The Federal Records Center (FRC) of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) oversees the management and long term storage of all Federal records. The paper copy of all closed bankruptcy case files are periodically sent to the FRC for long term storage.

The policy differs slightly among our three divisional offices on how long a paper file is held at the divisional office after being closed. You are encouraged to always determine the physical location of a case file using the Court's electronic records before actually traveling to the Court.

Since June 1, 1998 all documents, except proofs of claim, are available electronically. Proofs of claims are available electronically if filed after June 1, 1999. These documents are available through CM/ECF. In addition, there is no charge to review any electronic document at any divisional office. In fact, there is no charge for you to make your own paper copy of any electronic document in the Tyler or Plano offices. There is a $.25 charge per page in the Beaumont office.

If you would like to have the entire case file returned to the originating office, you may do so by sending a written request to that office requesting that the particular case file be retrieved from the FRC. In addition, you must enclose a check for $45 made payable to "Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court". You may also make this request in person at the clerk's office. The Court will NOT order a file from the FRC until paid for.

If you would like to request copies of documents within an archived file directly from the FRC, please use this form. This form will provide the required information to locate case files for the Eastern District of Texas which have been sent to the FRC in Fort Worth. For cases closed after October 1, 1987, all needed information is available with the data from a successful search using the Query screen below.

Please contact the Clerk's Office for any needed assistance.