Search Chicot County Bankruptcy Records
Chicot County bankruptcy records are filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas and are public records that can be accessed through the PACER system. This page covers how to find case information, where filings are submitted, how to reach the Chicot County Circuit Clerk in Lake Village, and what federal bankruptcy records contain for residents of this county.
Chicot County at a Glance
Chicot County Bankruptcy Court and Eastern District Filing
All bankruptcy petitions for Chicot County residents go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. The Eastern District courthouse is at 300 W. 2nd Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. The phone number is 501-918-5500. Chicot County is among the 41 counties that make up the Eastern District of Arkansas. All cases, regardless of chapter, are processed through the Little Rock office.
The court handles Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings. Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts. Chapter 13 lets a debtor repay debt over three to five years while keeping their property. Chapter 11 is used mostly for business reorganizations. Chapter 12 is designed for family farmers and fishermen. The court's local rules and current fee schedules are posted on the court's website at arb.uscourts.gov.
The Eastern District uses NextGen CM/ECF for electronic filing. Attorneys must register and file electronically. Pro se filers who are not attorneys must submit paper documents in person or by mail to the Little Rock office. Electronic filing is only available to pro se individuals when the court grants permission by written order. The court also maintains a Multi-Court Voice Case Information System for telephone-based case lookups.
Searching Chicot County Bankruptcy Records on PACER
PACER gives the public access to federal court records including all Chicot County bankruptcy cases. Register for a free account at pacer.gov. Then log in and navigate to the Eastern District of Arkansas Bankruptcy Court. You can search by debtor name, case number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. PACER shows the complete docket, all filed documents, the creditor matrix, and the final case status.
The cost is $0.10 per page. Charges under $30 in a calendar quarter are waived, so most casual users pay nothing. Documents can be downloaded and printed directly from PACER. The system is available online 24 hours a day. For cases filed before the court went electronic, paper records are held at the courthouse and must be requested in person or by mail.
Use the PACER Case Locator if you are not sure which district holds a particular case. It searches all federal courts by name and returns the filing court, case number, and date. The Multi-Court Voice Case Information System is also available at 1-866-222-8029 for automated phone access to basic case information around the clock.
Chicot County Circuit Clerk and State Court Records
The Chicot County Circuit Clerk handles state court records for the 10th Judicial District. The office maintains civil cases, criminal cases, domestic relations matters, juvenile cases, and probate filings. The clerk also serves as recorder and keeps real estate records, deeds, mortgages, and liens. These records are separate from federal bankruptcy files but often contain connected information such as judgment liens or mortgage records that appear in bankruptcy schedules.
The Circuit Clerk is Josephine Griffin. The courthouse is at 108 Main Street, Lake Village, AR 71653. Circuit Clerk phone: (870) 265-8010. County Clerk phone: (870) 265-8000. For most record requests, visit the courthouse in Lake Village or call ahead. The Chicot County Government Services Portal at countyservices.azurewebsites.net provides county department contact information and service details.
The Chicot County Government Services Portal provides information about county departments including the Circuit Clerk office in Lake Village.
State Court Records Search for Chicot County
Arkansas provides free public access to state circuit court records through CourtConnect. This portal covers civil, criminal, probate, and domestic relations cases across all Arkansas circuit courts. Search by party name or case number. Results include filing dates, case summaries, and docket entries. CourtConnect does not show federal bankruptcy cases. Those must be searched through PACER separately.
For in-person visits, the Chicot County Courthouse at 108 Main Street in Lake Village handles both Circuit Clerk and County Clerk requests. Bring identifying information such as a case number or party name. The clerk can locate files, provide copies, and issue certified copies. Fees for copies vary. If a records request exceeds $25 in total cost, Arkansas law requires payment in full before the request is processed. Call (870) 265-8010 before visiting to confirm current hours and fees.
What Chicot County Bankruptcy Records Contain
Federal bankruptcy case files are detailed public records. Each file includes the debtor's name, the last four digits of their Social Security number or tax ID, the case number, filing date, chapter filed under, and assigned judge. The debtor's schedule of assets lists all owned property including real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, and personal property. The schedule of liabilities lists every debt, showing whether each is secured or unsecured and the amount owed.
A statement of financial affairs is also included in the file. It covers income over the past two years, payments made to creditors in the 90 days before filing, lawsuits involving the debtor, and other relevant financial activity. The creditor matrix names every creditor. Meeting of Creditors notices, trustee reports, and motions filed during the case are all part of the public record. The final document is either a discharge order, a dismissal order, or a notice of conversion to another chapter. Discharge orders are available through PACER. Full Social Security numbers are not disclosed in public filings.
Nearby Counties
Chicot County is in the southern Arkansas Delta region. Bankruptcy record information for neighboring counties is available below.