Madison County Bankruptcy Filings
Madison County bankruptcy records are handled by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. The Tallahassee Division serves Madison County for all federal bankruptcy matters. This county has a population of about 18,000 and sits in north central Florida between Tallahassee and the Suwannee River region. You can search bankruptcy records through PACER, by phone, or at the Tallahassee courthouse. The Madison County Clerk of Court also keeps local civil records that may connect to bankruptcy cases filed by county residents.
Madison County Quick Facts
Madison County Clerk of Court
Tim Sanders is the Madison County Clerk of Court. The office is at 224 SW Pinckney Street, Room 113, in Madison. Federal bankruptcy cases do not go through the county clerk. But the clerk maintains local civil records that frequently tie to bankruptcy filings. Property records, liens, judgments, and foreclosure cases all flow through this office. When you need a broader view of a debtor's legal history in Madison County, the clerk's records are a useful source.
You can call the Madison County Clerk at (850) 973-1500 during regular business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday. Staff can assist with local civil record searches and point you to the federal court for bankruptcy filings. The Madison County Clerk website provides information about the office and its services. You can look up civil cases and recorded documents. These are not bankruptcy files, but they can reveal related matters like debt collection suits and liens filed in Madison County.
This screenshot shows the Madison County Clerk of Court homepage, available at madisonclerk.org.
The clerk website has contact details and links to services provided by the Madison County courthouse.
| Clerk | Tim Sanders |
|---|---|
| Address | 224 SW Pinckney Street, Room 113, Madison, FL 32340 |
| Phone | (850) 973-1500 |
| Website | madisonclerk.org |
Madison County Bankruptcy Court
Bankruptcy cases from Madison County are filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. The Tallahassee Division processes all filings from this area. The courthouse address is 110 East Park Avenue, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL 32301. For general court questions, call (850) 521-5001. The Northern District court website provides forms, local rules, and filing instructions.
The federal court operates independently from Madison County's state court system. The county clerk does not accept bankruptcy petitions. All filings go straight to the federal court. A trustee is assigned after the case is filed. Hearings for Madison County residents happen at the Tallahassee courthouse. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, a debtor must live in the district or own property there to file. Madison County is part of the Northern District, so residents file through the Tallahassee Division.
The Northern District has additional divisions in Pensacola, Panama City, and Gainesville. Each one serves a different set of counties in north Florida.
How to Search Madison County Records
Three methods exist for searching Madison County bankruptcy records. PACER is the primary online tool. VCIS gives you basic case info by phone. And you can go to the Tallahassee courthouse for in-person access.
PACER is the federal court electronic records system. It includes the Northern District of Florida, which handles Madison County cases. Create a free account to start. You can search by debtor name, case number, or Social Security number. Documents cost $0.10 per page, with a $3.00 cap per document. Quarterly use under $30 is free. Bankruptcy records are public under 11 U.S.C. Section 107. Anyone has the right to search them.
VCIS stands for Voice Case Information System. Call 1-866-222-8029 for free, automated case information. The line runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It tells you if a case exists, the case number, filing date, chapter, and status. No account needed. VCIS is good for quick checks on Madison County bankruptcy cases.
You can also visit the courthouse at 110 East Park Avenue, Suite 100, in Tallahassee. Public terminals let you search Madison County bankruptcy cases at no cost. Bring photo ID. Staff at the clerk's office can assist with finding specific documents and making copies.
Bankruptcy Filing in Madison County
Madison County residents typically file under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts but may mean giving up some property. Chapter 13 sets up a three-to-five-year repayment plan. The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. You can request installment payments from the court if the fee is too steep.
Credit counseling is mandatory before filing. The U.S. Department of Justice publishes a list of approved counseling agencies for the Northern District. You also need to collect financial documents: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a thorough list of debts and assets. Submit the petition and schedules to the Tallahassee Division court.
Once filed, an automatic stay kicks in under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This blocks creditors from continuing collection efforts. No more calls, suits, wage garnishments, or foreclosures. The court schedules a meeting of creditors roughly 30 to 45 days after filing. Official forms are available at the U.S. Courts website.
Madison County Legal Resources
Several organizations can help Madison County residents with bankruptcy. Florida Legal Services offers free legal help to low-income individuals across the state. They can advise on whether bankruptcy is the right path and help with the filing paperwork.
The Florida Bar operates a lawyer referral service for Madison County. Pay a small fee and get a consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer in the area. For those handling it themselves, the Northern District court has pro se resources and sample forms on its website. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a Chapter 7 discharge releases the debtor from personal liability on most debts. Professional advice can help you avoid mistakes in the process.
Not every debt goes away in bankruptcy. Student loans, child support, alimony, and recent tax debts generally survive under 11 U.S.C. Section 523. A lawyer can review your situation and explain which debts can be discharged in your Madison County case.
Cities in Madison County
Madison County includes the city of Madison, which is the county seat, along with smaller communities like Greenville and Lee. All bankruptcy filings go through the Tallahassee Division of the Northern District court, regardless of where you live in the county.
No cities in Madison County meet the population threshold for a separate page. All residents use the same federal bankruptcy court in Tallahassee.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Madison County. If you are not sure which county you live in, verify your mailing address. The county you reside in determines which federal court division handles your case.