They are on PACER which is accessed from the Internet. A person needs an account to see the files. An account is easy to get.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 9/8/2011

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All federal case files are published in a system called PACER which is accessible on the Internet, although it requires setting up an account and paying .08 per page for access. I cannot say for sure, but I think that the search engines are barred from access, so a Google search does not turn up anything. The more likely place for an employer to find out the fact of a bankruptcy filing is that it goes on your credit report and stays there for 8 years.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 9/6/2011

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Bankruptcy filings can be accessed by the public record which includes the bankruptcy court website. It also will be on your credit report. Often job applications will ask whether a bankruptcy has been filed. It is illegal to discriminate against someone who has filed bankruptcy as far as public or private employment pursuant to section 525 of the bankruptcy code.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 9/1/2011

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Bankruptcy files can be accessed online thru a government service called PACER.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 9/1/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

There are companies that obtain that information and sell it to employers who do backgroud checks. The bankruptcy also shows on your credit report. To obtain the information directly from the court you need a Pacer account that anyone can get and agree to pay for the copies obtained at 8 cents per copy. Most employers don't bother to get a PACER account and it takes a little bit of knowledge of the system to find the information.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 9/1/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.