Bankruptcy Records in Union County

Union County bankruptcy records are part of the federal court system through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Residents of Lewisburg and the surrounding area file their cases in the Harrisburg Division. This guide explains how to search Union County bankruptcy filings, access records through PACER, understand the filing process, and find legal help in the area.

Union County Bankruptcy Court Details

Union County is served by the Middle District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court, Harrisburg Division. The Harrisburg office is located at 2400 Old Turnpike Road, Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17110. The court handles all Union County bankruptcy petitions, including Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 cases. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The 341 meeting of creditors required under 11 U.S.C. § 341 is scheduled within 21 to 40 days of filing. For Union County cases, this meeting may be held in Harrisburg or another Middle District location. The court uses CM/ECF for attorney filings and EDSS for pro se document submissions. Remote appearance options exist for some hearings. You can reach the court by phone at (717) 901-2800 for scheduling and procedural questions about your Union County bankruptcy case.

Searching Union County Bankruptcy Filings

PACER is the main tool for searching Union County bankruptcy records online. The system gives you access to federal case dockets, filed documents, and hearing schedules. Register for free at pacer.gov. Fees are $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. Quarterly charges under $30 are waived entirely. Once registered, search the Middle District of Pennsylvania for Union County cases.

You can search by debtor name, attorney name, or case number within PACER. The results show the filing date, chapter type, trustee assigned, and current case status. Detailed documents like the petition, schedules, and discharge order are also available. For phone-based lookups, call the Voice Case Information System at 1-866-222-8029, extension 48. This free service gives basic case information without requiring a PACER login.

The Union County Prothonotary at 103 South Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837, keeps civil court records including judgment liens. Call (570) 524-8761 to inquire about records. These local records supplement federal bankruptcy data and show creditor judgments that may be part of a debtor's financial picture.

How to File Bankruptcy in Union County

Filing bankruptcy in Union County starts with completing a required credit counseling course. The course must be taken from an approved agency within 180 days before you file your petition. After completing it, you receive a certificate that must be filed with your petition. You then prepare the official bankruptcy forms, which ask for detailed information about income, debts, property, and expenses.

Union County residents file with the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Chapter 7 costs $338 to file. Chapter 13 costs $313. You may request to pay in installments if the full fee creates a hardship. The court will also consider a full fee waiver if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty level. After filing, the court mails a notice to all creditors listed in your schedules. The automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 begins the moment you file, halting most collection efforts against you.

A Chapter 7 case in Union County typically results in a discharge within about four months if no issues arise. A Chapter 13 case requires completing a three- to five-year payment plan approved by the court. After completing all plan payments, the remaining eligible debts are discharged under 11 U.S.C. § 524. You must also complete a debtor education course before the discharge is entered.

Note: All filings for Union County cases go to the Middle District, not the county courthouse in Lewisburg. The federal court handles the bankruptcy process from start to finish.

Exemptions in Union County Bankruptcy Cases

Union County filers may choose between Pennsylvania state exemptions and the federal exemption set. Pennsylvania offers very limited state exemptions. The state wildcard exemption is only $300 under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8123. As a result, most Union County debtors choose the federal exemptions instead.

Federal exemptions available under 11 U.S.C. § 522 protect a homestead up to $27,900, a vehicle up to $4,450, household goods, tools of the trade, and retirement account balances. These amounts adjust periodically. The choice between state and federal exemptions is made at filing and cannot be changed afterward. An attorney with experience in Middle District cases can help you pick the right option for your specific situation in Union County.

Legal Help for Union County Residents

Several organizations can assist Union County residents with bankruptcy questions. MidPenn Legal Services offers free civil legal help to those who qualify based on income at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Services include bankruptcy counseling and, in some cases, representation. Visit midpenn.org or contact their regional office that serves the Lewisburg area. This organization has helped many central Pennsylvania residents navigate the federal bankruptcy system.

The U.S. Trustee for Region 3 oversees bankruptcy cases in Union County. Contact the office at (215) 597-4411 or visit justice.gov/ust/region-03. The Pennsylvania Bar Association has a statewide attorney referral line at (800) 692-7375. For direct local help, the Union County Courthouse in Lewisburg can provide contact information for attorneys who practice in the Middle District.

Note: Bankruptcy is a federal process. Local county attorneys can help, but they must be admitted to practice in the Middle District of Pennsylvania federal court.

Union County Related Records

Several Union County offices hold records that relate to bankruptcy filings. The Recorder of Deeds at 103 South Second Street, Lewisburg maintains property records including deeds, mortgages, and liens. Call (570) 524-8633 for details. Accurate property valuations and lien information are essential when preparing bankruptcy schedules. These records confirm what you own and what debts are secured by your property.

The Register of Wills at (570) 524-8762 maintains estate and probate records. Any inheritance received or likely to be received within 180 days of filing must be disclosed to the bankruptcy trustee. Estate records from the Register's office can help establish the value and status of any pending inheritance. Visit unionco.org for a directory of all Union County government offices and their contact information.

Cities in Union County

Union County is a smaller central Pennsylvania county with Lewisburg as its seat. Other communities include New Berlin, Mifflinburg, and Hartleton. All residents file bankruptcy cases with the same federal court regardless of which municipality they live in.

Nearby Counties

Union County is surrounded by other central Pennsylvania counties. All of the counties below are also served by the Middle District of Pennsylvania bankruptcy court. Check your county of residence carefully before filing to make sure you are in the right court district.

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