Calhoun County Bankruptcy Filings

Calhoun County bankruptcy records are managed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida, Panama City Division. This small rural county in the Florida panhandle has about 13,000 residents. Searching for bankruptcy records from Calhoun County takes just a few steps, whether you go online or call the court. The county clerk in Blountstown can also help with related local civil records that may tie to a bankruptcy case. Here is what you need to know about finding and searching Calhoun County bankruptcy records.

Calhoun County Clerk of Court

Carla A. Hand is the Calhoun County Clerk of Court. The office is at 20859 SE Central Avenue, Room 130, in Blountstown. This is the county seat. Bankruptcy cases are federal, so they do not go through the county clerk. But the Calhoun County Clerk keeps local civil records that sometimes relate to bankruptcy filings. Foreclosures, liens, and collection lawsuits all pass through this office.

Call (850) 674-4545 to reach the Calhoun County Clerk. The office handles court filings, land records, and vital records for the county. If you need to check on a judgment or lien that connects to a bankruptcy case, this is the place to call. The Calhoun County Clerk website provides access to some records online, though the range of online services is more limited than larger counties. Staff are helpful and can walk you through what is available for Calhoun County records.

Below is a screenshot of the Calhoun County Clerk website. Visit calhounclerk.com for more details.

The clerk site has contact info, hours, and links to court services in Calhoun County.

Calhoun County Bankruptcy Court

Bankruptcy cases from Calhoun County are filed at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida, Panama City Division. The courthouse sits at 30 West Government Street in Panama City, FL 32401. This is about a 60-mile drive from Blountstown. Call (850) 521-5001 for court information. The Northern District court website has forms, local rules, and filing guides.

Since Calhoun County is rural, residents need to plan ahead for court hearings in Panama City. The trustee meeting and any other hearings happen at the Government Street courthouse. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you file in the district where you live. Calhoun County is in the Northern District, so Panama City is your court. Some hearings may be done by phone or video, but the initial meeting of creditors is often in person.

Search Calhoun County Bankruptcy Records

You have three ways to look up bankruptcy records for Calhoun County residents.

PACER is the main online tool. Sign up for a free account and search by name or case number. PACER covers all federal bankruptcy courts, so every Calhoun County case in the Northern District shows up here. Documents cost $0.10 per page, with a $3.00 cap per document. Quarterly usage under $30 is free. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy records are public, so anyone can search them.

VCIS is a free phone option. Call 1-866-222-8029 any time, day or night. The automated system can tell you if a Calhoun County bankruptcy case exists and give you the case number, filing date, and status. No account is needed. This is the fastest way to do a quick check without logging in to anything.

In-person visits are also an option at the Panama City courthouse. Public access terminals let you view Calhoun County bankruptcy records for free. Bring a photo ID. The clerk's office can help you pull specific documents or make copies. For people who prefer to see the full file in paper form, the courthouse is the best route even though it means a drive from Calhoun County.

Bankruptcy Filing for Calhoun County Residents

Calhoun County residents file bankruptcy at the Panama City Division. Chapter 7 is the most common type. It costs $338 to file. This chapter eliminates most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills. Chapter 13 costs $313 and creates a repayment plan lasting three to five years. Both types require credit counseling before you file. The U.S. Department of Justice lists approved agencies.

Once your petition is filed, the automatic stay kicks in right away. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 362, creditors must stop all collection activity. This includes calls, lawsuits, garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings against Calhoun County debtors. The stay lasts until the case is closed or the court lifts it. The U.S. Courts website has every form you need to file.

Note: Calhoun County residents who cannot afford the filing fee may request to pay in installments or apply for a fee waiver from the court.

Calhoun County Legal Help

Florida Legal Services provides free legal aid to qualifying individuals statewide, including Calhoun County. They can help with bankruptcy questions and paperwork. In a small county like Calhoun, finding a local bankruptcy attorney can be a challenge. The Florida Bar referral service can connect you with attorneys who serve the panhandle area.

The Northern District court offers pro se filing guides for Calhoun County residents who want to handle their own case. Filing without a lawyer is allowed but takes care. You must follow all court rules and meet every deadline. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, the discharge order releases you from personal liability on most debts. But certain debts like student loans, child support, and recent tax obligations are not covered under 11 U.S.C. Section 523. Getting legal advice, even just a one-time consultation, can help Calhoun County residents avoid common mistakes.

Cities in Calhoun County

Calhoun County has a few small towns. Blountstown is the county seat and the largest community. Altha is the other incorporated town. All Calhoun County residents file bankruptcy through the same Panama City Division court. There are no separate filing locations within the county.

Nearby Counties

Calhoun County is surrounded by other panhandle counties. All are in the Northern District of Florida. If you live close to a border, double check your address to file in the correct county.