Search Pembroke Pines Bankruptcy Records

Pembroke Pines bankruptcy records go through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. The Fort Lauderdale Division handles all filings from Broward County, where Pembroke Pines is located. With about 179,000 residents, it is one of the largest cities in Broward County. You can search these records through PACER online, by phone through VCIS, or by visiting the federal courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The Broward County Clerk of Court keeps related civil records that sometimes tie to bankruptcy matters.

Broward County Clerk and Court Info

Pembroke Pines is in Broward County. The county clerk is Brenda D. Forman. Bankruptcy is a federal matter, so the county clerk does not handle those filings directly. But the clerk's office keeps civil records that can relate to a bankruptcy case. Judgment liens, foreclosure actions, and debt collection lawsuits are all in the county system. If you need to check for local court records tied to a Pembroke Pines resident, the clerk's office is the place to start.

Call the Broward County Clerk at (954) 831-6565 for help with local records. The Broward County Clerk website lets you search civil cases and recorded documents online. These tools cover all of Broward County, including Pembroke Pines. You can look up case files, check court dates, and view recorded liens from your computer.

The Broward County Clerk of Court portal is shown below at browardclerk.org, where you can search local civil case records for Pembroke Pines.

The city of Pembroke Pines website at ppines.com also has links to local services and resources for residents.

Pembroke Pines Bankruptcy Courthouse

Pembroke Pines residents file bankruptcy at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Fort Lauderdale. The courthouse is at 299 East Broward Boulevard, Room 112, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone number is (954) 769-5700. This is the Fort Lauderdale Division of the Southern District of Florida. All Broward County residents use this courthouse, no matter which city they live in.

The drive from Pembroke Pines to the Fort Lauderdale courthouse is about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. The Southern District court website has filing information, local rules, and court calendars. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you must reside in the district or have property there to file for bankruptcy. Pembroke Pines is in the Southern District, so residents file at the Fort Lauderdale Division.

Public access terminals at the courthouse let you search and view case files for free. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. The clerk window can help you with copies and answer questions about court procedures.

How to Search Pembroke Pines Bankruptcy Records

You have three main options to search for bankruptcy records tied to Pembroke Pines. PACER is the most complete. VCIS is the quickest for basic info. And you can go to the courthouse for full case files.

PACER is the federal electronic records system. Sign up for a free account, then search by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER covers the entire Southern District, including all Pembroke Pines cases. The cost is $0.10 per page with a $3.00 cap per document. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy case files are public records and anyone can search them.

Call 1-866-222-8029 to reach the VCIS line. It runs around the clock. The system gives you case numbers, filing dates, chapter types, and case status. No account needed. It is a good option when you just want to know if someone in Pembroke Pines has filed.

At the Fort Lauderdale courthouse, public terminals are free to use. Staff can also pull documents and make copies for you. Certified copies cost more than plain ones, so ask at the window about current fees.

Filing for Bankruptcy in Pembroke Pines

Pembroke Pines residents file bankruptcy at the Fort Lauderdale Division courthouse. Chapter 7 is the most common type. It costs $338 to file. Chapter 13 costs $313. The court may let you pay in installments if the fee is a burden. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 521, you must submit your financial records with the petition, including tax returns, pay stubs, and lists of all debts and assets.

Credit counseling is required before you can file. The U.S. Department of Justice keeps a list of approved providers for the Southern District. You must complete the course and get a certificate before the court will accept your petition from Pembroke Pines. A second course on financial management is required after filing and before discharge.

Once you file, the automatic stay begins. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 362, creditors must stop all collection efforts right away. No calls, no lawsuits, no garnishments. The meeting of creditors happens about 30 to 45 days later. You can download all the forms you need from the U.S. Courts website.

A Chapter 7 case for a Pembroke Pines resident usually takes three to four months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 plans last three to five years. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, the discharge wipes out personal liability on qualifying debts. But certain debts survive, as laid out in 11 U.S.C. Section 523. Child support, recent taxes, and most student loans are not dischargeable.

Pembroke Pines Legal Resources

Florida Legal Services helps low-income residents across the state, including Pembroke Pines. They advise on bankruptcy options and can assist with court forms. The Broward County Legal Aid office is another option for residents who qualify based on income.

The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service. You pay a small fee for a first meeting with a bankruptcy attorney in the Pembroke Pines area. If you plan to file on your own, the Southern District court has pro se guides and filing checklists on its website. The Broward County Law Library also has bankruptcy materials and staff who can help you locate the right forms.

For general court questions, call (954) 769-5700. The clerk staff can walk you through procedures but they cannot give legal advice. They can tell you what forms to file and where to send them for Pembroke Pines cases.

Broward County Bankruptcy Records

Pembroke Pines is in Broward County, and all bankruptcy filings go through the Southern District of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Division. For more detail on the county court system, fee schedules, local civil records, and additional resources, see the Broward County page.

View Broward County Bankruptcy Records

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Pembroke Pines. All file through the Southern District of Florida. Each page has local court details and resources.