Boynton Beach Bankruptcy Records

Boynton Beach bankruptcy records are filed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, West Palm Beach Division. This Palm Beach County city is served by the federal courthouse in West Palm Beach, just a short drive north. All bankruptcy cases are public records under federal law. You can search them through PACER online, by calling the VCIS phone line, or in person at the West Palm Beach Division courthouse. The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court keeps related civil records that may also be relevant.

Boynton Beach Court and County

Boynton Beach is in Palm Beach County. Bankruptcy cases from Boynton Beach residents 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. You can call (561) 514-4100 for court questions. The drive from Boynton Beach to the West Palm Beach courthouse is about 15 to 20 minutes, making it one of the more convenient commutes for court visits.

The Southern District of Florida bankruptcy court operates divisions in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Palm Beach County falls under the West Palm Beach Division. Cases filed by Boynton Beach residents stay in that division. Judges assigned to West Palm Beach handle all hearings and orders. The court website has local rules, filing procedures, and schedules.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, a debtor must live in the district or own property there. Boynton Beach is in Palm Beach County, part of the Southern District. You file at the West Palm Beach Division.

Palm Beach County Clerk of Court

The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court is Joseph Abruzzo. While bankruptcy is federal, the county clerk manages civil records that frequently tie to bankruptcy cases. Liens, judgments, foreclosures, and debt collection suits are all filed through this office. If creditors have taken legal action against you in Palm Beach County, the clerk holds those records.

Contact the Palm Beach County Clerk at (561) 355-2996. The Palm Beach County Clerk website offers online search tools for civil cases, recorded documents, and court dockets. These are county records, not federal bankruptcy files. But they often relate. A foreclosure filed in Palm Beach County, for instance, might be on hold because of a bankruptcy stay. Checking both systems gives a more complete picture.

Below is the Boynton Beach city government website, which provides local information and community resources.

The Boynton Beach city site can point you to local programs, contacts, and services that may help during a difficult financial period.

Search Boynton Beach Bankruptcy Cases

You have three main options for searching Boynton Beach bankruptcy records. PACER is the most detailed. VCIS by phone costs nothing. And you can go to the West Palm Beach courthouse to view files.

PACER is the federal court electronic records system. It includes the Southern District of Florida. Create a free account, then search by name, case number, or Social Security number. Charges are $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. If your quarterly use stays under $30, there is no charge. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy records are public. Anyone can look them up.

VCIS is the Voice Case Information System. Call 1-866-222-8029 for free, any time of day. The system tells you if a case exists, the case number, filing date, chapter, and status. No account is needed. This works well when you need a fast answer on whether a Boynton Beach resident has filed for bankruptcy.

Visit the West Palm Beach Division courthouse at 1515 North Flagler Drive to view files in person. Public terminals are available at no charge. Bring a photo ID. Staff in the clerk's office can help you find specific filings from Boynton Beach cases. The close proximity to West Palm Beach makes this a practical option for many residents.

Filing Bankruptcy in Boynton Beach

Boynton Beach residents most often file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 costs $338 and eliminates most unsecured debts. You may need to give up some assets. Chapter 13 costs $313 and puts you on a payment plan for three to five years. The court can allow installment payments if you cannot cover the full fee at once. A fee waiver may be available for qualifying Chapter 7 filers.

You must finish credit counseling from an approved agency before filing. The U.S. Department of Justice has the approved provider list for the Southern District. Do this within 180 days of your filing date. Collect your pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and a full list of debts and assets. All forms go to the West Palm Beach Division court. Official forms are on the U.S. Courts website.

Once you file, the automatic stay kicks in under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This halts collection calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings. The court schedules a meeting of creditors about 30 to 45 days after filing. Boynton Beach residents attend these at the West Palm Beach courthouse.

Boynton Beach Legal Resources

Florida Legal Services offers free legal help to low-income individuals across the state. They can advise Boynton Beach residents on bankruptcy options and help with paperwork. Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County also serves the area and handles civil matters tied to debt for qualifying individuals.

The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service for the Palm Beach County area. Pay a small fee and meet with a local bankruptcy attorney. Many attorneys offer free first consultations. If you plan to go pro se, the Southern District court has resources and guides on its website. Pro se means you file and handle the case on your own without hiring a lawyer.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a discharge ends personal liability for most debts. Some debts stick around though. Student loans, child support, alimony, and certain tax debts survive bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. Section 523. A lawyer can explain which of your debts will be cleared and which will stay after your Boynton Beach case is finished. This is one area where getting professional advice really pays off.

Nearby Cities

These Florida cities are near Boynton Beach. Each page has details on local bankruptcy courts and resources.