Access Conway County Bankruptcy Records
Conway County bankruptcy records are filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. This page covers online search tools, the circuit clerk office in Morrilton, and other resources for finding case information.
Conway County at a Glance
Conway County Bankruptcy Filings and the Eastern District Court
Conway County is part of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. That court sits at 300 W. 2nd Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, with a phone number of 501-918-5500. All bankruptcy petitions for Conway County residents, whether Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, or Chapter 13, are filed there. The court operates under the 8th U.S. Circuit and uses the NextGen CM/ECF electronic filing system.
Conway County is located in central Arkansas, northwest of Little Rock. Because the bankruptcy court is in Little Rock, residents and their attorneys can reach the courthouse without a long drive. Attorneys must file all documents electronically. Non-attorneys who represent themselves must file on paper, either in person or by mail. The court cannot accept filings sent by fax or email from pro se litigants.
For quick phone access to case data, use the Multi-court Voice Case Information System at 1-866-222-8029. This free service runs 24 hours a day. You can get basic case status, the judge's name, and trustee information by entering the case number or the debtor's name using your phone keypad.
Conway County Circuit Clerk in Morrilton
The Conway County Circuit Clerk, Darlene Massingill, maintains state court records for the county. The office is at 117 S Moose St, Morrilton, AR 72110. Phone: (501) 354-9640. State court records held by this office include civil case files, criminal records, domestic relations matters such as divorce and child custody, juvenile cases, and real estate documents like deeds, mortgages, and liens.
The circuit clerk office is a state-level office. It does not hold federal bankruptcy records, and the bankruptcy court does not hold state circuit court records. If you need to check both state judgments and federal bankruptcy filings for a specific individual, you must query each office or system separately. The Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect portal can help with state records, and PACER handles the federal side.
Additional information about Conway County court records is available at arkansascourtrecords.us/conway. This third-party guide summarizes how the court system is organized in the county and provides links to relevant court resources.
How to Search Conway County Bankruptcy Records on PACER
PACER is the federal government's public access system for court electronic records. Register for a free account at pacer.uscourts.gov. After creating your account, log in and choose the Arkansas Eastern Bankruptcy Court from the court list. Then search by debtor name, case number, or Social Security number (last four digits). PACER charges $0.10 per page, with a cap of $3.00 per document. No charges apply if your total in a given quarter is under $30.
When you open a case, PACER shows the full docket sheet with every document filed. You can view the petition, creditor schedules, financial statements, hearing notices, trustee reports, and the final order. Documents that are sealed by the court will appear on the docket but may not be downloadable without a court-issued access code. Use the PACER Case Locator at pcl.uscourts.gov for cross-court nationwide searches.
What Is in a Conway County Bankruptcy Case File
Every Conway County bankruptcy case file starts with the petition, which names the debtor, identifies the chapter type, and confirms the filing date. Attached to the petition are schedules covering the debtor's creditors and the amounts owed, all owned property and its value, monthly income from all sources, and living expenses. A statement of financial affairs also describes recent business dealings, income history, and any transfers of property made before filing.
These records are public. Social Security numbers are redacted to the last four digits, and other sensitive financial identifiers such as full account numbers are also limited in public filings. The discharge order, if the case is successful, and the trustee's final report are also part of the public file. Certified copies of any document can be requested from the bankruptcy court clerk's office for a fee of $12 per certification plus $0.50 per page for paper copies.
Arkansas CourtConnect for Conway County State Records
The Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect system at caseinfo.arcourts.gov is the free state-level portal for circuit court records. It covers cases in Conway County that were handled in state court. You can search by party name or case number and see case status, docket entries, and basic party information. Some cases may not appear online if they were filed before electronic records were maintained or if they have been sealed.
For help with the CourtConnect system, contact the Administrative Office of the Courts at (501) 410-1900, option 1. This office can explain what records are accessible online and help you request records that are not in the system. CourtConnect is a good first stop when you want to check for state judgments or liens before running a federal bankruptcy search through PACER.
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 in Conway County
Conway County bankruptcy filers generally choose between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 clears most unsecured debts after a means test. A trustee reviews your assets and income. If you qualify, the case closes in three to four months and most eligible debts are gone. It does not stop a foreclosure if you want to keep your home unless you also bring mortgage payments current.
Chapter 13 lets you keep property and pay back some debts over three to five years through a court-approved repayment plan. You need regular income to qualify. This chapter is useful for people who are behind on a mortgage and want to avoid foreclosure. Chapter 12 is available for family farmers and fishermen. Parts of Conway County have agricultural operations, so that chapter is relevant in this area. Chapter 11 is mainly for businesses or higher-income individuals with complex debt situations. You must complete credit counseling from an approved agency before filing. After a discharge is granted, a debtor education course is also required. Both steps can be done online.
Arkansas Bankruptcy Exemptions for Conway County Filers
When you file bankruptcy in Arkansas, state law protects certain property from creditors. The homestead exemption covers up to 160 acres of rural land or 1 acre within a city or town. The value cap in both cases is $2,500. If federal exemptions would protect more of your assets, you can choose those instead. You can only use one set, not both. An attorney can compare the two and help you decide which is better.
Arkansas state exemptions also protect all clothing, a wedding ring, and tools needed for your job. Married filers and heads of household can protect up to $500 in other personal property. Single filers without dependents are limited to $200. Wages earned but not yet paid are protected. Benefits like Social Security, unemployment, and workers' compensation are also exempt under both state and federal law. These protections apply regardless of which bankruptcy chapter you file.
How to Request Conway County Bankruptcy Records
PACER is the primary way to get bankruptcy records. You download documents online for $0.10 per page. If you need certified copies, contact the bankruptcy court clerk's office in Little Rock. Paper copies cost $0.50 per page. Certification of a document costs $12. An exemplified copy, which carries a higher level of court authentication, costs $24. These fees are set by federal rules and apply to all Eastern District cases from Conway County.
Mail requests go to U.S. Bankruptcy Court, 300 W. 2nd Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. Include the case number, debtor name, the documents you want, and a check or money order for the fees. Call 501-918-5500 to confirm the right amount before you mail anything. You can also request records in person at the clerk's counter during regular office hours. The Arkansas Association of Counties at arcounties.org maintains county-level contact directories that can help you locate other Conway County government offices.
Legal Aid and Help for Conway County Residents
Conway County residents who cannot afford a bankruptcy attorney may qualify for free help through Legal Aid of Arkansas or the Center for Arkansas Legal Services. Both serve central Arkansas and use income guidelines to determine eligibility. The Arkansas Bar Association has a Lawyer Referral Service if you do not qualify for free aid. Many private bankruptcy attorneys offer a free first visit before you decide to hire them.
Filing bankruptcy without an attorney is allowed but not easy. The paperwork is detailed and court deadlines are strict. Missing a required step can get your case dismissed. The bankruptcy court's website at arb.uscourts.gov provides forms, local rules, and procedural guides. The court cannot give legal advice, but those materials are a useful starting point for pro se filers who want to understand the process before they begin.
Nearby Counties
Conway County neighbors several Eastern District counties in central Arkansas: