Clackamas County Bankruptcy Records Lookup
Clackamas County bankruptcy records are filed through the Portland Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. This county ranks among the top in Oregon for total filings each year. Case numbers for Clackamas County begin with 3, 4, or 5. The county seat is Oregon City, which also houses the circuit court. This page explains how to search for Clackamas County bankruptcy records, where local property records are kept, and what resources exist for residents who need help with the process.
Clackamas County Filing Volume
Clackamas County sees a high number of bankruptcy cases. In 2025, there were 569 filings. That makes it one of the busiest counties in Oregon for this type of case. January 2026 had 44 new filings. February 2026 also had 44. The steady volume shows that Clackamas County has a large and active population with real demand for debt relief options.
These cases are all processed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Portland. The court handles filings, hearings, and discharges for Clackamas County residents. You can view county-level filing data on the court's county report page, which breaks down filings by location and time period.
The court publishes reports that show filing trends for Clackamas County and other Oregon counties.
These reports are updated on a regular basis and are free to view online.
How to Search Clackamas Bankruptcy Records
To search for Clackamas County bankruptcy records, use PACER. This is the federal system for looking up court documents. You need a free account. Small per-page fees apply, but low-volume users may qualify for a waiver. Search by name, case number, or date range. Clackamas County cases use numbers that start with 3, 4, or 5.
PACER gives you access to full case files. These include the petition, schedules of debts and assets, proof of claims, and discharge orders. All of these records are public under federal law. You can download them as PDF files. The system is available around the clock, so you can search at any time from anywhere.
Note: Clackamas County bankruptcy records are separate from the county's circuit court records and are only available through the federal court system.
Clackamas County Circuit Court
The Clackamas County Circuit Court is at 807 Main Street in Oregon City. This court handles state-level cases. It does not handle bankruptcy, which is a federal matter. But the circuit court is an important part of the county's legal system. Court records are public under ORS 192.311.
The circuit court website provides details on court services, hours, and contact information.
If you need state court records for Clackamas County, this is the right starting point.
Clackamas County Recording Division
The Clackamas County Recording Division preserves public records of real property. These records go back to the 1850s. The office is at 1710 Red Soils Court, Suite 110, in Oregon City. Recording hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can call them at 503-655-8551.
Property records matter in bankruptcy cases. When someone files for bankruptcy in Clackamas County, the court looks at what property they own. Deeds, liens, and mortgages on file with the Recording Division can show the debtor's real estate holdings. Documents are indexed within two business days of recording. An online search system lets you look up recorded documents from a distance.
HB2029 changed the minimum font size for recorded documents to 10-point. This rule applies to all new filings in Clackamas County. If you are recording a document tied to a bankruptcy case, make sure it meets this standard.
The Recording Division website explains how to search for and record documents in Clackamas County.
Use this resource to look up deeds, mortgages, and liens that may relate to a bankruptcy case.
Clackamas Bankruptcy Records and Legal Aid
Clackamas County residents who need help with bankruptcy can call Legal Aid at (503) 224-4086. This clinic serves people who cannot afford a private attorney. They can help you understand your options, fill out forms, and prepare for court. The service is free for those who qualify based on income.
The Oregon State Bar also has a page that explains the bankruptcy process in plain terms. Key things to know before filing in Clackamas County include:
- You must take a credit counseling course before you file
- Chapter 7 may clear most debts but requires a means test
- Chapter 13 sets up payments over three to five years
- All filings go through the Portland Division
- The Bankruptcy Code applies to every case
The local rules of the Oregon Bankruptcy Court also apply. These rules cover things like document formatting, hearing procedures, and deadlines that are specific to this district.
Clackamas County Records Archive
The Oregon State Archives has an inventory of Clackamas County records. This collection includes circuit court files, county commission records, and other documents from the county's long history.
The state archives resource page provides a detailed look at what records are available for Clackamas County.
This inventory does not include federal bankruptcy records, but it covers a wide range of county-level documents.
The Clackamas County court records site offers another way to search for local public records.
State court records and federal bankruptcy records are kept in different systems, so you may need to check both depending on your research needs.
Filing Electronically in Clackamas County
Most Clackamas County bankruptcy filings are done through the court's electronic filing portal. Attorneys are required to use this system. Self-represented filers can request access as well. The system runs all day and accepts filings at any time, which makes it easier to submit documents without going to the Portland office.
Once filed, every document in a Clackamas County bankruptcy case becomes part of the public record. Creditors, trustees, and members of the public can access them through PACER. Records stay in the system for years after a case closes. This means you can look up old Clackamas County cases just as easily as new ones.
Note: Even though filings are electronic, some steps in the bankruptcy process may require you to appear in person or by video at the Portland court.
Nearby Counties
Clackamas County borders Multnomah County to the north, Washington County to the northwest, Marion County to the south, and several others. All of these counties also file bankruptcy through the Portland Division. If a debtor lived near a county line, check their address to make sure you are searching the right county's records.