Dixie County Bankruptcy Filings

Dixie County bankruptcy records are part of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida, Gainesville Division. This is one of the smaller counties in the state, with roughly 17,000 residents centered around Cross City. Searching for bankruptcy records from Dixie County is straightforward once you know where to look. Online tools like PACER and the free VCIS phone line make it possible to check on cases from anywhere. The Dixie County Clerk in Cross City also handles local civil records that can relate to bankruptcy matters.

Dixie County Clerk of Court

David L. Graham serves as the Dixie County Clerk of Court. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1206, Cross City, FL 32628. Bankruptcy filings go through federal court, not the county clerk. But the Dixie County Clerk keeps local civil records that sometimes tie to a bankruptcy. Judgments, liens, and foreclosure cases are all on file here. If a creditor took legal action against someone in Dixie County before or during a bankruptcy, those records will be at the clerk's office.

Call (352) 498-1200 to reach the Dixie County Clerk. Staff can help you look up local court records and recorded documents. The Dixie County Clerk website has basic contact information and some online services. Like many small Florida counties, the range of online records may be limited compared to larger areas. For the most complete search of Dixie County records, a phone call or visit to the office can fill in the gaps.

The screenshot below shows the Dixie County Clerk homepage at dixieclerk.com.

Use the clerk's site to find contact details, office hours, and links to Dixie County court services.

Dixie County Bankruptcy Court Info

Dixie County falls under the Gainesville Division of the Northern District of Florida. The federal courthouse is at 401 SE First Avenue in Gainesville, FL 32601. That is about a 55-mile drive from Cross City. All Dixie County bankruptcy hearings happen at this location. The court phone number is (850) 521-5001. Visit the Northern District court website for forms, local rules, and filing information.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, a debtor files in the district where they reside. Dixie County is firmly in the Northern District. A trustee gets assigned to each case. The meeting of creditors usually takes place at the Gainesville courthouse, though phone hearings have become more common in recent years. Dixie County residents should plan for travel to Gainesville when court dates come up.

Note: The Gainesville Division also serves Alachua, Gilchrist, Lafayette, and Levy counties alongside Dixie County.

How to Find Dixie County Bankruptcy Records

Searching Dixie County bankruptcy records can be done online, by phone, or in person at the Gainesville courthouse.

PACER gives you online access to all federal court records, including Dixie County bankruptcy cases. Create a free account to get started. You can search by name, case number, or Social Security number. Documents cost $0.10 per page to view, with a $3.00 per document cap. If you use less than $30 in a quarter, there is no charge. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, all bankruptcy papers filed with the court are public records. Anyone can look them up.

For a quick check, call the VCIS line at 1-866-222-8029. It is free and runs 24 hours a day. VCIS can confirm whether a Dixie County bankruptcy case exists, the case number, what chapter was filed, and the current status. No account is needed. This is the simplest way to verify a case when you do not need full documents.

You can also go to the Gainesville courthouse in person. Public terminals are available for free searches. The clerk can pull up case files and make copies of Dixie County bankruptcy records if you need them. Bring your ID and any details you already know about the case, such as the debtor's name or case number.

Filing Bankruptcy in Dixie County

Dixie County residents who need debt relief can file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 costs $338 to file and can wipe out most unsecured debts in a matter of months. It works well for people with limited income who cannot pay back what they owe. Chapter 13 costs $313 and sets up a court-managed payment plan over three to five years. This option works for those with steady income who want to catch up on a mortgage or car loan.

You must take credit counseling before filing. The U.S. Department of Justice has a list of approved providers. After filing, the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362 puts a stop to collection calls, lawsuits, and wage garnishments for Dixie County debtors. This protection starts right when the case is filed. The official forms are on the U.S. Courts forms page.

Dixie County Bankruptcy Legal Resources

Finding legal help in a small county can be tough. Florida Legal Services serves low-income residents across the state, and Dixie County is no exception. They offer free advice and can help with bankruptcy paperwork. The Florida Bar lawyer referral service connects people with attorneys who handle cases in rural North Florida.

The Northern District court website has pro se resources for Dixie County residents who want to file on their own. Self-representation is allowed, but the forms and deadlines are strict. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a discharge releases you from personal liability on qualifying debts. Getting it right the first time saves a lot of headaches. Keep in mind that certain debts cannot be discharged under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, including child support, most student loans, and recent tax debts.

Note: Even a single consultation with an attorney can help Dixie County residents understand their options before filing.

Cities in Dixie County

Dixie County is a rural area with a small population spread across a few communities. Cross City is the county seat. Old Town and Horseshoe Beach are other notable communities. All Dixie County residents file bankruptcy at the same Gainesville Division courthouse.

Nearby Counties

Dixie County borders several other North Florida counties. All of these are in the Northern District of Florida. Check which county your address falls in before starting a bankruptcy filing.