Kissimmee Bankruptcy Records

Kissimmee bankruptcy records are filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. As the county seat of Osceola County, Kissimmee is home to many residents who file through the Orlando courthouse. All bankruptcy case files are public records under federal law. You can look them up through PACER online, by calling the VCIS phone line, or in person at the Orlando Division courthouse. The Osceola County Clerk of Court maintains related civil records that may connect to local bankruptcy filings as well.

Kissimmee Court and County Information

Kissimmee sits in Osceola County. Bankruptcy cases from Kissimmee residents go to the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. The courthouse is at 400 W. Washington Street, Suite 5100, Orlando, FL 32801. You can call (407) 237-8000 for court information. Kissimmee is close to Orlando, so the drive to the courthouse is usually around 30 minutes or less.

The Middle District of Florida bankruptcy court operates three divisions: Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa. Osceola County falls under the Orlando Division. That means Kissimmee cases stay in Orlando from filing through discharge. Judges assigned to the Orlando Division handle all hearings and motions for local cases. The court website has local rules, filing instructions, and hearing schedules posted.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you must reside in the district or own property there. Kissimmee is in Osceola County, part of the Middle District. So you file at the Orlando Division.

Osceola County Clerk of Court

The Osceola County Clerk of Court is Kelvin Soto. The office is at 2 Courthouse Square, Suite 2000, Kissimmee, FL 34741. Bankruptcy is a federal matter, but the county clerk keeps civil records that often relate to bankruptcy cases. Liens, judgments, foreclosures, and debt collection suits are all filed with this office. If there are local court actions tied to debts you owe, the Osceola County Clerk has those records on file.

Contact the Osceola County Clerk at (407) 742-3500 during business hours. The Osceola County Clerk website has online search tools for civil cases, recorded documents, and court dockets. These are not bankruptcy files. They are state and county court records. But they often overlap with bankruptcy matters, especially when a foreclosure or collection suit gets paused by a bankruptcy filing.

Below is the Kissimmee city government website, which provides information about local services and resources for residents.

The city site can help you find community programs and local contacts that may be useful during a financial difficulty.

Search Kissimmee Bankruptcy Filings

Three ways exist to search for bankruptcy records from Kissimmee. PACER online is the most thorough. VCIS by phone is free and fast. And you can visit the Orlando courthouse to see files in person.

PACER covers every federal bankruptcy court, including the Middle District of Florida. You need a free account. Search by name, case number, or Social Security number to find Kissimmee cases. The fee is $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. Quarterly usage under $30 means the charges are waived. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, all bankruptcy case files are public. Anyone can search them.

VCIS is the Voice Case Information System. Call 1-866-222-8029 for free. The automated system runs around the clock. It gives you the case number, filing date, chapter type, and current status. No account needed. VCIS is a great option when you just need to know if someone in Kissimmee has filed for bankruptcy.

You can also go to the Orlando Division courthouse at 400 W. Washington Street. Public access terminals let you search and view case files at no cost. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff at the clerk's office can help you pull up specific documents from Kissimmee bankruptcy cases. The short drive from Kissimmee makes in-person visits fairly convenient.

Filing Bankruptcy in Kissimmee

Kissimmee residents typically file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 costs $338 and wipes out most unsecured debts. You may have to give up certain assets. Chapter 13 costs $313 and creates a payment plan over three to five years. The court can allow you to pay the fee in installments if you show financial need. A full fee waiver is sometimes available for Chapter 7 cases.

Credit counseling from an approved agency is required before you file. The U.S. Department of Justice keeps the approved list for the Middle District. Complete this within 180 days before filing. Gather your pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and a complete list of all debts and assets. All forms are filed with the Orlando Division. Get the official forms from the U.S. Courts website.

Once you file, an automatic stay takes effect under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This stops creditors from calling, suing, garnishing, or foreclosing. A meeting of creditors is scheduled about 30 to 45 days after filing. Kissimmee residents typically attend at the Orlando courthouse, though phone hearings are sometimes an option.

Kissimmee Legal Resources

Florida Legal Services gives free legal help to low-income people across the state. They can advise Kissimmee residents on whether bankruptcy is the right path. Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida also serves Osceola County and handles civil debt issues for qualifying individuals.

The Florida Bar has a lawyer referral service for the Central Florida area. A small fee gets you a meeting with a bankruptcy attorney who handles cases in the Orlando Division. Many attorneys in the Kissimmee area offer free first consultations. If you prefer to file pro se, the Middle District court has guides and sample forms on its website. Pro se means going through the process without a lawyer.

A discharge under 11 U.S.C. Section 727 removes personal liability for most debts. But some debts cannot be discharged. Student loans, child support, alimony, and certain taxes survive bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. Section 523. Talking to a lawyer helps you understand what will and will not be cleared in your Kissimmee case. Even a brief consultation can give you a much clearer picture of your options.

Nearby Cities

These Florida cities are near Kissimmee. Each page covers bankruptcy court details and resources for that area.