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FAQs

Judges Chambers/Clerk's Office

  1. How do I get information about a case?

    There are several ways you can get information:

    • If you have access to a computer with internet access, you can get access to the Court’s electronic records through PACER by selecting the menu option "ECF/Pacer Login" from the Court's website.
    • In order to use PACER, you must open a PACER account. You can do that by calling (800) 676-6856 or (210) 301-6440 to get a registration form.You may register online at https://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/
    • You may also come into the court and use the public service computers to view electronic records for no fee. See our website for Court Locations and Directions.
    • You can access the Voice Case Information System (VCIS) 24 hrs, 7 days a week by dialing (866) 222-8029 to obtain the most requested case information automatically. To access this system please follow the instructions on the McVCIS information page.
  2. How do I get my name removed from your website? Google search finds my name.

    We cannot remove your name from our website. All records and hearings are public. Google has an option to remove your name from it's results https://support.google.com/websearch/troubleshooter/3111061?hl=en. Other search engines may have a similar option.

  3. How do I report a bankruptcy fraud?

    Investigations of alleged bankruptcy fraud are the responsibility of the U.S. Trustee. Here is a link to the local U.S. Trustee https://www.justice.gov/ust/r11/index.htm. Please report any fraudulent bankruptcy activity.

  4. I am not fluent in English; can I be provided an interpreter for the hearing?

    No. However the U.S. District Court Interpreters Office can provide you with interpreter resources information at 312-435-5837. The U.S. Courts will not cover any interpreter expenses.

    For additional information, please refer to the Guide to Section 240 of the Judiciary Policy, Volume 5: Court Interpreting.

  5. Is the Bankruptcy Court a State or Federal Court?

    The Bankruptcy Court is a Federal Court.

  6. May I speak directly with a Bankruptcy Judge?

    No. Federal law prohibits any contact with the Judge outside the Courtroom in order to preserve the impartiality of the Court and to prevent the appearance of any impropriety or allegations of preferential treatment of any party.

  7. What are the court's hours of operation?

    The Office of the Clerk (in both divisions) is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on all days except Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. The Customer Service Information line (312) 408-5000 will be answered from 8:30 until 5:00.

    Main Page of Website - https://www.ilnb.uscourts.gov/

  8. What do I do if while reviewing a case I notice that the order was docketed on the wrong case?

    If you find an error on the docket please contact the court:

    Contact

  9. Where do I file bankruptcy documents?

    You can mail or bring your document into the appropriate court. The court is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm except legal holidays.

    If the bankruptcy case you are filing the document for is located in one of the following counties: Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Will, Grundy, LaSalle, or Kendall
    Please file your document at this location:

    U.S. Bankruptcy Court
    Dirksen Federal Building
    219 S. Dearborn St. - Room 710

    Chicago, IL 60604
    (312) 435-5694

    If the bankruptcy case is located in one of the following counties: Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, JoDaviess, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, or Winnebago

    Please file your document at this location:

    U.S. Bankruptcy Court
    327 South Church Street
    Rockford, IL 61101
    (815) 987-4350

    See our locations here

  10. Who can file bankruptcy?

    A person, partnership, corporation, or business trust may file a bankruptcy case. Corporations, partnerships and business trust cannot proceed if they are not represented by an attorney. Only an individual can proceed without an attorney.

  11. Who can you notify regarding a fraudulent Filing?

    Investigations of alleged bankruptcy fraud are the responsibility of the U.S. Trustee. Here is a link to the local U.S. Trustee

    https://www.justice.gov/ust-regions-r11/region-11-regional-office

  12. Who do I contact to solicit for court business?

    Contact out Procurement Department at 312-435-6048

  13. Who does an e-filer need to contact if he files something and later changes his mind?

    You can contact the Court at 312-435-5694.

    (See ECF Administrative Rules)  Administrative Procedures for CM/ECF

  14. Who should E-filers representing the U. S. Government call to get a fee cleared because ECF is requesting payment?

    Contact Fiscal Department at 312-435-5622

Types of Cases

  1. What is a Chapter 11?

    It is the chapter of the Bankruptcy Code that usually involves a corporation or partnership. A chapter 11 debtor usually proposes a plan of reorganization to keep its business alive and pay creditors over time. People in business or individuals can also seek relief under chapter 11.

     

    https://www.uscourts.gov/FederalCourts/Bankruptcy/BankruptcyBasics.aspx

  2. What is a Chapter 12?

    It is the chapter of the Bankruptcy Code that provides for the adjustment of debts of a “family farmer” or “family fisherman,” as those terms are defined in the Bankruptcy Code.

     

    https://www.uscourts.gov/FederalCourts/Bankruptcy/BankruptcyBasics.aspx

  3. What is a Chapter 13?

    It is the chapter of the Bankruptcy Code that provides for the adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income, often referred to as a “wage-earner” plan. Chapter 13 allows a debtor to keep property and use his or her disposable income to pay debts over time, usually three to five years.

    For further information read the following:

    https://www.uscourts.gov/FederalCourts/Bankruptcy/BankruptcyBasics.aspx

  4. What is a Chapter 7?

    It is the chapter of the Bankruptcy Code in which a debtor’s nonexempt assets are liquidated and the proceeds are distributed to creditors. Individual debtors may receive a discharge of their debts.

    For further information read the following:

    https://www.uscourts.gov/FederalCourts/Bankruptcy/BankruptcyBasics.aspx

  5. What is a Chapter 9?

    It is the chapter of the Bankruptcy Code that provides for reorganization of municipalities (which include cities and towns, as well as villages, counties, taxing districts, municipal utilities, and school districts).

    https://www.uscourts.gov/FederalCourts/Bankruptcy/BankruptcyBasics.aspx

  6. What is an Adversary Proceeding?

    A lawsuit arising in or related to a bankruptcy case that begins by filing a complaint with the court, that is, a "trial" that takes place within the context of a bankruptcy case.

     

    In bankruptcy proceedings, an adversary is a civil lawsuit commenced by the filing of a complaint by a party in interest to accomplish a result, such as to recover money or property or to object to the debtor’s discharge. Adversary proceedings are assigned separate adversary proceeding numbers, which are used in addition to the number assigned to the bankruptcy case, and a separate docket file of these proceedings is kept. For more information please consult Fed. R. Bankr. P. 7001.

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