Are bankruptcy discharge papers sent to you automatically, or do you request them from the court?

Answer 1

Most, perhaps all, US bankruptcy courts automatically close chapter 7 cases and issue discharge if there is no problem.

"The timing of the discharge varies, depending on the chapter under which the case is filed. In a chapter 7 (liquidation) case, for example, the court usually grants the discharge promptly on expiration of the time fixed for filing a complaint objecting to discharge and the time fixed for filing a motion to dismiss the case for substantial abuse (60 days following the first date set for the 341 meeting). Typically, this occurs about four months after the date the debtor files the petition with the clerk of the bankruptcy court." http://www.uscourts.gov/bankruptcycourts/bankruptcybasics/discharge.html

Chapter 13 cases require intervention by the Trustee: the Plan has to be completed.

Documents can be downloaded from the Court Web site via PACER at 8 cents per page. You have to become a subscriber first. And they don't send a bill until your account totals $10. http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/

Answer 2

I received mine in the mail without asking the court for anything.

Answer 3

you have to request them its a choice to file so you need to call.