Jefferson County Bankruptcy Records
Jefferson County bankruptcy records are filed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. The Tallahassee Division handles all bankruptcy cases from this county. You can search these records through PACER, by phone, or at the courthouse in person. The Jefferson County Clerk of Court maintains local civil records that may connect to bankruptcy matters. This page explains how to find bankruptcy filings, what the process looks like, and where to get help if you live in Jefferson County.
Jefferson County Quick Facts
Jefferson County Clerk of Court
Wanda K. Monk serves as the Jefferson County Clerk of Court. The office is located at 1 Courthouse Circle in Monticello. Bankruptcy cases are federal matters, but 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 Jefferson County or a debtor has local court cases, these records can give you more context about the situation.
You can reach the Jefferson County Clerk at (850) 342-0218 during normal business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday. Staff can help you find civil case records and point you toward the right place for federal bankruptcy filings. The Jefferson County Clerk website has online tools for searching local court records. These are not bankruptcy case files, but they show related matters like foreclosures, debt collection suits, and judgment liens filed in Jefferson County.
The lead-in to this screenshot shows the Jefferson County Clerk of Court homepage, which you can visit at jeffersonclerk.org.
From the clerk site you can look up civil cases, search recorded documents, and find contact details for court offices in Jefferson County.
| Clerk | Wanda K. Monk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Courthouse Circle, Monticello, FL 32344 |
| Phone | (850) 342-0218 |
| Website | jeffersonclerk.org |
Jefferson County Bankruptcy Court
Bankruptcy cases from Jefferson County go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. The Tallahassee Division handles all filings from this area. The courthouse is at 110 East Park Avenue, Suite 100, in Tallahassee, FL 32301. You can call (850) 521-5001 for general questions. The Northern District bankruptcy court website posts forms, local rules, and filing guides.
Federal bankruptcy courts operate on a different track than state courts. The Jefferson County Clerk does not process bankruptcy petitions. Instead, all filings go straight to the federal court in Tallahassee. A bankruptcy trustee gets assigned to each case once it is filed. Hearings take place at the Tallahassee courthouse for Jefferson County residents. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, the debtor must live in the district or have property there to file. Jefferson County falls in the Northern District, so residents use the Tallahassee Division.
The Northern District also has divisions in Pensacola, Panama City, and Gainesville that serve other counties in the district.
Search Jefferson County Bankruptcy Cases
There are three main ways to search for bankruptcy records in Jefferson County. The fastest option is PACER, the federal court electronic records system. You can also call the VCIS phone line for basic case details. And you can visit the Tallahassee 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 Jefferson County bankruptcy records on PACER, you need a free account. Once you sign 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 your usage stays under $30 in a quarter. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy case files are public records that anyone can search.
The Voice Case Information System, or VCIS, is free to use. Call 1-866-222-8029 to check on Jefferson County bankruptcy cases. The system can tell you if a case exists, the case number, filing date, chapter type, and current status. It runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No account is needed. VCIS is a good option when you just need a quick check on a case.
You can also go to the courthouse at 110 East Park Avenue, Suite 100, in Tallahassee. Public access terminals let you search and view Jefferson County bankruptcy case files for free. Bring a valid ID. Staff can help if you need copies of specific documents.
Filing for Bankruptcy in Jefferson County
Jefferson County residents who need to file for bankruptcy have a few choices. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common for individuals. Chapter 7 wipes out most debts but may require giving up certain property. Chapter 13 creates 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 filing in Jefferson 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 is a requirement under federal 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 Tallahassee Division court.
After filing, an automatic stay takes effect under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This stops most collection actions against Jefferson 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 needed to file.
Jefferson County Legal Help
Bankruptcy can be complicated. Several groups help Jefferson County residents who need guidance with the process. Florida Legal Services offers free assistance to low-income individuals across the state, including those in Jefferson County. They can advise on whether bankruptcy makes sense and help with paperwork.
The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service that covers Jefferson County. For a small fee, you can get a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney in the area. If you want to file on your own, the Northern District court has pro se resources on its website. Pro se means you handle the case yourself without a lawyer. The court provides guides and sample forms. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a discharge releases the debtor from personal liability for most debts. Getting this right is important, so consider seeking legal help.
Keep in mind that some debts survive bankruptcy. Student loans, child support, and recent taxes cannot be discharged under 11 U.S.C. Section 523. An attorney can help you understand which debts qualify for discharge in your Jefferson County case.
Cities in Jefferson County
Jefferson County includes Monticello, which is the county seat. Other small communities in the county include Lamont and Lloyd. All bankruptcy filings from Jefferson County residents go through the Tallahassee Division of the Northern District court, regardless of which part of the county you live in.
No cities in Jefferson County meet the population threshold for a dedicated page. Residents of all Jefferson County communities use the same federal bankruptcy court in Tallahassee for filings and record searches.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Jefferson 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.