Melbourne Bankruptcy Records Search

Melbourne bankruptcy records are filed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. As the largest city in Brevard County, Melbourne produces a notable share of bankruptcy filings in the region. All cases are public records under federal law. You can search them online through PACER, by phone using the VCIS line, or by visiting the Orlando Division courthouse. The Brevard County Clerk of Court also keeps civil records that may tie to local bankruptcy cases.

Melbourne Bankruptcy Court and County

Melbourne is in Brevard County. All bankruptcy cases from Melbourne 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 questions about court procedures or filing. The drive from Melbourne to Orlando takes roughly an hour on a good day.

The Middle District of Florida bankruptcy court has divisions in Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa. Brevard County falls under the Orlando Division. Melbourne residents cannot choose a different division. Cases filed here are heard in Orlando. A judge assigned to the Orlando Division oversees all hearings, motions, and orders for Melbourne bankruptcy cases.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, the debtor must reside in the district or own property there to file. Melbourne sits in Brevard County, part of the Middle District. So residents file at the Orlando Division courthouse.

Brevard County Clerk of Court

The Brevard County Clerk of Court is Rachel M. Sadoff. While bankruptcy is a federal matter, the county clerk keeps civil records that often connect to bankruptcy filings. Liens, judgments, foreclosures, and debt collection suits go through this office. If a creditor has filed a claim in Brevard County or there are local court cases linked to your debts, those records are with the clerk.

Reach the Brevard County Clerk at (321) 637-5413. The Brevard County Clerk website lets you search civil cases, recorded documents, and court dockets online. These are not bankruptcy case files. But they show related matters like foreclosures or collection suits that may be paused by a bankruptcy filing.

The screenshot below shows the Melbourne city government website, which has local resources and services for residents.

Melbourne's city site can direct you to community programs and local contacts that may help during the bankruptcy process.

Search Melbourne Bankruptcy Filings

There are three ways to look up bankruptcy records for Melbourne residents. PACER is the fastest and most complete. VCIS works for quick phone checks. And you can visit the Orlando courthouse in person.

PACER is the federal electronic records system. It covers all bankruptcy courts, including the Middle District of Florida. Sign up for a free account. Then search by name, case number, or Social Security number. Fees are $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. Quarterly totals under $30 are waived. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy records are public and open to anyone.

The Voice Case Information System (VCIS) is free. Call 1-866-222-8029 to check on cases in the Middle District. The automated line runs 24 hours a day. It tells you the case number, filing date, chapter type, and status. No account is needed. This works well for a quick confirmation on whether a Melbourne resident has filed.

Visit the Orlando Division courthouse at 400 W. Washington Street if you want to see files in person. Public terminals let you search and view case documents for free. Staff can help you find specific records. Bring a valid ID. Plan for the drive from Melbourne since the courthouse is in downtown Orlando.

Filing Bankruptcy in Melbourne

Melbourne residents usually file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 costs $338. It eliminates most unsecured debts, though you may lose some property. Chapter 13 costs $313 and creates a repayment plan over three to five years. You can request to pay the filing fee in installments if the full amount is too much at once. A fee waiver may be available for Chapter 7 filers who qualify.

Before filing, you must complete credit counseling from an approved provider. The U.S. Department of Justice has the approved list for the Middle District of Florida. This step must happen within 180 days before filing. You will also need tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a complete list of what you owe and own. Official forms are on the U.S. Courts website.

After you file, an automatic stay goes into effect under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. Creditors must halt all collection actions immediately. No more phone calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, or foreclosure steps. A meeting of creditors is set about 30 to 45 days later. Melbourne residents attend these hearings at the Orlando courthouse, though some meetings may be held by phone or video.

Melbourne Legal Resources

Florida Legal Services provides free help to low-income individuals statewide. They advise Melbourne residents on whether bankruptcy is the right option and can assist with forms. Brevard County Legal Aid may also help with civil debt issues for those who qualify.

The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service. For a small fee, you can meet with a bankruptcy attorney who works in the Orlando Division. Many local attorneys also offer free initial consultations. If you want to file pro se (on your own), the Middle District court has resources and sample forms on its website to guide you through the process.

A Chapter 7 discharge under 11 U.S.C. Section 727 releases you from personal liability on most debts. However, certain debts survive. Student loans, child support, alimony, and some tax debts cannot be discharged under 11 U.S.C. Section 523. Talk to a lawyer to find out which of your debts will be cleared and which will remain after your Melbourne case closes.

Nearby Cities

These Florida cities are near Melbourne. Each page covers the local bankruptcy courts and resources for that city.