Search Washington County Bankruptcy Records
Washington County bankruptcy records are managed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. The Panama City Division handles all bankruptcy cases from this county. Washington County has a population of about 25,000 and is located in the Florida panhandle. You can search these records online through PACER, call the VCIS phone line for basic case information, or go to the Panama City courthouse in person. The Washington County Clerk of Court in Chipley also maintains local civil records that can relate to bankruptcy filings.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Clerk of Court
Linda H. Cook is the Washington County Clerk of Court. The mailing address is P.O. Box 647, Chipley, FL 32428. Federal bankruptcy cases do not go through the county clerk. But the Washington County Clerk keeps local civil records that often connect to bankruptcy situations. Property records, liens, judgments, and foreclosure filings all pass through this office. When you need background on someone's financial history in Washington County, the clerk's records are a good place to start.
Call the Washington County Clerk at (850) 638-6289 during regular hours. The office is open Monday through Friday. Staff can help with civil case searches and point you to the federal court for bankruptcy filings. The Washington County Clerk website has basic office information and available services. You can look up civil cases and recorded documents. These are not bankruptcy files, but they cover related matters like debt collection suits, mortgage foreclosures, and judgment liens filed in Washington County.
Below is a screenshot of the Northern District of Florida bankruptcy court forms page, which serves Washington County. Visit the court at flnb.uscourts.gov.
The court website provides filing forms, local rules, and guides for Washington County residents filing for bankruptcy.
| Clerk | Linda H. Cook |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 647, Chipley, FL 32428 |
| Phone | (850) 638-6289 |
| Website | washingtonclerk.org |
Washington County Bankruptcy Court
Bankruptcy cases from Washington County go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. The Panama City Division processes all filings from this area. The courthouse address is 30 W. Government Street, Panama City, FL 32401. Call (850) 521-5001 for general court questions. The Northern District court website has forms, local rules, and filing instructions for Washington County residents.
The federal bankruptcy court is entirely separate from Washington County's state courts. The county clerk does not handle bankruptcy petitions. All filings go directly to the federal court in Panama City. A trustee gets assigned to each new case. Hearings for Washington County residents happen at the Panama City courthouse. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you need to live in the district or own property there to file. Washington County is in the Northern District and uses the Panama City Division.
The Northern District has other divisions in Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Gainesville. Each serves different counties across north Florida and the panhandle.
How to Search Washington County Filings
There are three ways to search for Washington County bankruptcy records. PACER gives you complete online access to case files. VCIS provides basic case data by phone for free. And you can visit the Panama City courthouse to search in person.
PACER is the federal court's electronic records system. It covers the Northern District of Florida, which handles Washington County bankruptcy cases. Create a free account to start searching. Look up cases by debtor name, case number, or Social Security number. Documents cost $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. Quarterly usage under $30 is free. Bankruptcy case files are public records under 11 U.S.C. Section 107. Anyone can search them.
VCIS is the Voice Case Information System. Call 1-866-222-8029 any time for free automated case information. The system gives you the case number, filing date, chapter, and status. It runs 24 hours a day, every day. No sign-up is needed. Use VCIS for a fast check on Washington County bankruptcy cases.
For in-person searches, go to the courthouse at 30 W. Government Street in Panama City. Public access terminals let you look up Washington County cases for free. Bring a valid photo ID. Court staff can help find specific documents and make copies for you.
Bankruptcy Filing in Washington County
Washington County residents who want to file bankruptcy generally pick Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 wipes out most unsecured debts but you may need to give up some assets. Chapter 13 puts you on a payment plan for three to five years while keeping your property. The Chapter 7 fee is $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. If you cannot pay at once, the court can set up installments.
You need to finish credit counseling before you file. The U.S. Department of Justice lists approved agencies for the Northern District of Florida. Also gather your financial documents: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a complete list of debts and assets. File the petition and schedules with the Panama City Division.
When the petition is filed, an automatic stay begins under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This stops creditors from taking collection actions. No calls, lawsuits, garnishments, or foreclosures while the stay is in effect. A creditor meeting is set about 30 to 45 days after filing. Get official forms at the U.S. Courts website.
Washington County Legal Help
Washington County residents can find help with bankruptcy through several sources. Florida Legal Services provides free legal assistance to qualifying low-income individuals statewide. They can advise on whether filing makes sense for your situation and help with the paperwork.
The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service covering Washington County. A small fee gets you a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney. For people filing pro se (without a lawyer), the Northern District court has self-help guides and sample forms online. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a Chapter 7 discharge releases the debtor from personal liability on most debts. Having a lawyer can help make sure you do not miss any steps.
Some debts survive bankruptcy. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, student loans, child support, and recent tax debts are generally not dischargeable. Talk to an attorney to learn which of your debts can be eliminated in your Washington County case.
Cities in Washington County
Washington County includes Chipley (the county seat), Vernon, Wausau, and Caryville among other small communities. All bankruptcy filings go through the Panama City Division of the Northern District court, no matter where in the county you live.
No cities in Washington County meet the population threshold for a separate page. All residents use the same federal bankruptcy court in Panama City for filings and record searches.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Washington County. If you are unsure which county you live in, check your mailing address. The county determines which division of the federal court handles your bankruptcy case.