How do find out if a beneficiary is bankrupt in the USA ?

Sevennotemode

I am sole executor to my dad's will.

One of the residual beneficiaries, who lives in the USA, has been bankrupt.

I need to find out whether his bankruptcy had been discharged before I pay him his bequest.

Does anyone know how I can find this out without having to appoint an international lawyer and incurring massive fees ?

Alternatively, would it be in order for me to appoint a US lawyer and charge all the lawyers' fees to the beneficiaries' bequest (ie, he will have to pay the costs of not being able to verify his bankruptcy himself ,and not out of the general estate)

(There is something called PACER (online) Public Access to Court Electronic Records but I am a bit nervous using that as I am not a US resident and the yanks are a bit 'trigger happy' when it comes to sueing people,especially outside of the US)

If anyone has any experience of this I would be very grateful

Keep_pedalling

This might be a good place to start.

http://www.bankruptcy-records.us/?gclid=CJWZu-u44tECFdQ_Gwod-fABvw

Sevennotemode

I am very grateful for your reponse, It looks good and at only $15 for discharge records would appear to be money well spent.

Enjoy your cycling,