Find Genesee County Bankruptcy Records

Genesee County bankruptcy records are maintained at the Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court's Flint Division, right in the county seat at 226 West Second Street. Flint is one of only three Eastern District courthouse locations in Michigan, making Genesee County one of the most convenient counties in the district for in-person record access. This guide explains how to search Genesee County bankruptcy cases, what those records include, what it costs to get copies, and where to find help in the Flint area.

Flint Division - Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court

Genesee County has its own bankruptcy courthouse. The Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court's Flint Division is at 226 West Second Street, Flint, MI 48502. This is one of just three Eastern District locations in the entire state. The Flint Division serves Genesee County directly and also handles cases from Lapeer, Livingston, and Shiawassee counties. Having the court in Flint means Genesee County residents can walk in, use free public access terminals, and get same-day copy service without traveling to Bay City or Detroit.

The Flint clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The phone number is (810) 235-4126. Staff can help with filing questions, case lookups, and copy requests. They cannot give legal advice but can explain procedures and point you to the right forms. The public terminals at the Flint courthouse are free to use and connect to PACER.

All Eastern District forms, local rules, and court information are at mieb.uscourts.gov. The court locations page at mieb.uscourts.gov/court-locations has the full address and contact info for Flint and the other two locations.

How to Search Genesee County Bankruptcy Records

Genesee County residents have strong options for record access because the court is local. The easiest in-person method is to visit the Flint courthouse during business hours. Public terminals in the clerk's office connect to PACER and are free to use. Print what you need for $0.10 per page. This is the most affordable option for anyone who wants printed copies of several documents at once.

Online access through PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov works from anywhere with an internet connection. Register for a free account, then select the Eastern District of Michigan. Search by party name, case number, or Social Security number. All docket entries and documents appear in the results. Cost is $0.10 per page, max $3.00 per document. Accounts under $30 per quarter are not charged. PACER details for the Eastern District are at mieb.uscourts.gov/pacer.

The free VCIS phone line at 866-222-8029 runs 24 hours a day. Enter a name or Social Security number to get basic case information. No documents are available by phone, but it is a quick check when you just need a case number or filing date.

Mail requests go to the Flint Division at 226 West Second Street, Flint, MI 48502. Include the debtor name, case number, and list of documents you need. Full copy instructions are at mieb.uscourts.gov/obtaining-copies-documents.

Note: Cases filed before 2003 may be archived at the Federal Records Center rather than in PACER. The Flint clerk's office can help you request those files.

What Genesee County Bankruptcy Records Contain

Genesee County bankruptcy filings are detailed public records. The petition opens the case, identifies the debtor, and states which chapter they filed under. Schedule A and B list real and personal property with estimated values. Schedules D, E, and F cover all debts: secured (like mortgages and car loans), priority (like taxes and student loans), and unsecured (like credit cards). Schedule I and J give monthly income and expense figures. Together, these schedules form a complete financial snapshot.

Chapter 7 cases include a means test calculation. This form checks whether the debtor's income falls below the Michigan median or whether they pass the more detailed income-minus-expense test to qualify for a liquidation discharge. When the trustee sells non-exempt property, the trustee's reports and distribution records become part of the file. Chapter 13 cases add a repayment plan showing how creditors will be paid over time. All creditor proofs of claim and any objections are part of the record too.

The meeting of creditors under 11 U.S.C. § 341 is scheduled early in every case, and the result is noted on the docket. The final event in most cases is either the discharge order, which erases qualifying debts, or a dismissal if the case was not completed. The docket sheet gives you a full chronological view of every event from filing to close.

Filing Fees and Copy Costs in Genesee County

Federal bankruptcy filing fees are the same across the Eastern District of Michigan. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. These are paid at the Flint clerk's window or through the court's electronic filing system. Low-income filers can apply for a waiver if their income is below 150% of the federal poverty guideline. The waiver form is filed with the petition.

For accessing existing records: PACER charges $0.10 per page, max $3.00 per document, with fees waived if quarterly charges stay under $30. Courthouse terminal printing is $0.10 per page. Staff copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $12.00 plus $0.50 per page. Genesee County residents who visit the Flint courthouse can save money by viewing documents on the free terminal and only printing what they truly need.

Michigan Exemptions for Genesee County Residents

Michigan law protects key assets for bankruptcy filers. The homestead exemption under MCL 600.5451 covers up to $46,125 in home equity, or $69,200 for filers who are 65 or older or disabled. Flint and the surrounding Genesee County area have a wide range of home values, and for many residents, the homestead exemption is enough to protect their home in a Chapter 7 case. If equity exceeds the exempt amount, Chapter 13 may be a better fit since debtors keep their assets while repaying creditors under a plan.

MCL 600.6023 covers additional property: clothing, household goods, a vehicle up to a set cap, tools of a trade, and most retirement savings. Federal exemptions under 11 U.S.C. § 522 are also available. Michigan filers must choose one system and apply it consistently. A Flint-area bankruptcy attorney can help you figure out which system protects more of your property given what you own.

Note: Exemption amounts change periodically. Check the current statute or speak with an attorney to confirm the figures before filing.

Local Resources in Genesee County

The Genesee County Clerk at 900 Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502 handles local state court records. Their number is (810) 257-3220. This office does not hold federal bankruptcy records, but they can assist with general legal inquiries and direct you to the right contact at the federal court.

Flint has legal aid resources through programs connected to Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org. The Genesee County area has bankruptcy attorneys who regularly practice at the Flint Division. The State Bar of Michigan referral service connects you with a licensed attorney for an initial consultation at a low cost. The Flint Public Library offers computers for PACER searches if you need internet access.

Flint Court Location and PACER Access

The Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court lists the Flint Division address and contact information on their official court locations page at mieb.uscourts.gov/court-locations.

Online access to Genesee County bankruptcy records through PACER is explained on the Eastern District's PACER page at mieb.uscourts.gov/pacer.

Genesee County residents can search bankruptcy records in person at the Flint courthouse or remotely through PACER from any internet-connected device.

Cities in Genesee County

Genesee County includes several communities. Flint is the county seat and the city large enough to have its own bankruptcy records page.

Other communities in Genesee County, including Burton, Flushing, Grand Blanc, and Swartz Creek, also file bankruptcy cases at the Flint Division. Those cities do not have individual pages on this site.

Nearby Counties

These counties are close to Genesee County. All file through the Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court.