Search Alachua County Bankruptcy Cases

Alachua County bankruptcy records are filed and kept through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. The Gainesville Division serves all of Alachua County, and cases go back many years. You can search these records online through PACER or by phone using the VCIS line. The Alachua County Clerk of Court also keeps related civil case files that may tie to local bankruptcy filings. Whether you need to pull up a past case or check on a new filing, there are a few ways to find what you need in Alachua County.

Alachua County Clerk of Court

The Alachua County Clerk of Court is J.K. "Jess" Irby. This office sits at 201 East University Avenue in Gainesville. While bankruptcy cases are federal matters, the clerk keeps local civil records that often tie to bankruptcy filings. Liens, judgments, and property records all pass through this office. If a creditor files a claim in Alachua County or a debtor has local court cases, the clerk's records can fill in those gaps.

You can reach the Alachua County Clerk at (352) 374-3609 during normal business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday. Staff can help you find civil case records and point you to the right place for federal bankruptcy filings. The Alachua County Clerk website has online tools to look up local court records. These are not bankruptcy case files, but they can show you related matters like foreclosures, debt collection suits, and judgment liens filed in Alachua County.

The lead-in to this screenshot shows the Alachua County Clerk of Court homepage, which you can visit at alachuacounty.us.

From the clerk site you can search civil cases, look up recorded documents, and find contact details for all court divisions in Alachua County.

Alachua County Bankruptcy Court

Bankruptcy cases from Alachua County go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. The Gainesville Division handles all filings from this area. The courthouse is at 401 SE First Avenue in Gainesville, FL 32601. You can call (850) 521-5001 for general questions about court operations. The Northern District bankruptcy court website has forms, local rules, and filing guides.

Federal bankruptcy courts work on a different track than state courts. The Alachua County Clerk does not process bankruptcy petitions. Instead, all filings go straight to the federal court. A bankruptcy trustee gets assigned to each case. Hearings take place at the Gainesville courthouse for Alachua County residents. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, the debtor must live in the district or have property there to file. Since Alachua County is in the Northern District, residents file at the Gainesville Division.

Note: The Northern District of Florida also has divisions in Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Panama City for other counties.

Search Alachua County Bankruptcy Records

There are three main ways to search for bankruptcy records tied to Alachua County. The fastest option is PACER, the federal court electronic records system. You can also call the VCIS phone line for basic case info. And you can visit the Gainesville courthouse in person to view case files.

PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. It covers all federal courts, including the Northern District of Florida. To search Alachua County bankruptcy records on PACER, you need a free account. Once you log in, you can look up cases by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER charges $0.10 per page for documents you view, with a cap of $3.00 per document. There is no charge if you stay under $30 in a quarter. Most basic searches cost very little. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy case files are public records. Anyone can search them.

The Voice Case Information System, or VCIS, is a free phone service. Call 1-866-222-8029 to check on Alachua County bankruptcy cases. The system can tell you if a case exists, the case number, filing date, chapter type, and case status. It runs 24 hours a day. You do not need an account. VCIS is a good choice when you just need a quick check on a case.

You can also go to the courthouse at 401 SE First Avenue in Gainesville. Public access terminals let you search and view Alachua County bankruptcy case files for free. Bring a valid ID. The clerk's office can help if you need copies of specific documents from a case.

Bankruptcy Filing in Alachua County

Alachua County residents who need to file for bankruptcy have a few options. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common for individuals. Chapter 7 wipes out most debts but may require you to give up some property. Chapter 13 sets up a payment plan over three to five years. The filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. You can ask the court to let you pay in installments if you cannot cover the full fee at once.

Before you file in Alachua County, you must complete credit counseling from an approved agency. The U.S. Department of Justice keeps a list of approved providers for the Northern District of Florida. This step is required by law. You also need to gather financial documents: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a list of all debts and assets. The petition and schedules must be filed with the Gainesville Division court.

Once filed, an automatic stay kicks in under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This stops most collection actions against Alachua County residents right away. Creditors cannot call, sue, garnish wages, or foreclose while the stay is in place. The court schedules a meeting of creditors about 30 to 45 days after filing. The U.S. Courts website has all the official forms you need to file.

Alachua County Legal Resources

Filing for bankruptcy can be complex. Several groups help Alachua County residents who need guidance. Florida Legal Services offers free help to low-income individuals across the state, including those in Alachua County. They can advise on whether bankruptcy is the right move and help with paperwork.

The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service that covers Alachua County. For a small fee, you can get a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney. If you want to file on your own, the Northern District court has pro se resources on its website. Pro se means you represent yourself. The court provides guides and sample forms for people who cannot afford a lawyer in Alachua County. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a discharge releases the debtor from personal liability for most debts. Getting this right matters, so legal help is worth considering.

The Eighth Judicial Circuit Law Library in Gainesville also has materials on bankruptcy law. Staff can help you find the right forms and explain the basic steps for Alachua County residents.

Note: Some debts like student loans, child support, and recent taxes cannot be discharged under 11 U.S.C. Section 523.

Cities in Alachua County

Alachua County has several cities and towns. Gainesville is the county seat and by far the largest city. All bankruptcy filings from Alachua County residents go through the Gainesville Division of the Northern District court, no matter which city you live in.

Other communities in Alachua County include Alachua, Archer, Hawthorne, High Springs, Micanopy, Newberry, and Waldo. Residents of these areas also file bankruptcy through the same Gainesville Division court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Alachua County. If you are unsure which county you live in, check your mailing address. Bankruptcy cases must be filed in the correct federal district, and the county determines your division.