Bankruptcy_records
> Just like all other court proceeding in the country, records are considered open to the public and with most of them available through electronic transfer, anyone with a home computer and internet access can review and print records on any individual or company. Most records of proceedings are kept in printed form in the United States archives, but electronic versions of all proceedings are maintain by districts in the various states. There are many companies that offer to research records for you, and will return a complete report of the proceedings, including a debtor's list as well as asset allocation if applicable. The charge for these services will vary by company, but it should be noted that individuals can have access to records online through the government's court websites. There are various reasons someone would have need to research a proceeding, but investigating possible fraud is among the most common. Additionally, a person applying for credit, who has stated they had filed for bankruptcy, may have records reviewed to insure that all prior debts have been discharged. Especially lenders that offer loans to persons who recently filed for financial relief, records can offer them assurances that the individual cannot file for in the immediate future. Privacy Not Violated With Release Of Records While some individuals may take exception with having their personal financial records

being open to the public, records fall under the open records laws that require all proceedings by a public entity to accumulate and maintain records, make those records available for public scrutiny. There are no provisions to protect someone's individual privacy in releasing records. Additionally, the proceeding has to be advertised prior to the date of the court proceedings to give creditors that have not been listed as such on filing forms and were not notified of the impending hearing an opportunity to dispute any claims. They can also review records to insure they have treated fairly by the courts. Individuals, who may have lost some of their paperwork after discharge, can peruse their own records and print copies. Most records are maintained by the state in which the district is located, although they are listed under the federal court having jurisdiction over that district. While having as much information as possible available during a records search makes finding them quicker, usually a name and address will lead to the records.