Find Wakulla County Bankruptcy Records
Wakulla County bankruptcy records are handled by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. The Tallahassee Division serves Wakulla County for all federal bankruptcy filings. With around 33,000 residents, Wakulla County sits just south of Tallahassee along the Gulf Coast. You can search these records online through PACER, use the VCIS phone line for free case data, or go to the Tallahassee courthouse in person. The Wakulla County Clerk of Court in Crawfordville also keeps local civil records that may be connected to bankruptcy cases.
Wakulla County Quick Facts
Wakulla County Clerk of Court
Gwen H. Marshall is the Wakulla County Clerk of Court. The office is at 3056 Crawfordville Hwy in Crawfordville. Federal bankruptcy cases are not filed with the county clerk, but this office maintains local civil records that can connect to bankruptcy matters. Property records, liens, judgments, and foreclosure filings all go through the clerk's office. These records are helpful when you need a more complete picture of someone's financial and legal history in Wakulla County.
Contact the Wakulla County Clerk at (850) 926-0905 during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday. Staff can help with civil record searches and direct you to the federal court for bankruptcy-related questions. The Wakulla County Clerk website provides office information and some online services. You can look up civil cases and recorded documents. These are not bankruptcy case files, but they can show related matters such as debt collection suits, mortgage foreclosures, and judgment liens in Wakulla County.
This screenshot shows the Wakulla County Clerk of Court homepage at wakullaclerk.org.
The clerk website has contact details and links to available services at the Wakulla County courthouse.
| Clerk | Gwen H. Marshall |
|---|---|
| Address | 3056 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32327 |
| Phone | (850) 926-0905 |
| Website | wakullaclerk.org |
Wakulla County Bankruptcy Court
Bankruptcy cases from Wakulla County go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. The Tallahassee Division handles all filings. The courthouse is at 110 East Park Avenue, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Call (850) 521-5001 for general court inquiries. The Northern District court website has forms, local rules, and filing instructions.
The federal bankruptcy court operates independently from the Wakulla County state court system. The county clerk does not process bankruptcy petitions. All filings go to the federal court in Tallahassee. A trustee gets assigned to each case. Hearings for Wakulla County residents take place at the Tallahassee courthouse, which is a short drive from Crawfordville. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, the debtor must live in the district or own property there to file. Wakulla County is in the Northern District, so residents file through the Tallahassee Division.
The Northern District also has divisions in Pensacola, Panama City, and Gainesville for other counties across north Florida.
Search Wakulla County Bankruptcy Cases
Three methods are available for searching Wakulla County bankruptcy records. PACER is the most complete online tool. VCIS gives free basic case info by phone. And the Tallahassee courthouse offers in-person access.
PACER is the federal court electronic records system. It covers all federal courts, including the Northern District of Florida. Register for a free account and search by name, case number, or Social Security number. Documents cost $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. Quarterly use under $30 is free. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy records are public. Anyone can access them.
VCIS stands for Voice Case Information System. Call 1-866-222-8029 any time for free automated case info. You get the case number, filing date, chapter, and status. The line is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week. No account needed. VCIS works well for a quick check on Wakulla County cases.
The Tallahassee courthouse is close to Wakulla County, making in-person visits fairly convenient. Head to 110 East Park Avenue, Suite 100. Public terminals let you search bankruptcy records for free. Bring a valid ID. Staff at the clerk's office can help locate documents and provide copies.
Bankruptcy Filing in Wakulla County
Wakulla County residents who want to file for bankruptcy typically go with Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts but could mean giving up certain property. Chapter 13 keeps your property while you pay debts under a three-to-five-year plan. The Chapter 7 fee is $338. Chapter 13 is $313. If you cannot pay up front, ask the court for installment payments.
Before filing, credit counseling is required. The U.S. Department of Justice lists approved agencies for the Northern District of Florida. You need to collect financial documents including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a full accounting of debts and assets. Submit your petition and schedules to the Tallahassee Division court.
Filing triggers an automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This blocks most collection activity. Creditors cannot call, file lawsuits, garnish wages, or foreclose. A meeting of creditors is set about 30 to 45 days after filing. Download the official forms from the U.S. Courts website.
Wakulla County Legal Resources
Wakulla County residents have access to several legal resources for bankruptcy help. Florida Legal Services provides free legal assistance to qualifying low-income individuals statewide. They can advise on whether bankruptcy is the right step and help with the filing process.
The Florida Bar offers a lawyer referral service covering Wakulla County. A small fee gets you a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney. If you plan to file without a lawyer, the Northern District court website has pro se resources and sample forms. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a Chapter 7 discharge releases you from personal liability on most debts. Professional guidance helps avoid mistakes that could delay or derail your case.
Certain debts cannot be discharged. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, student loans, child support, alimony, and recent taxes generally survive bankruptcy. A lawyer can tell you which debts you can eliminate in your Wakulla County case.
Cities in Wakulla County
Wakulla County includes Crawfordville (the county seat), St. Marks, Sopchoppy, and Panacea among other communities. All bankruptcy filings from Wakulla County residents go through the Tallahassee Division of the Northern District court.
No cities in Wakulla County meet the population threshold for a separate page. All residents use the same federal bankruptcy court in Tallahassee for filings and record searches.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Wakulla County. If you are not sure which county you live in, check your mailing address. The county determines your federal court division for bankruptcy filings.