Clay County Bankruptcy Records
Clay County bankruptcy records are filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The Eastern Division in Anniston handles cases from Clay County.
Clay County Quick Facts
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Clay County
Clay County is in the Eastern Division of the Northern District. The Anniston courthouse is about 35 miles from Ashland. Federal bankruptcy law controls all cases. State courts and county offices have no part in bankruptcy matters.
The Anniston office handles filings, hearings, and 341 meetings for Clay County residents. This is closer than the main Birmingham office. Staff there can help with basic questions. For complicated matters, you may need to contact Birmingham.
| Court Name | U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Alabama |
|---|---|
| Division | Eastern Division (Anniston) |
| Address |
Federal Building 1129 Noble Street, Suite 117 Anniston, AL 36201 |
| Phone | (256) 741-1500 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | www.alnb.uscourts.gov |
How to Search Clay County Bankruptcy Records
PACER is the main search tool. It covers all federal courts. Sign up free at pacer.uscourts.gov. Then search by name, case number, or Social Security number (last four digits only).
The fee is $0.10 per page. No document costs more than $3.00. If your quarterly total stays under $30, they waive the fee. PACER shows dockets, filings, and case status.
The PACER Case Locator at pcl.uscourts.gov searches all federal courts at once. It updates overnight. Good for when you do not know where a case was filed.
What you need to search:
- Debtor name
- Last four of SSN (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Date range
Call McVCIS at 1-866-222-8029 for free phone lookups. It runs around the clock. You can check status and meeting dates. No documents though.
Bankruptcy Filing Fees
Federal fees are uniform. Clay County pays the same as everywhere:
- Chapter 7: $338
- Chapter 13: $313
- Chapter 11: $1,738
- Chapter 12: $278
Installments are allowed. Up to four payments over 120 days. Chapter 7 filers with very low income may get a fee waiver. Apply with your petition.
Record fees: PACER is $0.10 per page. Certified copies cost $12.00. Clerk searches run $32.00 per name. View free at the Anniston courthouse. Printing is $0.10 per page.
What Clay County Bankruptcy Records Show
Bankruptcy records are thorough. The petition starts the case with debtor info. Schedules list all assets, all debts, income, and expenses. Every creditor appears with the amount owed.
The Statement of Financial Affairs covers years of history. It asks about income, property sales, lawsuits, and repossessions. Creditors file claims. Trustees file reports. The court issues orders.
Typical documents in a file:
- Voluntary petition
- Asset and debt schedules
- Statement of Financial Affairs
- Creditor matrix
- Proofs of claim
- Trustee reports
- 341 meeting notice
- Discharge order
Records are public under 11 U.S.C. Section 107. Anyone can view them. Some info is redacted. Only the last four digits of SSN appear. Account numbers are shortened. Tax returns stay sealed.
The Bankruptcy Administrator
Alabama has Bankruptcy Administrators, not U.S. Trustees. This is unique to Alabama and North Carolina. The Bankruptcy Administrator works for the court. They appoint trustees, watch cases, and run 341 meetings.
The 341 meeting happens about a month after filing. The trustee questions you under oath. You must answer about your assets and debts. Creditors can come but rarely do. Clay County meetings are in Anniston.
Call the Bankruptcy Administrator at (205) 714-4300. Website: www.alnba.uscourts.gov.
Free Access Options
RECAP offers free PACER documents. Other users paid for them and shared. Search at courtlistener.com/recap. Coverage varies by case.
Visit the Anniston courthouse for free viewing. Public computers are available. Printing costs $0.10 per page. Bring ID. Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM weekdays.
Old records may be at the National Archives. After 15 years, closed files go to Atlanta. Retrieval costs $64 per box. Call (404) 736-2820.
Legal Help for Clay County
Bankruptcy is complex. Most people use lawyers. For low-income help, call Legal Services Alabama at (866) 456-4995. They may not handle bankruptcy but can refer you.
Alabama State Bar lawyer referral: (800) 392-5660. They connect you with bankruptcy attorneys.
Pro se filing is possible. Forms at uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms. It takes work, but people do it.
Types of Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 is liquidation. Nonexempt assets are sold. Remaining debts are discharged. Takes about four months. Means test required.
Chapter 13 is a payment plan. Keep your property. Pay over three to five years. Good for catching up on mortgages. Remaining debts discharged at end.
Chapter 11 is for businesses mostly. Fee is $1,738. Chapter 12 is for family farmers and fishermen.
Nearby Counties
Counties near Clay County. Most are in the Northern District.