Case Information may be obtained through the Courts ECF/PACER System via the Internet.
LINK TO ECF/PACER

Case Information may be searched by phone using the Multi-Court Voice Case Information System(MCVCIS).
Phone Number: 1-866-222-8029

Obtaining Copies of Documents from a Bankruptcy Case File

There are several ways to obtain copies of documents:

• Print Electronic Records from your Personal Computer using PACER

PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. You may use PACER to print copies of documents, download documents to your own computer or search for information in your case. The PACER system is available days, nights and weekends.

Visit the PACER website (https://www.pacer.uscourts.gov) for information on how to register for PACER and the fees for downloading court documents.

• Print Electronic Records at the Clerk’s Office from Public Computer Terminals

You can print electronic records from a Central District of Illinois case file from the PACER computer terminals located in each of our three offices. Click here for a list of the current fees and acceptable methods of payment.

• Submit a Request by Email

You may send a written request for copies by email to the office where the case was filed. Click here for addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for each office. 

Your request must include:

•  Your name
•  The case number or name of debtor(s)
•  A description of the copies requested or document numbers

Once we receive your request, we will email you a statement of charges for the copy work. Click here for a list of the current fees and acceptable methods of payment. 

After we receive payment, copies will be made and sent to you via email. Your receipt will be emailed.

• Obtain Copies from the Federal Records Center (only for cases filed prior to 1997)

This court began electronic record keeping in 1997. Cases filed prior to that date might be available from the National Archives’ Federal Records Center (FRC). Please note that the National Archives retains a representative sample of bankruptcy cases for 20 years unless they are considered permanent for historical value.  After 20 years has expired the cases are destroyed.  When you make a request for documents from the FRC, you will be informed of whether the case is still available.   If the case is not available, the court can provide you with a copy of the Docket Sheet (a listing record of what was filed).  If you desire a copy of the Docket Sheet, you may obtain copies from the Bankruptcy Clerk's Office where the case was filed.