Monroe County case was assigned to.
Filing Bankruptcy in Monroe County
Bankruptcy in Monroe County follows a structured federal process. You must complete an approved credit counseling course within 180 days before filing. After counseling, prepare the bankruptcy petition, schedules, and statement of financial affairs. These documents list all your debts, assets, income, and monthly costs. The petition is filed with the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Pay the filing fee when you submit: $338 for Chapter 7 or $313 for Chapter 13. The automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 kicks in right when you file. It stops foreclosures, wage garnishments, collection calls, and lawsuits immediately. A trustee is assigned and a 341 meeting is scheduled. Monroe County debtors typically attend this meeting in Wilkes-Barre, about 40 miles from Stroudsburg. The trustee reviews your documents and questions you under oath. Bring your photo ID and Social Security card to the meeting.
Chapter 7 discharge in Monroe County typically occurs within four months of filing. Chapter 13 involves a 3-to-5 year repayment plan before discharge. Both chapter types require a debtor education course completion before the court issues a discharge. Under 11 U.S.C. § 524, the discharge eliminates personal liability for qualifying debts. Debts that survive under 11 U.S.C. § 523 include recent taxes, student loans, alimony, and child support.
Exemptions Available in Monroe County Bankruptcy
Monroe County debtors may choose Pennsylvania state exemptions or the federal exemption set under 11 U.S.C. § 522. Pennsylvania permits residents to elect the federal system. Pennsylvania's own wildcard exemption under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8123 protects only $300 in personal property. This minimal protection leaves most assets vulnerable in Chapter 7 cases for Monroe County residents who own a home or vehicle.
The federal homestead exemption covers up to $27,900 in equity in a primary residence. The federal vehicle exemption protects up to $4,450 in a car or truck. Monroe County is a growing area with many homeowners, and the federal homestead protection is often critical for people who want to keep their homes through bankruptcy. Federal exemptions also protect most pension and retirement accounts, household goods up to set limits, and tools needed for work. Choosing the right exemption set is an important early decision in every Monroe County bankruptcy case.
Fees for Monroe County Bankruptcy Cases
Filing fees for Monroe County bankruptcy cases are set by federal statute. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. These are paid to the clerk of the Middle District Bankruptcy Court when you file. If the full amount is a hardship, you may request to pay in installments. Chapter 7 filers with income below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines may apply for a total fee waiver.
PACER charges $0.10 per page viewed, capped at $3.00 per document, with fees under $30 per quarter waived. Court opinions are always free through PACER. Contact US Trustee Region 3 at (215) 597-4411 or visit justice.gov/ust/region-03 for questions about trustee fees, approved credit counseling providers, and debtor education courses required for Monroe County filers.
Legal Help for Monroe County Bankruptcy
North Penn Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to low-income Monroe County residents. Services include bankruptcy counseling and court representation for qualifying individuals. Income eligibility is based on 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. The Stroudsburg office serves Monroe County. Visit northpennlegal.org to learn more and apply for assistance with Monroe County bankruptcy cases.
The Monroe County Bar Association provides lawyer referral services. Phone: (570) 424-7281. Address: 913 Sarah Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360. The bar association coordinates pro bono services for eligible clients and offers reduced-fee programs for qualifying individuals. The Pennsylvania Bar Association referral line at (800) 692-7375 is another option. Many bankruptcy attorneys practicing in Monroe County offer free first consultations to discuss your situation and potential options before you commit to filing.
Note: North Penn Legal Services also provides self-help resources and legal referrals for Monroe County residents who need guidance but do not qualify for full representation.
Related Monroe County Records
Other Monroe County offices keep records that are directly relevant to bankruptcy filings. The Recorder of Deeds at 610 Monroe Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360, phone (570) 517-3003, maintains deeds, mortgages, and property liens. Online property records search is available through the county website. Real estate records are essential for completing bankruptcy Schedule A/B, which lists all property interests.
The Monroe County Register of Wills, phone (570) 517-3002, keeps estate records and marriage licenses at the same courthouse address. Pending inheritance interests are assets that must be disclosed in bankruptcy schedules. Marriage records affect household income calculations used in the means test. Visit monroecountypa.gov/departments/register-of-wills/ for Register of Wills services. All Monroe County courthouse offices operate Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cities in Monroe County
Monroe County covers the Pocono Mountains region of northeastern Pennsylvania. All bankruptcy filings for Monroe County residents are submitted to the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre Division.
Stroudsburg is the county seat and largest city in Monroe County. East Stroudsburg is also a major community in the area.
Nearby Counties
Monroe County borders several counties in northeastern and eastern Pennsylvania. Your county of residence at the time of filing determines which court and division handles your bankruptcy case.