Plantation Bankruptcy Records Search

Plantation bankruptcy records are filed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Division. Plantation is a city of about 100,700 in the western part of Broward County. Bankruptcy filings from Plantation residents are public records under federal law. You can search them online using PACER, check by phone through VCIS, or visit the Fort Lauderdale courthouse in person. The Broward County Clerk of Court also maintains local civil records that may link to bankruptcy cases.

Plantation Bankruptcy Court and County

Plantation is in Broward County. All bankruptcy cases from the city go to the Southern District of Florida. The Fort Lauderdale Division covers Broward County, so Plantation residents file there. The federal courthouse is at 299 East Broward Blvd., Room 112, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301. You can call (954) 769-5700 with questions about filing or case status.

The Southern District of Florida bankruptcy court runs three divisions: Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and West Palm Beach. Plantation uses the Fort Lauderdale Division. The courthouse is about 10 miles east of Plantation. The drive takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic along Broward Boulevard or I-595.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you must live in the district or have property there to file. Plantation is firmly in the Southern District. The court website has local rules and forms for all filers.

Broward County Clerk of Court

Brenda D. Forman is the Broward County Clerk of Court. Bankruptcy is federal, but the county clerk keeps civil records that often connect to bankruptcy cases. Liens, judgments, foreclosures, and debt collection suits from Plantation residents go through this office. If a creditor has filed a claim against you in Broward County, the records are here.

Call the clerk at (954) 831-6565. The Broward County Clerk website lets you search civil cases, recorded documents, and court dockets online. These are state court records, not federal bankruptcy files. But they often show related matters. A foreclosure case in Broward County, for example, might be paused because of a bankruptcy filing from a Plantation resident.

The image below shows the Broward County Clerk of Court website at browardclerk.org, which handles civil records for Plantation.

The clerk site has tools to search civil case records, view court dockets, and look up recorded documents for all of Broward County, including Plantation.

Plantation Bankruptcy Courthouse

Plantation does not have a federal courthouse. Residents go to the Fort Lauderdale Division courthouse on East Broward Boulevard for all bankruptcy matters. The drive east from Plantation takes about 15 to 25 minutes. Parking is available in lots and garages near the courthouse.

Every step of the bankruptcy process happens at the Fort Lauderdale courthouse. You file the petition there, attend the meeting of creditors there, and go to any hearings there. Security checks all visitors at the entrance, so plan to arrive a few minutes early. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security card.

Search Plantation Bankruptcy Records

Three options exist for searching Plantation bankruptcy records. PACER is the fastest online method. VCIS works by phone for free. And public terminals at the Fort Lauderdale courthouse let you search in person.

PACER is the electronic records system for all federal courts. It includes the Southern District of Florida. Register 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. Spend less than $30 in a quarter and the fees are waived. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, all bankruptcy records are public. No special reason is needed to search them.

VCIS is the Voice Case Information System. Call 1-866-222-8029 at any hour of the day. The automated line provides the case number, filing date, chapter, and status for free. No account is needed. This is the fastest way to confirm whether a Plantation resident has a case on file.

You can also go to the Fort Lauderdale courthouse at 299 East Broward Boulevard. Public terminals there let you search and read Plantation bankruptcy files at no charge. Staff at the clerk's window can help you locate documents and request copies.

Filing Bankruptcy in Plantation

Plantation residents file at the Fort Lauderdale Division. Chapter 7 is the most common type for individuals. It costs $338 to file and wipes out most unsecured debts. Chapter 13 costs $313 and creates a repayment plan running three to five years. If you cannot afford the full filing fee, the court can allow you to pay in installments.

Credit counseling is a required first step. The U.S. Department of Justice lists the approved agencies for the Southern District of Florida. You must complete this within 180 days before you file. Collect your tax returns, pay stubs, bank records, and a full list of everything you owe and own before you begin the paperwork.

Once filed, an automatic stay goes into effect under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This halts all collection actions. Creditors must stop calling, suing, garnishing, and foreclosing while the stay is active. The court sets a meeting of creditors roughly 30 to 45 days after filing. Official bankruptcy forms are on the U.S. Courts website.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a discharge releases you from personal liability on most debts. Certain debts survive, however. Child support, alimony, student loans, and some taxes cannot be discharged under 11 U.S.C. Section 523. Understanding what will and won't be wiped out is important before you decide to file.

Plantation Bankruptcy Legal Resources

Florida Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income residents across the state. They serve Plantation and can advise on whether bankruptcy makes sense for you. Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida also works in Broward County and handles civil matters that may overlap with bankruptcy.

The Florida Bar has a lawyer referral service for Plantation and Broward County. A small fee gets you a first meeting with a bankruptcy attorney. Many local lawyers offer free consultations. If you plan to handle the case yourself, the Southern District court provides pro se guides and forms on its website.

Florida's homestead exemption can protect your primary home from creditors with no cap on value, provided the property meets size limits. For Plantation homeowners, this is a significant benefit. A lawyer can help you make sure you claim all the exemptions you are entitled to under Florida law. Even a short consultation before filing can make a real difference in how your case turns out.

Nearby Cities

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