Search Brevard County Bankruptcy Records

Brevard County bankruptcy records are managed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Orlando Division handles all filings from Brevard County residents. This county sits along the Space Coast and has a large population spread across cities like Palm Bay, Melbourne, and Titusville. You can search these records through PACER or by phone using the free VCIS line. The Brevard County Clerk of Court keeps related civil records that may connect to bankruptcy cases. Finding what you need starts with knowing where to look and which tools to use.

Brevard County Clerk of Court

Rachel M. Sadoff serves as the Brevard County Clerk of Court. The main office is in Titusville, the county seat. While bankruptcy is a federal matter, the clerk handles local civil records that often relate to bankruptcy filings. Liens, judgments, and foreclosure cases all pass through this office. If a creditor files a claim in Brevard County or a debtor has pending civil cases, the clerk's records can help you piece things together.

You can reach the Brevard County Clerk at (321) 637-5413 during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday. Staff can help you find civil case records and direct you to the right place for federal bankruptcy matters. The Brevard County Clerk website has online search tools for local court records. These are not bankruptcy case files, but they show you related matters like debt collection suits, foreclosures, and judgment liens filed in Brevard County. The site also has information on recording fees and document requests.

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

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

Brevard County Bankruptcy Court Info

Bankruptcy cases from Brevard County go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Orlando Division handles all filings from this area. The courthouse is at 400 W. Washington Street, Suite 5100, Orlando, FL 32801. You can call (407) 237-8000 for general questions about court operations. The Middle District bankruptcy court website has forms, local rules, and filing guides for Brevard County residents.

Federal bankruptcy courts work separately from state courts. The Brevard County Clerk does not process bankruptcy petitions. All filings go straight to the federal court in Orlando. A bankruptcy trustee gets assigned to each case. Hearings take place at the Orlando courthouse for Brevard County residents. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, the debtor must live in the district or have property there to file. Since Brevard County is in the Middle District, residents file at the Orlando Division.

The Middle District of Florida also has divisions in Tampa, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers for other counties in the district.

How to Search Brevard County Records

There are three main ways to search for bankruptcy records tied to Brevard County. PACER is the fastest. You can also call the VCIS phone line for basic case info. And you can visit the Orlando courthouse in person to view case files.

PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. It covers all federal courts, including the Middle District of Florida. To search Brevard County bankruptcy records on PACER, you need a free account. Once logged in, you can look up cases by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER charges $0.10 per page for documents you view, capped at $3.00 per document. There is no charge if your quarterly total stays under $30. 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 Brevard County bankruptcy cases. The system can tell you if a case exists, the case number, filing date, chapter type, and case status. It runs around the clock. No account needed. VCIS works well when you just need a quick check on a case.

You can also go to the courthouse at 400 W. Washington Street in Orlando. Public access terminals let you search and view Brevard 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 file.

Filing Bankruptcy in Brevard County

Brevard County residents who need to file for bankruptcy have several 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 certain property. Chapter 13 sets up a repayment 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 the full fee is too much at once.

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

Once filed, an automatic stay kicks in under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This stops most collection actions against the debtor right away. Creditors cannot call, sue, garnish wages, or foreclose while the stay is active. 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 your case.

Brevard County Legal Resources

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

The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service that covers Brevard County. For a small fee, you get a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney. If you want to file on your own, the Middle 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. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a discharge releases the debtor from personal liability for most debts. Getting this right matters a great deal, so legal help is worth looking into.

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida also serves Brevard County and can assist with bankruptcy-related legal questions. They help with a range of civil legal issues for those who qualify.

Keep in mind that some debts like student loans, child support, and recent taxes cannot be discharged under 11 U.S.C. Section 523.

Cities in Brevard County

Brevard County has many cities and communities along the Space Coast. Palm Bay and Melbourne are the largest. All bankruptcy filings from Brevard County residents go through the Orlando Division of the Middle District court, no matter which city you live in.

Other communities in Brevard County include Titusville, Cocoa, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, and Merritt Island. Residents of these areas also file bankruptcy through the same Orlando Division court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Brevard County. If you are not sure 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.