Volusia County Bankruptcy Records
Volusia County bankruptcy records are handled by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. With over 560,000 residents, Volusia County is one of the larger counties on Florida's east coast. The Orlando Division court processes all bankruptcy filings from this area. You can search case records through PACER, the VCIS phone line, or at the Orlando courthouse in person. The Volusia County Clerk of Court also maintains local civil records that may be tied to bankruptcy cases filed by residents.
Volusia County Quick Facts
Volusia County Clerk of Court
Laura E. Roth is the Volusia County Clerk of Court. The mailing address is P.O. Box 6043, DeLand, FL 32721. Bankruptcy is a federal process, but the county clerk keeps local civil records that can relate to bankruptcy cases. Property transfers, liens, foreclosure actions, and judgment filings all come through this office. When a Volusia County resident files for bankruptcy, their local court records can provide important context about their financial situation.
Call the Volusia County Clerk at (386) 736-5915 during business hours, Monday through Friday. The staff can help you search civil records and direct you to the Orlando Division for federal bankruptcy questions. The Volusia County Clerk website has online tools to search local court records. These are not bankruptcy case files, but you can look up foreclosure cases, collection lawsuits, and judgment liens filed in Volusia County. For a county of this size, the volume of civil records is substantial.
This screenshot shows the Florida Courts website, which provides information on court structures that serve Volusia County. Visit it at flcourts.gov.
The Florida Courts site can help you understand the state court system and find links to federal bankruptcy court resources that apply to Volusia County.
| Clerk | Laura E. Roth |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 6043, DeLand, FL 32721 |
| Phone | (386) 736-5915 |
| Website | volusiaclerk.org |
Bankruptcy Court Serving Volusia County
Volusia County is part of the Orlando Division within the Middle District of Florida. The courthouse address is 400 W. Washington Street, Suite 5100, Orlando, FL 32801. Call (407) 237-8000 for court information. The Middle District court website provides forms, local rules, and filing instructions.
The Orlando Division has a fully staffed Bankruptcy Clerk's Office that processes filings from Volusia County and other nearby counties. Attorneys file through CM/ECF. Pro se filers can visit the Orlando courthouse or mail their petition. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, the debtor must reside in the judicial district or have property there. Volusia County sits in the Middle District, so residents file through the Orlando Division.
The drive from DeLand to the Orlando courthouse takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Daytona Beach residents may face a slightly longer commute. Hearings for Volusia County cases take place at the Orlando courthouse.
Search Volusia County Bankruptcy Records
You have three options for searching Volusia County bankruptcy records. PACER provides the deepest access to case documents. VCIS is good for quick checks by phone. And the Orlando courthouse has terminals for in-person searches.
PACER is the federal court electronic records system. Register for a free account and search Volusia County cases by debtor name, case number, or Social Security number. Fees are $0.10 per page with a $3.00 cap per document. Quarterly usage under $30 is free. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy filings are public. Anyone can search and view them. You can access petitions, schedules, proofs of claim, orders, and discharge documents for Volusia County cases.
VCIS is a free phone service. Call 1-866-222-8029 any time of day. The automated system provides case numbers, filing dates, chapter types, and case status for Volusia County filings. You do not need an account. This option is best when you just need to confirm basic case facts quickly.
Visit the Orlando courthouse at 400 W. Washington Street for in-person access. Public terminals let you search and view Volusia County bankruptcy case files at no cost. Bring a valid ID. Clerk staff can help you locate specific documents within a case file.
Bankruptcy Filing in Volusia County
Volusia County residents typically file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 can eliminate most unsecured debts, though certain property may be at risk. Chapter 13 creates a repayment plan that lasts three to five years. The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. Chapter 13 is $313. The court can approve installment payments if you cannot afford the full fee at the time of filing.
Credit counseling from an approved agency is required before you file. The U.S. Department of Justice lists approved providers for the Middle District. Gather your tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a thorough list of debts and assets. All official forms are posted on the U.S. Courts website. Your completed petition goes to the Orlando Division.
Once filed, the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362 stops most collection activity. Creditors must halt calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosures. A meeting of creditors gets scheduled about 30 to 45 days after the filing date. This is a required step for all Volusia County debtors in the bankruptcy process.
Volusia County Legal Resources
Florida Legal Services offers free legal help to low-income residents throughout the state. Volusia County residents can get guidance on whether filing bankruptcy is the right step and receive help with paperwork if they qualify for services.
The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service covering Volusia County. A small fee gets you a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney who can review your options. If you want to file pro se, the Middle District court posts self-help resources online. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a discharge releases the debtor from personal liability on most debts. Getting every step right is essential to receiving that discharge.
Not all debts can be discharged. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, child support, alimony, most student loans, and certain tax debts survive bankruptcy. An attorney in Volusia County can help you sort out which debts will and will not be eliminated through the filing.
Cities in Volusia County
Volusia County includes DeLand (the county seat), Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Deltona, and several other cities. All bankruptcy filings from Volusia County go through the Orlando Division of the Middle District court.
Other cities in Volusia County include Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, DeBary, and Orange City. All residents file bankruptcy through the same Orlando Division court regardless of which city they live in.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Volusia County. Your county determines which court division handles your bankruptcy filing. If you live near a county line, confirm your address.