Miami Gardens Bankruptcy Records

Miami Gardens bankruptcy records are filed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division. With a population over 116,000, Miami Gardens is one of the largest cities in Miami-Dade County and the largest majority-Black city in Florida. Bankruptcy filings from Miami Gardens residents are public records under federal law. You can search them online via PACER, by phone using VCIS, or at the Miami federal courthouse. The Miami-Dade County Clerk also maintains local civil records that may tie to bankruptcy cases.

Miami Gardens Bankruptcy Court and County

Miami Gardens is in Miami-Dade County. All bankruptcy filings from the city go to the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division. The federal courthouse is at 301 North Miami Avenue, Room 150, Miami, FL 33128. Call (305) 714-1800 for questions about filing or checking on a case.

The Southern District of Florida bankruptcy court has three divisions: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Miami Gardens residents use the Miami Division since the city is in Miami-Dade County. A bankruptcy judge in this division handles all local cases. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, the debtor must reside in the district or have property there. Miami Gardens is clearly in the Southern District.

The courthouse is about 15 miles south of Miami Gardens. The drive takes 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Metrorail and Metrobus serve the area near the courthouse.

Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court

The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court is Juan Fernandez-Barquin. Bankruptcy is a federal matter, but the county clerk keeps civil records that often link to bankruptcy filings. Judgments, liens, and foreclosure cases filed against Miami Gardens residents are held at this office. You can call the clerk at (305) 275-1155.

The Miami-Dade Clerk website lets you search civil cases, view recorded documents, and check court dockets. These are not the bankruptcy files themselves. But they show related state court matters like debt collection lawsuits and mortgage foreclosures that may affect a Miami Gardens bankruptcy case.

The screenshot below shows the Miami Gardens city government website, available at miamigardens-fl.gov.

The city website has contact details for local offices and community programs that can help Miami Gardens residents dealing with financial hardship.

Miami Gardens Bankruptcy Courthouse

Miami Gardens does not have a federal courthouse. Residents go to the C. Clyde Atkins U.S. Courthouse in downtown Miami for bankruptcy hearings. The building is on North Miami Avenue, a short walk from the Government Center Metrorail station.

All bankruptcy hearings, meetings of creditors, and document filings for Miami Gardens residents happen at this location. Parking garages are available nearby but can fill up. Public transit is often the easier option for getting to the Miami courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security card to every court visit.

Search Miami Gardens Bankruptcy Records

Three methods let you look up Miami Gardens bankruptcy records. PACER is the best online tool. VCIS works by phone for free. And the Miami courthouse has public terminals.

PACER is the federal court's electronic records system. It covers every district, including the Southern District of Florida. Sign up for a free account. Then search by name, case number, or Social Security number. The cost is $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. If your total is under $30 for the quarter, the fees are waived. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, all bankruptcy filings are public records. Anyone can search them.

Call VCIS at 1-866-222-8029 for free case information. The automated system runs around the clock. It can tell you a case number, filing date, chapter type, and current status. No account is required. VCIS is the fastest way to confirm if a Miami Gardens resident has a case on file.

At the Miami courthouse, public terminals let you search and read case files at no charge. Staff at the clerk's office window can help you locate specific documents. Bring your photo ID. Copies of documents are available for a small fee.

Filing Bankruptcy in Miami Gardens

Miami Gardens residents file at the Miami Division of the Southern District. Chapter 7 is the most common type and costs $338 to file. It erases most unsecured debts. Chapter 13 costs $313 and creates a repayment plan lasting three to five years. The court can let you pay the filing fee in installments if you show that paying the full amount up front is not possible.

Credit counseling is required before filing. The U.S. Department of Justice lists approved agencies for the Southern District. You must complete this within 180 days before filing. Gather your tax returns, recent pay stubs, bank account statements, and a full list of what you owe and what you own.

Once you file, an automatic stay takes effect under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This halts all collection actions. Creditors must stop calls, lawsuits, garnishments, and foreclosure steps while the stay is in effect. The court schedules a meeting of creditors about 30 to 45 days after filing. All official forms are at the U.S. Courts website.

A Chapter 7 discharge under 11 U.S.C. Section 727 releases you from personal liability on most qualifying debts. Certain debts cannot be discharged. Child support, alimony, student loans, and some tax debts survive under 11 U.S.C. Section 523. Know which debts will remain before you decide to file.

Miami Gardens Bankruptcy Legal Resources

Florida Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income residents across the state, including Miami Gardens. They can advise on whether bankruptcy makes sense and help with the forms. Legal Services of Greater Miami also serves Miami-Dade County residents and handles civil matters that may overlap with bankruptcy.

The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral program. For a small fee, you get a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney who works in the Miami area. Many local lawyers offer free first meetings. If you choose to file on your own without a lawyer, the Southern District court provides pro se resources on its website with forms and guides.

Florida's homestead exemption is one of the strongest in the country. It can protect your primary home from creditors in bankruptcy. A consultation with a local attorney helps you understand how this and other Florida exemptions apply to your specific situation in Miami Gardens.

Nearby Cities

These Florida cities are near Miami Gardens. Each page has local bankruptcy court info and legal resources for that area.