Newport News Bankruptcy Records
Newport News bankruptcy records are filed and maintained at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Newport News Division.
Newport News Overview
Newport News Bankruptcy Court
The Newport News Division of the Eastern District Bankruptcy Court is located right in Newport News at 2400 West Avenue. This is the same address as the city's Circuit Court and a number of other local government offices. Having the court physically in the city makes it convenient for Newport News residents to file in person, attend hearings, and request records. Call (757) 222-7500 to reach the clerk's office during business hours.
The Eastern District Bankruptcy Court is led by Chief Judge Hon. Brian F. Kenney, and the clerk is Charri S. Stewart. Chapter 7 cases involve liquidation of non-exempt assets to pay down debts. Chapter 13 allows you to restructure debts into a three- to five-year repayment plan. Chapter 11 is used mainly by businesses. When you file, the court issues a case number that tracks all filings and hearings through the life of the case. The CM/ECF help desk for the Newport News Division is at 757-222-7574.
| Court | U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia |
|---|---|
| Division | Newport News Division |
| Address | 2400 West Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607 |
| Phone | (757) 222-7500 |
| Website | vaeb.uscourts.gov |
| VCIS Phone | (866) 222-8029, press 863 for Eastern District |
Free forms, local rules, and filing guides are all available at vaeb.uscourts.gov. The Eastern District's forms library covers petition forms, schedules, and all related documents needed to start a bankruptcy case.
How to Search Newport News Bankruptcy Records
The main tool for searching Newport News bankruptcy cases is PACER. You can search by party name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER gives access to full dockets, filed documents, and real-time case status. The fee is $0.10 per page, with a $3.00 per-document cap. If your quarterly charges stay under $15, PACER waives the fees. You'll need a free account at pacer.uscourts.gov to start.
The Voice Case Information System provides free phone access around the clock. Call (866) 222-8029 and press 863 for the Eastern District. The automated system reads out case numbers, filing dates, trustee names, and upcoming hearing dates. No account needed. This is the fastest way to verify whether a case was filed without opening PACER.
Newport News Circuit Court records are available online through the Virginia Courts Case Information system. The Circuit Court Clerk is Hon. Angela F. Reason. Call her office at (757) 926-8355. The Newport News FOIA Coordinator handles city-level records requests at 757-926-8416 or foia@nnva.gov. The Office of City Clerk is at 2400 Washington Ave., 9th Floor, with hours Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Note that the courthouse requires photo ID and restricts cell phones. Newport News uses a Yondr Pouch system to secure phones inside the building. Plan ahead and leave unnecessary items in the car.
Note: The Newport News FOIA Coordinator can be reached at foia@nnva.gov or (757) 926-8416. Expect a five-day response time with up to seven additional days for complex requests.
Newport News Circuit Court Records
Newport News has its own Circuit Court at 2400 Washington Ave. Clerk Hon. Angela F. Reason oversees the office. The Circuit Court handles civil cases over $25,000, felony cases, family law, and appeals. It also maintains land records, marriage licenses, probate records, and concealed handgun permits. These state records often matter during bankruptcy cases, especially when creditors or trustees are researching a debtor's property holdings or prior judgments.
You can search Newport News Circuit Court records online through the Virginia Courts Case Information system. The system provides civil and criminal case data at no cost. Copies of court documents at the clerk's office are $0.50 per page. Certified copies carry an additional $2.00 fee. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
The city also provides a FOIA portal through nnva.gov. Newport News has department-specific FOIA contacts for different types of records. For court records through the Circuit Court, contact Clerk Reason's office directly. For city administrative records, contact the FOIA Coordinator. Virginia law gives agencies five working days to respond, with an option for a seven-day extension.
Bankruptcy Filing Fees
Filing fees at the Newport News Division are the same as all other divisions of the Eastern District. These amounts are set by federal law. They can change over time, so confirm the current fees with the court clerk before filing.
Standard fees:
- Chapter 7: $338
- Chapter 13: $313
- Chapter 11: $1,738
Chapter 7 filers with income below 150% of the federal poverty line can request a full fee waiver using Official Form 103B. Filers who don't qualify for a waiver can ask to pay in installments using Official Form 103A. Both forms are available at vaeb.uscourts.gov. The court reviews your financial information and decides whether to approve the request. Installment and waiver options are not available for Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 filings.
Legal Aid in Newport News
Newport News residents who need legal help with bankruptcy can contact Virginia Legal Aid for free services based on income. They handle consumer bankruptcy, debt collection defense, and related financial legal matters. Call or visit their website to see if you qualify. They serve the Hampton Roads region and cover Newport News as part of their service area.
The Eastern District Bankruptcy Court provides pro se resources at vaeb.uscourts.gov. You'll find all required forms, local rules, and step-by-step filing guides there. The court cannot give legal advice, but the clerk's office can help with procedural questions about how to file. The Virginia Courts self-help page at vacourts.gov also has useful general guidance.
For older pre-electronic bankruptcy records, the National Archives handles requests. Visit archives.gov/research/court-records for instructions. Recent cases from 2003 onward are all searchable through PACER. The PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856 can help with account issues or questions about searching records.
Note: Virginia Legal Aid at valegalaid.org serves Newport News residents and provides free consumer bankruptcy help to those who qualify on income.
Nearby County Records
Newport News is an independent city on the Virginia Peninsula. The surrounding counties of York and James City also use the Newport News Division of the Eastern District Bankruptcy Court. For county-level records and related resources in the surrounding area, visit the county pages below.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Newport News and also file bankruptcy cases in the Eastern District of Virginia.