Glades County Bankruptcy Records

Glades County bankruptcy records go through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Fort Myers Division serves Glades County, but since Fort Myers has no staffed clerk's office, filings are processed by the Tampa Division. Glades County is one of the least populated counties in Florida, with around 12,000 residents. Despite its small size, the same federal bankruptcy rules apply here as anywhere else. You can search Glades County bankruptcy records through PACER, the VCIS phone line, or at the Tampa courthouse. The county clerk in Moore Haven keeps local civil records that may be linked to bankruptcy cases.

Glades County Clerk of Court

Joe P. Flint is the Glades County Clerk of Court. The office is at 500 Avenue J in Moore Haven, FL 33471. Bankruptcy cases are handled at the federal level, but the county clerk maintains local civil records. Liens, judgments, and property filings come through this office. If there are local court actions tied to a bankruptcy case, the clerk's records can fill in those details for Glades County.

Call the Glades County Clerk at (863) 946-6010 during business hours, Monday through Friday. The staff can help with civil case lookups and point you in the right direction for federal bankruptcy filings. The Glades County Clerk website has tools for searching local records online. These are not bankruptcy files, but they may show related matters like foreclosures, small claims cases, and judgment liens filed in Glades County.

This screenshot shows the Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Court pro se resources page, which applies to Glades County filers. Visit the court at flmb.uscourts.gov.

The court website has self-help materials, forms, and guides that Glades County residents can use when filing on their own.

Bankruptcy Court for Glades County

Glades County is assigned to the Fort Myers Division within the Middle District of Florida. The Fort Myers Division does not have a staffed Bankruptcy Clerk's Office, so all filings must be submitted through the Tampa Division. The Tampa courthouse is at 801 N. Florida Avenue, Suite 555, Tampa, FL 33602. Call (813) 301-5162 with court questions. The Middle District court website posts local rules, forms, and filing procedures.

Electronic filing through CM/ECF is the standard for attorneys. Pro se filers from Glades County can mail their petitions to the Tampa address or file there in person. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you must reside in the judicial district or have property there to file bankruptcy. Glades County sits within the Middle District, so residents use this court.

Hearings may be scheduled in Fort Myers or Tampa. The location depends on the judge's calendar and the type of hearing. Check your case docket on PACER for specific hearing dates and locations.

Searching Glades County Bankruptcy Records

Three methods exist for searching Glades County bankruptcy records. PACER offers the most detail. VCIS works well for quick checks. And you can visit the Tampa courthouse to use public terminals.

PACER is the federal court records system. It covers every federal court in the country, including the Middle District of Florida. Register for a free account and search by debtor name, case number, or Social Security number. The fee is $0.10 per page, up to $3.00 per document. Quarterly usage under $30 costs nothing. Bankruptcy filings are public records under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, so anyone can search them.

VCIS is free. Dial 1-866-222-8029 anytime. The automated system gives you the case number, filing date, chapter type, and status for Glades County bankruptcy cases. It runs 24 hours a day and you do not need an account.

The Tampa courthouse at 801 N. Florida Avenue also has public access terminals. You can search and view Glades County case files at no cost. Bring a photo ID. Staff can assist with finding specific documents within a case file.

Filing Bankruptcy in Glades County

Glades County residents who need to file follow the same process as other counties in the Fort Myers Division. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common choices. Chapter 7 can wipe out most unsecured debts, though you may lose some assets. Chapter 13 creates a repayment plan over three to five years. The Chapter 7 fee is $338. Chapter 13 is $313. The court will accept installment payments if the fee is too much to pay at once.

Credit counseling from an approved agency is required before you file. The U.S. Department of Justice maintains a list of approved providers for the Middle District. You will also need tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a complete list of your debts and assets. All forms are available on the U.S. Courts website.

Once your petition is filed, the automatic stay takes effect under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This stops creditor calls, lawsuits, garnishments, and foreclosures. A meeting of creditors is scheduled around 30 to 45 days after the filing date. Every debtor in Glades County must attend this meeting as part of the bankruptcy process.

Glades County Legal Resources

Florida Legal Services provides free legal assistance to low-income people throughout the state. Glades County residents can get help with bankruptcy questions and paperwork through this organization. Rural counties like Glades have fewer local attorneys, so this service can be especially helpful.

The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service. For a small fee, you get a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney who can advise on your options. The Middle District court also has pro se resources on its website. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a discharge eliminates personal liability on most debts. Making sure you qualify and complete all the steps correctly is crucial.

Remember that some debts survive bankruptcy. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, child support, alimony, student loans, and certain tax debts cannot be discharged. Talk to an attorney before filing if you have questions about your specific debts.

Cities in Glades County

Glades County includes Moore Haven, which is the county seat, and the community of Buckhead Ridge along with some unincorporated areas. This is a rural county with a small population. All bankruptcy filings from Glades County go through the Fort Myers Division of the Middle District, with documents processed at the Tampa office. No cities in Glades County meet the population threshold for a dedicated page.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Glades County. Check your mailing address if you are not sure which county you live in. Your county determines which federal court division handles your bankruptcy case.