What are Kansas Bankruptcy Records?

Individuals and corporate bodies request debt relief and assets protection by filing for bankruptcy in Kansas. When an entity files as such, the courts respond to the case based on the category of bankruptcy. In general terms, Title 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code defines the procedure rules for debt relief. The federal government handles bankruptcy cases in Kansas through the Federal District Bankruptcy Court in the state. The District courthouse clerk maintains these records in hard copy form at the facility and forwards electronic updates to the federal repository. The online federal repository is remotely accessible to anyone. There is one United States district bankruptcy Court that serves all Kansas state counties at three locations:

Robert J. Dole Courthouse
500 State Avenue, Rm. 161
Kansas City, KS 66101

Frank Carlson Federal Building
444 SE Quincy, Rm. 240
Topeka, KS 66683

Wichita US Courthouse
401 N. Market, Rm. 167
Wichita, KS 67202

What Do Kansas Bankruptcy Records Contain?

How extensive a case is will determine how much information is present in the record. However, the following are basic features of a Kansas bankruptcy record:

• Names of the filing party
• Names and contacts of the owing party (if not the filing party)
• Names and addresses of creditors and trustees
• Copies of tax records and payments
• Financial statements of the owing party
• Court rulings on the case
• Name of the presiding judge
• Copies of court orders and writs
• Projected date of completion of debt if applicable
• Type of bankruptcy case

Are Bankruptcy Records Public Information?

Yes, they are. By Kansas Open Records Act and federal laws, anyone may view and copy bankruptcy records upon request. It is important to note that certain parts of a bankruptcy record will undergo redaction when placed in the public domain. Some information, such as personal identifying information and financial data like social security numbers, is confidential. Financial information of companies such as trade secrets is also not available to everyone.

Records that are considered public may be accessible from some third-party websites. Operating independently of any state government, such platforms often make searching simpler, as they are not limited by geographic location. Search engines on these sites may also help when starting a search for specific or multiple records. To begin using such a search engine on a third-party or government website, interested parties may need to provide some or all of the following:

• The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
• The location or assumed location of the record or person involved. This includes information such as the city, county, or state that person resides in or was accused in.

Third-party sites are independent from government sources, and are not sponsored by these government agencies. Because of this, record availability on third-party sites may vary.

How to get Kansas Bankruptcy records

The first point of call is the Bankruptcy District Courthouse Clerk that handled the case. Here, the most reliable information about a bankruptcy case is available. While there are third-party websites that provide information or links to them, the information may not always be completely accurate. Individuals may obtain information about bankruptcy records in Kansas at the public access terminals of the local courthouse facility. The terminals are free to use and return general information. If you need more detailed information, the individual may visit the court clerk's office in person and submit a request. Otherwise, parties may call the court clerk's office and request the bankruptcy record using the information available on the website. Alternatively, submit a request by mail. Have the following information ready:

• Case record and the docket ID numbers. Get it at the Public Access to Court Electronic Records, Kansas. The court automated voice information system on the page returns this information.
• The name of the filing party and the requester’s daytime phone number.

Persons that prefer mail delivery are advised to include a return envelope, self-addressed and stamped along with their request. Parties can use the fee schedule to determine how much it would cost to get copies. If the record is older than one year, confirm with the courthouse clerk if it is at the National Archives and Records Administration agency’s state office. A direct request to the archives agency is useful only if there are reference numbers that will help locate the record. Otherwise, request the records through the local courthouse clerk. Note that fees for searches and retrieval may apply. The courthouse clerk accepts cash and money order payments from individuals. Attorneys may pay using checks. Electronic payments are only acceptable on the PACER platform.

How Do I Find Out If My Bankruptcy Case Is Closed in Kansas?

Kansas operates an efficient process of bankruptcy case resolution. A vital element of the process is the completion of all court judgments regarding a case. All arrangements for payment or cancellation of debt must be complete. Furthermore, the trustee involved must state that the filing party has no pending obligations. When the judge closes the case, the filing party should expect a notification to that effect.

Can a Bankruptcy Record Be Expunged in Kansas?

Complete expungement of a bankruptcy record, although possible, is a lengthy administrative process in Kansas. Although the authorities limit public access to such records, it remains available in the storage copies of the facility. However, there are other ways to remove the record from public disclosure. It is essential for persons that are adversely affected by bankruptcy records in their credit reports. In cases of error or mistaken identity, expunction is immediate. Others may have to wait out the window period before they qualify for removal. In the meantime, applications to seal up a bankruptcy record are typically approved if the request is legal. By principle, the benefits of privacy must outweigh the need for public knowledge.