General Information

Case Numbering System

Our system is designed to provide information within the case number itself. For example, all cases filed in 2007 will begin with " 07" followed by a five digit number. The first digit indicates one of the six divisions in the district. The divisions consist of Beaumont (1), Marshall (2), Sherman (4), Texarkana (5), Tyler (6) and Lufkin (9). The last four digits are the sequence number. Therefore, the first case filed in the Tyler division in 2007 would be assigned the number 07-60001, in Texarkana the number 07-50001, etc.

VCIS

VCIS is the Voice Case Information System. VCIS uses an automated voice response system to read a limited amount of bankruptcy case information (debtor, debtor's attorney, case trustee and current case status) directly from the court's database in response to Touch-Tone telephone inquiries. From the Tyler local calling area dial 903-590-3251. Outside the Tyler area call toll-free 1-800-466-1694.

Monthly Statistical Reports

The monthly statistical reports summarize case activity in the Eastern District of Texas, and were accurate at the time of their initial publication. Accuracy or suitability for any use is not guaranteed.

Much of the information is organized by division. Divisional descriptions are available here.

Creditor Information

If you are owed money from someone who has filed bankruptcy, you would be a creditor in that case. You will be mailed a Proof of Claim form (B10) from the Court if the person filing bankruptcy filed under chapter 13. If the case was filed as a chapter 7, you will not be mailed a claim form until a determination is made by the Court that there are assets available for distribution. If the case is deemed a no-asset case, there are no assets to be distributed, therefore, no claim form is necessary. There are several places in our website that you can obtain information on this topic:

1. Bankruptcy Basics - explains differences between chapters and the outcome to creditors
2. Electronic Filing Procedures - Access for Creditors - for filing a proof of claim
3. National Forms - provides Form B10 - proof of claim
4. PACER - provides case information to registered users
5. Clerk's Office - provides creditors free use of terminals to research case information from any of our three locations

Federal Holiday Schedule

Please consult the Federal Holiday Schedule to determine days the Clerk's Office will be closed.