Osceola County Bankruptcy Record Lookup

Osceola County bankruptcy records are filed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Orlando Division processes all cases from Osceola County. Kissimmee serves as the county seat, and the area has grown rapidly with a population now above 390,000. You can search bankruptcy records online through PACER or by phone using the free VCIS line. The Osceola County Clerk of Court also maintains local civil records that may relate to bankruptcy filings. This page breaks down each option and explains what you need to know about finding bankruptcy records or starting a case in Osceola County.

Osceola County Clerk of Court

Kelvin Soto is the Osceola County Clerk of Court. The main office is at 2 Courthouse Square, Suite 2000, in Kissimmee. Bankruptcy cases are federal, but the clerk handles local civil records that often tie to bankruptcy filings. Liens, judgments, foreclosures, and collection suits pass through this office. If a creditor has filed a claim in Osceola County or a debtor has local court matters, the clerk's records can add helpful context to what you find in the federal docket.

Call the Osceola County Clerk at (407) 742-3500 during regular hours. The office is open Monday through Friday. Staff can help with civil case lookups and direct you to the right place for federal bankruptcy records. The Osceola County Clerk website has online search tools for local court records. You can look up civil cases, official records, and court schedules. These are not bankruptcy case files, but they show related matters such as foreclosure actions, garnishments, and judgment liens in Osceola County. The website is user-friendly and updated regularly.

Below is a screenshot of the Osceola County Clerk of Court homepage. Visit the full site at osceolaclerk.org.

The clerk site gives you access to civil case searches, official records, and court contact information for Osceola County.

Osceola County Bankruptcy Court

Bankruptcy cases from Osceola County go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Orlando Division handles everything. The courthouse is at 400 W. Washington Street, Suite 5100, Orlando, FL 32801. Call (407) 237-8000 for general questions. The Middle District bankruptcy court website has forms, local rules, and filing guides.

Federal bankruptcy courts are separate from state courts. The Osceola County Clerk does not accept or process bankruptcy petitions. All filings go to the federal court in Orlando. A trustee gets assigned to each case. Hearings for Osceola County residents take place at the Orlando courthouse, which is about a 30-minute drive from Kissimmee. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, the debtor must live in the district or have property there. Osceola County is in the Middle District, so residents file at the Orlando Division.

The proximity to Orlando makes the court relatively easy to reach for most Osceola County residents.

Search Osceola County Bankruptcy Records

Three options exist for searching Osceola County bankruptcy records. PACER gives the most detail. VCIS is free and fast. The Orlando courthouse has in-person access too.

PACER is the federal court electronic records system covering all federal courts. Create a free account to search Osceola County bankruptcy records by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER charges $0.10 per page for documents, capped at $3.00 per document. If your quarterly total stays under $30, there is no charge. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy case files are public records. Anyone can access them.

VCIS is a free phone service available around the clock. Call 1-866-222-8029 to check on Osceola County bankruptcy cases. The automated system provides the case number, filing date, chapter type, and status. No account needed. This works well when you just need to confirm that a case exists or check its current status.

You can visit the courthouse at 400 W. Washington Street in Orlando too. Public access terminals let you search and view Osceola County bankruptcy files for free. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff at the clerk's office can help you pull specific documents or get copies from a case.

Osceola County Bankruptcy Filing

Osceola County residents who need to file for bankruptcy can choose from several chapters. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common for individuals. Chapter 7 eliminates most debts, though you may have to give up some property. Chapter 13 creates a repayment plan over three to five years. The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. The court allows installment payments if the full amount is too much at one time.

Before filing in Osceola County, you must complete credit counseling. The U.S. Department of Justice maintains a list of approved agencies for the Middle District. This is a legal requirement. You also need to collect your financial documents: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a complete list of debts and assets. All paperwork goes to the Orlando Division court.

Filing triggers the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. Creditors must stop all collection activity. No more calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, or foreclosure proceedings. The court then schedules a meeting of creditors approximately 30 to 45 days later. Get all official forms from the U.S. Courts website.

Osceola County Legal Resources

Bankruptcy can feel overwhelming. Several groups assist Osceola County residents who need help. Florida Legal Services offers free legal help to low-income individuals statewide, including those in the Kissimmee area. They can evaluate whether bankruptcy is the right option and help with forms.

The Florida Bar has a lawyer referral service that covers Osceola County. A small fee gets you a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney. If you want to handle things yourself, the Middle District court has pro se resources on its website. Pro se filers represent themselves 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. Professional help ensures you do not miss important steps in the process.

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida serves the Osceola County area and helps with civil legal issues related to bankruptcy for qualifying residents.

Certain debts are not dischargeable. Student loans, child support, and recent tax debts typically survive bankruptcy. See 11 U.S.C. Section 523 for the complete list.

Cities in Osceola County

Osceola County has several communities. Kissimmee is the county seat and the largest city. All bankruptcy filings from Osceola County residents go through the Orlando Division of the Middle District court.

Other communities in Osceola County include St. Cloud, Poinciana, and Celebration. Residents of these areas also file bankruptcy through the same Orlando Division court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Osceola County. Check your mailing address if you are not certain which county you are in. Your county determines the correct court division for your bankruptcy filing.