Boca Raton Bankruptcy Records

Boca Raton bankruptcy records are filed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, West Palm Beach Division. Boca Raton sits in the southern part of Palm Beach County and has a population of about 102,000. All bankruptcy cases from Boca Raton are public records under federal law. You can search them online using PACER, by phone through VCIS, or in person at the West Palm Beach federal courthouse. The Palm Beach County Clerk also keeps related civil records that may connect to local bankruptcy filings.

Boca Raton Bankruptcy Court and County

Boca Raton is in Palm Beach County. All bankruptcy cases from the city go to the Southern District of Florida, West Palm Beach Division. The courthouse is at 1515 North Flagler Drive, Suite 801, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Call (561) 514-4100 for questions about your case or how to file.

The Southern District of Florida bankruptcy court has divisions in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. Boca Raton residents use the West Palm Beach Division since the city is in Palm Beach County. A bankruptcy judge assigned to this division will hear your case and handle all related matters.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you must reside in the district or have property there to file. Boca Raton is in the Southern District. The drive from Boca Raton to the West Palm Beach courthouse takes about 30 minutes north on I-95.

Palm Beach County Clerk of Court

The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court is Joseph Abruzzo. Bankruptcy is a federal matter, but the county clerk maintains civil case records that often tie to bankruptcy filings. Judgments, liens, and foreclosure actions from Boca Raton are on file with this office. If a creditor has sued you in Palm Beach County, those records are available through the clerk.

You can reach the Palm Beach County Clerk at (561) 355-2996. The Palm Beach County Clerk website has online search tools for civil cases, recorded documents, and court dockets. These are state court records, not federal bankruptcy files. But they can show related matters like debt collection lawsuits or mortgage foreclosures in Boca Raton.

The image below shows the Southern District of Florida bankruptcy court homepage, which covers all Boca Raton filings at flsb.uscourts.gov.

From the court site you can access filing information, local rules, forms, and links to PACER for searching Boca Raton bankruptcy records.

Boca Raton Bankruptcy Courthouse

Boca Raton does not have a federal courthouse. All bankruptcy hearings take place at the West Palm Beach Division courthouse on North Flagler Drive. The drive north from Boca Raton is about 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic on I-95 or the Florida Turnpike.

The West Palm Beach courthouse handles every step of the bankruptcy process for Boca Raton residents. Filing, meetings of creditors, and hearings all happen at this location. Parking is available in nearby garages. Tri-Rail also has a station in West Palm Beach if you prefer public transit. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security card to all courthouse visits.

Search Boca Raton Bankruptcy Records

You can search Boca Raton bankruptcy records three ways. PACER is the best online option. VCIS is free and works by phone. And the West Palm Beach courthouse has public terminals.

PACER covers all federal courts, including the Southern District of Florida. You need a free account to search. Look up cases by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER charges $0.10 per page, with a $3.00 cap per document. If you spend less than $30 in a quarter, fees are waived. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy case records are public. Anyone can access them.

The Voice Case Information System (VCIS) is a free option. Call 1-866-222-8029 to check on any case in the Southern District. The automated line runs 24 hours. It gives you the case number, filing date, chapter, and status. No account is needed. VCIS works well for a quick check on whether a Boca Raton filing exists.

At the West Palm Beach courthouse, public terminals let you search and view Boca Raton bankruptcy case files for free. Bring a valid ID. Staff at the clerk's office can help you find specific filings. You can request copies of documents while you are there.

Filing Bankruptcy in Boca Raton

Boca Raton residents file at the West Palm Beach Division. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common options. Chapter 7 costs $338. It wipes out most unsecured debts but may require you to surrender certain assets. Chapter 13 costs $313 and creates a repayment plan that lasts three to five years. If you cannot pay the full fee at once, the court can let you pay in installments.

You must finish credit counseling before filing. The U.S. Department of Justice keeps a list of approved agencies for the Southern District. The counseling must happen within 180 days before your filing date. Get your tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a complete list of debts and assets ready before you start.

Once filed, an automatic stay kicks in under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. All collection actions stop. No more calls, lawsuits, garnishments, or foreclosure moves while the stay is in effect. A meeting of creditors happens about 30 to 45 days after filing. Official forms are on the U.S. Courts website.

A Chapter 7 discharge under 11 U.S.C. Section 727 releases you from personal liability on most debts. But student loans, child support, alimony, and some tax debts survive under 11 U.S.C. Section 523. Knowing this before you file is important.

Boca Raton Bankruptcy Legal Resources

Florida Legal Services provides free help to low-income residents across the state. They can advise Boca Raton residents on whether bankruptcy is the right step and assist with paperwork. Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County is another resource for those who meet income guidelines and need help with civil matters tied to bankruptcy.

The Florida Bar has a lawyer referral service covering Boca Raton and Palm Beach County. A small fee gets you an initial consultation with a bankruptcy attorney. Many lawyers in the area offer a free first meeting. If you want to handle the case yourself, the Southern District court provides pro se resources and guides on its website.

Florida's homestead exemption is one of the most generous in the nation. It can protect your primary home from creditors in bankruptcy with no cap on value, as long as your lot meets the size limit. For Boca Raton homeowners, this can be a significant protection. Talking to an attorney about how exemptions apply to your situation is worth the time, even if you plan to file on your own.

Nearby Cities

These Florida cities are near Boca Raton. Each has its own page with local bankruptcy court information and resources.