What are Montana Bankruptcy Records?

Montana bankruptcy records are generated from the documents, cover sheets, and other relevant information regarding bankruptcy cases in the state. These records are the official documentation of proceedings in bankruptcy cases. Typically, these cases occur when a debtor, unable to repay creditors, seeks a way to discharge debts through the provisions of the federal bankruptcy law.

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana manages bankruptcy records. The bankruptcy court clerk is the custodian of Montana bankruptcy records, and the clerk's office maintains any information gathered during case proceedings. Part of the custodian's duties is disseminating electronic or physical copies of non-confidential bankruptcy information to querying individuals. However, persons seeking to find Montana court records pertaining to bankruptcy proceedings must provide information to facilitate the record search.

Government-owned sites also maintain bankruptcy information on their databases and provide it to the general public. However, the provision of bankruptcy records is not restricted to government-owned platforms alone, as third-party websites, including MontanaCourtRecords.us, also manage and disseminate such records.

What do Montana Bankruptcy Records Contain?

The information provided in a Montana bankruptcy record includes filings, court proceedings, court orders, and other bankruptcy-specific or non-specific information. The court generally maintains these records and has the following information:

• Bankruptcy case cover sheet
• Case docket
• Claims register
• The involved attorney and trustee's addresses and contact information
• A list of creditors
• Credit report
• A list of the assets owned by debtors
• Financial and income statement of the debtor
• The filing date of the case

Are Bankruptcy Records Public Information?

Yes, bankruptcy records are public information, as stated in the Freedom of Information Act. The FOIA classifies bankruptcy records as public records and guarantees their availability to the general public. The Act also mandates that custodians of bankruptcy information provide them to interested parties for copying or inspection, whether in paper or electronic format.

A clause in the FOIA restricts custodians from making confidential bankruptcy records available to the public. Typically, the court may redact some bankruptcy information, automatically making it unavailable to the general public. Only by court authorization may the redacted information be made available.

Records that are considered public may be accessible from some third-party websites. These websites often make searching simpler, as they are not limited by geographic location, and search engines on these sites may help when starting a search for specific or multiple records. To begin using such a search engine on a third-party or government website, interested parties usually must provide:

• The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
• The location or assumed location of the record or person involved. This includes information such as the city, county, or state in which the person resides or was accused.

Third-party sites are independent from government sources and are not sponsored by these agencies. Because of this, record availability on third-party sites may vary.

How to Get Montana Bankruptcy Records?

Obtaining physical copies of Montana bankruptcy records is possible at any bankruptcy court location. Generally, the court clerk serves as the custodian of bankruptcy records, and interested individuals may request records they wish to obtain. The clerk's office attends to such requests at the courthouses and accepts written requests via U.S. mail. The clerk performs record searches for $32 per search and record reproductions at $0.50 per page.

Alternatively, there are public computers located in each courthouse. These computers provide querying parties with paper copies of bankruptcy records. Requesters may search the court's database via public computers and print out any desired Montana bankruptcy information. A fee of $0.10 per copy printed applies.

To use the public computers or request records in person, interested individuals may visit any of the following courthouses during business hours: 8:00 am through 4:00 pm:

U.S. Bankruptcy & District Court, Butte Division
Mike Mansfield Federal Courthouse, 2nd Floor
400 North Main Street
Butte, MT 59701
Phone: (406) 497-1240 (Clerk's Office)

U.S. District Court, Billings Division
James F. Battin Federal Courthouse
2601 2nd Avenue North
Billings, MT 59101
Phone: (406) 247-7000 (Clerk's Office)
Fax: (406) 247-7008 (Clerk's Office)

U.S. District Court, Great Falls Division
Missouri River Federal Courthouse
125 Central Avenue West
Great Falls, MT 59404
Phone: (406) 727-1922 (Clerk's Office)
Fax: (406) 727-7648 (Clerk's Office)

U.S. District Court, Missoula Division
Russell Smith Federal Courthouse
201 East Broadway
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 542-7260 (Clerk's Office)
Fax: (406) 542-7272 (Clerk's Office)

Querying parties should note that the courthouses do not permit electronic devices. They conduct security checks during which all visitors must provide government-issued photo IDs.

The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) service is available to the public to obtain Montana bankruptcy records in an electronic format. The PACER database holds federal court records, including bankruptcy records, and individuals who register on the platform may access them. PACER is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to users with an account and an internet connection. Inquiries or concerns about not finding a particular piece of bankruptcy information may be communicated to the service center at (800) 676-6856 or pacer@psc.uscourts.gov.

The Montana bankruptcy court also provides records via the Voice Case Information System. Individuals may use the service at no charge and in their preferred languages by calling (866) 222-8029 and following the automated voice instructions to listen to the information they want.

How do I Find Out if My Bankruptcy Case is Closed in Montana?

Interested individuals may know if a bankruptcy case is closed in Montana by checking the case status on platforms that provide basic bankruptcy information. For instance, the Voice Case Information System, accessible by calling (866) 222-8029, offers basic Montana bankruptcy information, such as if the court has closed a bankruptcy case.

The status of a bankruptcy case is also available to users of the PACER system and on public computers at the bankruptcy courthouses.

Can a Bankruptcy be Expunged in Montana

Since Montana bankruptcies are largely non-confidential information and available to the general public, no official provisions exist to expunge a record. However, persons may still file a motion to seal or redact bankruptcy information based on privacy or other reasons. The presiding judge will review the motion and has the authority to grant or deny it. If the judge grants the motion, such information will become inaccessible to the public.

What Disqualifies you from filing Bankruptcies in Montana?

In Montana, residents are typically disqualified from filing for bankruptcy if their household income is above the state's median. Federal agencies such as the U.S. Trustee Program may determine if a filer's household earnings is above the state's median by requiring applicants to take the Montana Means Test. This test is designed to calculate a filer's household income and compare the total with the state's median to determine if an individual qualifies for the relief under Chapter 7.

The Means Test calculation is based on the average earnings in the last 180 days. According to the 2025 US Census Data from the Department of Justice the median household income for a family of four in Montana is $115,913. The 2005 Bankruptcy Act mandates debtors must complete the Credit Counselling Course within six months to qualify for bankruptcy relief, alongside a financial management course after filing.

If a filer's household income is above the state's median, they may file for Chapter 13 (the Wage Earners Plan). This plan allows applicants to keep their properties and discharge all or part of their debts, which are generally not dischargeable under Chapter 7. Chapter 13 may help filers prevent house foreclosure, pay back taxe,; stop interest from accruing on their tax debt or make up missed car or mortgage payments.