Walton County Bankruptcy Record Lookup
Walton County bankruptcy records are filed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. The Panama City Division processes all bankruptcy cases from Walton County. With a population over 75,000, Walton County has grown significantly in recent years. You can search bankruptcy records online using PACER, call the VCIS phone line for quick case info, or visit the Panama City courthouse. The Walton County Clerk of Court in DeFuniak Springs maintains local civil records that may relate to bankruptcy matters as well.
Walton County Quick Facts
Walton County Clerk of Court
Christopher R. Crawford serves as the Walton County Clerk of Court. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1260, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433. Bankruptcy petitions go to federal court, not the county clerk. But the Walton County Clerk handles local civil records that often intersect with bankruptcy cases. Liens, property transfers, judgments, and foreclosure actions all flow through this office. These records can provide added context when you are looking into financial matters in Walton County.
Call the Walton County Clerk at (850) 892-8115 during regular business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday. Staff can assist with civil record lookups and tell you where to go for federal bankruptcy filings. The Walton County Clerk website has information about available services and online search tools. You can look up civil cases and recorded documents there. These are not bankruptcy files, but they show related civil matters like debt collection suits, mortgage foreclosures, and judgment liens filed in Walton County.
The screenshot below shows the Walton County Clerk of Court homepage at waltonclerk.org.
Use the clerk website to search cases, find recorded documents, and get contact info for the Walton County court system.
| Clerk | Christopher R. Crawford |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 1260, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 |
| Phone | (850) 892-8115 |
| Website | waltonclerk.org |
Walton County Bankruptcy Court Info
All bankruptcy cases from Walton County go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. The Panama City Division handles filings from this area. The courthouse is at 30 W. Government Street, Panama City, FL 32401. Call (850) 521-5001 for general court information. The Northern District court website provides forms, local rules, and filing guides for Walton County residents.
Federal bankruptcy courts are separate from the Walton County state court system. The county clerk does not accept or process bankruptcy petitions. Everything goes to the federal court in Panama City. After a case is filed, a trustee is assigned. Hearings for Walton County debtors take place at the Panama City courthouse. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you must live in the district or own property there to file for bankruptcy. Walton County is in the Northern District and uses the Panama City Division.
Other divisions in the Northern District include Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Gainesville. Each one covers a different group of counties.
Search Walton County Bankruptcy Records
You have three options for searching Walton County bankruptcy records. PACER provides full online access to case files. VCIS gives free basic case info by phone. And the Panama City courthouse allows in-person searches.
PACER is the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system. It covers every federal court including the Northern District of Florida. Sign up for a free account and then search by debtor name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER charges $0.10 per page for documents, with a cap of $3.00 per document. Quarterly usage under $30 is free. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy files are public records. Anyone can search and view them.
The Voice Case Information System, or VCIS, is a free phone service. Call 1-866-222-8029 any time of day or night. The automated system provides the case number, filing date, chapter type, and current status for Walton County cases. You do not need an account. VCIS is handy when you just want a quick yes-or-no on whether a case exists.
For in-person access, visit the courthouse at 30 W. Government Street in Panama City. Public access terminals are available for free searches. Bring your photo ID. Court staff can assist with finding specific Walton County cases and making copies of documents.
Filing Bankruptcy in Walton County
Walton County residents filing for bankruptcy usually choose between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts. You may need to give up some assets. Chapter 13 lets you keep your property while paying debts through a three-to-five-year plan. The Chapter 7 fee is $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. Ask the court for installment payments if you cannot pay the full fee at once.
Credit counseling from an approved agency is required before you file. The U.S. Department of Justice publishes a list of approved providers for the Northern District. You need to gather tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a complete list of debts and assets. File the petition and schedules with the Panama City Division court.
Once you file, an automatic stay starts under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This halts most collection actions immediately. No more calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, or foreclosures. The court sets a meeting of creditors roughly 30 to 45 days after filing. You can get all official forms from the U.S. Courts website.
Legal Resources for Walton County
Several organizations can help Walton County residents with bankruptcy. Florida Legal Services offers free legal assistance to qualifying low-income individuals across the state. They can advise on whether bankruptcy is the right move and help with paperwork.
The Florida Bar has a lawyer referral service for Walton County. Pay a small fee for a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney in your area. For those filing without a lawyer, the Northern District court has pro se guides and sample forms on its website. A discharge under 11 U.S.C. Section 727 releases the debtor from personal liability on most debts. Getting legal advice can help you navigate the process more smoothly.
Not all debts can be eliminated. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, student loans, child support, alimony, and recent tax debts usually survive bankruptcy. Speak with a lawyer to understand which debts you can discharge in your Walton County case.
Cities in Walton County
Walton County includes DeFuniak Springs (the county seat), Freeport, Paxton, and several beach communities along the coast. All bankruptcy filings from Walton County residents go through the Panama City Division of the Northern District court, no matter which part of the county you live in.
No cities in Walton County meet the population threshold for a dedicated page. All residents use the same federal bankruptcy court in Panama City for filings and record searches.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Walton County. Check your mailing address if you are unsure which county you live in. Your county determines which court division handles your bankruptcy filing.