Find Chemung County Bankruptcy Records

Chemung County bankruptcy records are filed in the Western District of New York. Cases from this southern tier county go through federal courthouses in Buffalo or Rochester, depending on the assignment. You can search for case filings, docket sheets, and discharge orders through PACER or by visiting a courthouse in person. The Chemung County Clerk in Elmira keeps state court records and land records that sometimes overlap with federal bankruptcy proceedings. This page walks you through where to look and what to expect.

Where Chemung County Bankruptcy Cases Are Filed

Chemung County bankruptcy filings go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of New York. The court has two offices. Buffalo is at 2 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202 (716-362-3200). Rochester is at 100 State Street, Rochester, NY 14614 (585-613-4200). Cases from Chemung County may be assigned to either location. Public hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

The Western District covers 17 counties. Attorneys file through the CM/ECF electronic system. People filing without a lawyer can submit paper petitions at the clerk's office during business hours. Free public access terminals at both courthouses let you search for Chemung County bankruptcy records at no cost.

Meeting of creditors for Chemung County cases may take place in Buffalo or Rochester. The court assigns the location based on the case.

Searching Chemung County Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER is the best way to find Chemung County bankruptcy records from home. Sign up for a free account. Document access costs $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. Searches are free. If your quarterly usage stays under $30, all charges get waived. You can search by debtor name, case number, Social Security number, or tax ID.

The PACER Case Locator searches all federal courts nationwide. This is good when you are not sure which district has the case. Written opinions from judges are free to download. VCIS at 866-222-8029 gives free automated case info around the clock. It tells you the filing date, chapter, discharge date, trustee, and attorney.

The Western District Bankruptcy Court serves Chemung County from its offices in Buffalo and Rochester, handling all federal bankruptcy filings for the county.

Public terminals at both locations let you search for Chemung County bankruptcy records during regular courthouse hours.

Chemung County Clerk Records and Bankruptcy

The Chemung County Clerk's Office is at 210 Lake Street, Elmira, NY 14902. The phone number is 607-737-2920. The office maintains land records, court records, business certificates, marriage licenses, and passport applications. Hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

Bankruptcy is federal, but state court records from Chemung County often play a role. Judgments from Supreme Court can become liens on property. Mortgage foreclosures filed in state court may need to be stayed when a bankruptcy is filed. The clerk serves as the Clerk of Supreme and County Courts and is part of the 6th Judicial District, which also covers Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Madison, Oneida, Otsego, Schuyler, and Tioga counties.

The eCourts system provides case tracking for Chemung County state court matters. NYSCEF handles electronic filing for Supreme Court cases. Certified copies of court records are available at the clerk's office for a fee.

Costs for Chemung County Bankruptcy Records

Federal filing fees apply. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Low-income filers may qualify for a fee waiver or installment payments. PACER charges $0.10 per page for document access, with a $3.00 cap. Courthouse copies run $0.50 per page. The Buffalo office takes exact change, money orders, or certified checks. Rochester does not accept cash.

Closed cases sent to the National Archives cost more. A full case file is $90, preselected documents are $35, and a docket sheet is $35. Add $15 for certification. The bankruptcy court provides the tracking numbers needed for NARA requests.

Chemung County Bankruptcy Exemptions

Chemung County debtors choose between federal and New York state exemptions under 11 U.S.C. Section 522(b). The county falls in the lowest tier for the homestead exemption at up to $102,400 per Section 282 of the Debtor and Creditor Law. Filers must have lived in New York for 730 days before filing to use state exemptions.

Other protections include a motor vehicle up to $5,500 above liens, retirement accounts up to $1,711,975, and full exemption for Social Security, unemployment benefits, and workers' compensation. Personal property has specific dollar limits under state law. These exemption amounts get updated every three years.

Nearby Counties

Chemung County borders these counties in the southern tier.

Cities in Chemung County

Elmira is the county seat and the largest city in Chemung County. No cities in this county meet the population threshold for a dedicated page on this site.