Burlington County Court Filings
Burlington County bankruptcy records are processed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Camden. The county seat is Mount Holly, where the Burlington County Clerk maintains land and property records that often connect to bankruptcy cases. Residents of Burlington County who file for bankruptcy protection will have their cases heard at the federal courthouse at 401 Market Street in Camden. You can search for Burlington County bankruptcy records through the federal court system or request related property filings from the county clerk at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly. Both offices keep records that help paint a full picture of any case.
Burlington County Bankruptcy Court Details
Burlington County falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. Cases are heard at the Camden courthouse on Market Street. Two judges handle bankruptcy matters for this region. Judge Andrew B. Altenburg and Judge Jerrold N. Poslusny Jr. preside over cases from Burlington County and several surrounding counties. The court phone number is (856) 361-2300.
The Voice Case Information System lets you check case status by phone. Call 1-866-222-8029 to hear basic details about any Burlington County bankruptcy filing. You will need the case number to use this service. The system runs around the clock and provides information on filing dates, case type, trustee name, and key deadlines. It is a fast way to get updates on a Burlington County case without going online.
Under 11 U.S.C. Section 301, a bankruptcy case begins when the debtor files a petition with the court. Burlington County residents must file in the Camden division. The petition creates an automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362, which stops most collection actions right away.
Note: The Camden courthouse serves all of southern New Jersey, so Burlington County cases share the docket with filings from several other counties.
How to Search Burlington Bankruptcy Records
The main tool for finding Burlington County bankruptcy records is PACER. This federal system gives you access to case documents, docket sheets, and filing details. You need an account to use it. Once registered, you can search by name, case number, or date range to find Burlington County bankruptcy filings.
There are other ways to look up records too. The court's own website explains how to get case data. You can also visit the clerk's office in Camden during business hours. Staff there can help you pull records for any Burlington County case. Bring the case number if you have it. A name search works too, but it takes more time.
The New Jersey Courts portal handles state-level civil cases. It does not cover federal bankruptcy filings. However, it is useful for finding related state court matters in Burlington County. Some cases involve both state and federal proceedings. For example, a foreclosure in state court may connect to a bankruptcy filing in federal court.
Burlington County Clerk and Property Records
The Burlington County Clerk's office sits at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call (609) 265-5074 with questions about filings or record requests.
Property records are a big part of bankruptcy cases in Burlington County. When someone files for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 protection, their real estate becomes part of the bankruptcy estate. The Burlington County Clerk maintains land records that show deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments tied to properties in the county. These records help trustees and creditors understand what assets exist. E-recording is now available in Burlington County, which speeds up the process of filing documents tied to bankruptcy proceedings.
The Surrogate's Office in Burlington County handles probate matters. These can overlap with bankruptcy when a deceased person's estate has debts. Under N.J.S.A. 3B:22-2, creditors can file claims against an estate. If the debts exceed the assets, the estate may go through a process similar to bankruptcy.
| County Clerk |
Burlington County Clerk 49 Rancocas Road Mount Holly, NJ 08060 Phone: (609) 265-5074 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Bankruptcy Court |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court 401 Market Street Camden, NJ 08101 Phone: (856) 361-2300 |
Types of Bankruptcy Filings in Burlington County
Most Burlington County bankruptcy records fall into two categories. Chapter 7 cases involve liquidation. A trustee sells non-exempt assets to pay creditors. Many Chapter 7 cases in Burlington County are "no-asset" cases, meaning the debtor has nothing of value beyond what the law protects. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 522, debtors can exempt certain property from the bankruptcy estate.
Chapter 13 filings are different. The debtor keeps their property but pays creditors through a three-to-five year plan. Burlington County residents with steady income often choose this route to save a home from foreclosure. The repayment plan must meet the requirements of 11 U.S.C. Section 1325. The court reviews the plan and decides if it is fair to all parties. Records from Chapter 13 cases in Burlington County include the plan itself, proof of income, and any objections from creditors.
Less common filings also appear in Burlington County records. Chapter 11 covers business reorganizations. Chapter 12 applies to farmers and fishermen. Each type creates its own set of court documents.
Note: Burlington County bankruptcy records stay on credit reports for up to ten years from the filing date, depending on the chapter.
Burlington County Record Access Options
You have several ways to get Burlington County bankruptcy records.
- Search PACER online for docket sheets and filed documents
- Call the VCIS line at 1-866-222-8029 for basic case status
- Visit the Camden courthouse to view records in person
- Request copies by mail from the court clerk
- Check the U.S. Bankruptcy Court website for forms and guides
For older Burlington County bankruptcy records that predate the electronic system, the National Archives may have what you need. Federal court records eventually transfer to the Archives for long-term storage. Cases from decades past are often found there. You can request these records by mail or visit a regional facility.
The Burlington County Superior Court handles state civil matters, not federal bankruptcy filings. But state court records can provide useful context. A judgment lien recorded in Burlington County might show up in both state records and a bankruptcy case. Cross-referencing these sources gives a more complete view.
What Burlington Bankruptcy Records Show
A typical Burlington County bankruptcy record contains detailed information. The petition lists the debtor's name, address, and the type of bankruptcy filed. Schedules break down assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test, required under 11 U.S.C. Section 707(b), shows whether the debtor qualifies for Chapter 7. Creditor lists name every person or business owed money.
Court orders also form part of the record. These include the automatic stay, discharge orders, and any motions ruled on by the judge. In Burlington County cases, you may also find trustee reports, proof of claim forms filed by creditors, and minutes from the 341 meeting of creditors. Each document adds to the public record and is available through PACER or the court clerk's office.
Burlington County Bankruptcy and State Law
New Jersey law affects bankruptcy cases in Burlington County in several ways. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19, the state sets its own exemptions that debtors can claim. Burlington County filers must choose between federal and state exemptions. The state homestead exemption is limited, which matters for homeowners in the county.
Liens recorded with the Burlington County Clerk may survive a bankruptcy discharge. A mortgage lien, for instance, stays attached to the property even if the personal debt is discharged. This means Burlington County land records remain relevant long after a bankruptcy case closes. Creditors and title companies check both sets of records before any property transaction.
Note: New Jersey does not allow wage garnishment for most debts outside of child support and taxes, which can affect how Burlington County bankruptcy cases proceed.
Burlington County bankruptcy records are available through the New Jersey Courts website. You can access case details from the court portal shown below.
The state portal complements the federal PACER system for a broader view of Burlington County court records.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Burlington County. Each has its own court system for state matters, but all southern New Jersey counties share the Camden bankruptcy court for federal filings.