How do you find out if someone has filed for bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy court records are public records, unless the court has impounded some or all the information for some good reason. There are banking publications, like Banker & Tradesman, that publish all filings in their area. Some local newspapers still publish bankruptcy filings from their communities. And you can check out the bankruptcy filings at the bankruptcy court for your area. There is usually a public access computer in the clerk's office where you can look for filings by name. A deputy clerk will be happy to assist you.