Find Lafayette County Bankruptcy Records
Lafayette County bankruptcy records are kept by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. The Gainesville Division serves this county for all federal bankruptcy matters. With a population of around 8,500, Lafayette County is one of the smallest counties in Florida. Despite its size, residents still have full access to bankruptcy court services through PACER, VCIS, and in-person visits. The Lafayette County Clerk of Court in Mayo keeps local civil records that can relate to bankruptcy cases as well.
Lafayette County Quick Facts
Lafayette County Clerk of Court
Danny L. Lundy is the Lafayette County Clerk of Court. The office sits at 1 Courthouse Circle in Mayo. Bankruptcy petitions are federal filings, but the local clerk maintains civil records that often intersect with bankruptcy cases. Property records, liens, and judgments all flow through this office. When a creditor takes action in Lafayette County or a debtor has pending local matters, the clerk's files can provide useful background.
Call the Lafayette County Clerk at (386) 294-1600 during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday. Staff can assist with local court record searches and direct you to the federal court for bankruptcy filings. The Lafayette County Clerk website offers some online search tools for local records. You won't find bankruptcy case files there, but you can look up foreclosures, small claims, and other civil matters tied to Lafayette County.
The screenshot below shows the Lafayette County Clerk of Court homepage at lafayetteclerk.org.
You can use the clerk site to search civil cases and find contact info for the Lafayette County court offices.
| Clerk | Danny L. Lundy |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Courthouse Circle, Mayo, FL 32066 |
| Phone | (386) 294-1600 |
| Website | lafayetteclerk.org |
Lafayette County Bankruptcy Court
All bankruptcy cases from Lafayette County are handled by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. The Gainesville Division processes filings from this area. The courthouse address is 401 SE First Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. Call (850) 521-5001 for general court questions. The Northern District court website has forms, local rules, and filing instructions.
Federal bankruptcy courts work separately from state courts. The Lafayette County Clerk does not handle bankruptcy petitions at all. Everything goes to the federal court in Gainesville. A trustee gets assigned after a case is filed. Hearings for Lafayette County residents take place in Gainesville. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you must live in the district or own property there to file. Lafayette County is part of the Northern District, so residents file through Gainesville.
Other divisions in the Northern District include Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Panama City. Each serves a different set of counties.
Search Lafayette County Bankruptcy Filings
You have three ways to search for bankruptcy records connected to Lafayette County. PACER is the fastest online option. The VCIS phone line gives you basic case data for free. You can also visit the Gainesville courthouse to view files in person.
PACER is the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system. It covers every federal court in the country, including the Northern District of Florida. You need a free account to use it. Search by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER charges $0.10 per page with a $3.00 cap per document. If you stay under $30 in a quarter, there is no charge at all. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy records are public. Anyone can look them up.
VCIS is the Voice Case Information System. Dial 1-866-222-8029 to check on Lafayette County bankruptcy cases by phone. The system tells you if a case exists, gives you the case number, filing date, chapter type, and status. It is free and runs around the clock. No account needed. This is the easiest way to do a quick check.
You can also go to the courthouse at 401 SE First Avenue in Gainesville. Public terminals there let you search and view Lafayette County bankruptcy files at no cost. Bring your ID. Court staff can help you find what you need and make copies of specific documents.
Bankruptcy Filing in Lafayette County
Lafayette County residents who want to file for bankruptcy usually choose between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 eliminates most debts but may require surrendering certain assets. Chapter 13 puts you on a payment plan for three to five years. The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. Chapter 13 is $313. The court can allow installment payments if you cannot pay all at once.
Credit counseling is required before you file. The U.S. Department of Justice lists approved agencies for the Northern District of Florida. You also need to pull together financial records: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a complete list of debts and assets. File the petition and schedules with the Gainesville Division.
When the case is filed, an automatic stay starts under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This halts most collection activity against you. No more calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, or foreclosures while the stay is active. A meeting of creditors is set about 30 to 45 days later. You can find all the official forms at the U.S. Courts website.
Legal Resources for Lafayette County
Several organizations help Lafayette County residents with bankruptcy. Florida Legal Services provides free legal assistance to low-income people statewide. They can help you decide if bankruptcy is right for your situation and assist with the paperwork.
The Florida Bar has a lawyer referral service. For a small fee, you get a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney who serves Lafayette County. If you plan to file without a lawyer, the Northern District court offers pro se guides and sample forms on its website. A discharge under 11 U.S.C. Section 727 frees the debtor from personal liability on most debts. Legal advice can help make sure you get the best outcome.
Not all debts can be discharged. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, student loans, child support, and recent tax debts typically survive bankruptcy. Talk to an attorney if you are unsure about which debts you can eliminate in your Lafayette County case.
Cities in Lafayette County
Lafayette County is a rural county with Mayo as the county seat and main town. Other small communities include Day and Midway. All residents file bankruptcy through the Gainesville Division of the Northern District court.
No cities in Lafayette County meet the population threshold for a separate page. All communities in the county use the same federal bankruptcy court in Gainesville.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Lafayette County. Check your mailing address if you are unsure which county you live in. Your county determines which federal court division handles your bankruptcy case.