Search Elmore County Bankruptcy Records

Bankruptcy cases from Elmore County go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Montgomery. This is one of the closest counties to the courthouse, only about 15 miles away.

Middle District Bankruptcy Court

Elmore County is in the Northern Division of the Middle District. The courthouse in Montgomery is very convenient. From Wetumpka, the drive south on US-231 takes only about 20 minutes. Prattville and Millbrook residents have a similar short trip.

The court sits at One Church Street in the Frank M. Johnson Jr. Federal Building. Walk-in hours run 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Phone support extends until 5:00 PM. This is the only staffed location for the whole Middle District.

How to Search Bankruptcy Records

PACER is the system for searching federal court records online. It covers all bankruptcy courts. Registration is free. You pay only when you search.

PACER charges 10 cents per page. Documents cap at $3.00 each. If your quarterly total stays under $30, the fees get waived. Many people search for free.

Here is how to find Elmore County bankruptcies:

• Visit pacer.uscourts.gov
• Create a free account
• Select Middle District of Alabama
• Enter a name or case number
• Browse results

You can also search by the last four digits of a Social Security number. This helps when names are common. Click into any case to see all documents.

Free phone searches work at 1-866-222-8029. McVCIS runs 24/7. Try RECAP Archive first at courtlistener.com/recap for free documents.

Filing Fees

Federal law sets filing fees. They are the same everywhere. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. Chapter 11 runs $1,738.

Copies have separate costs. PACER is 10 cents per page up to $3.00. Certified copies from the clerk are $12.00. Clerk searches cost $32.00 per name.

• Chapter 7: $338
• Chapter 13: $313
• Chapter 11: $1,738
• PACER: $0.10/page (max $3.00)
• Certified copy: $12.00
• Clerk search: $32.00

Low-income filers may pay over time or get fees waived. Check the court website for forms.

Types of Bankruptcy

Most Elmore County residents file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. These cover nearly all personal cases.

Chapter 7 is fast. It wipes out debts in about four months. You may lose some property, but Alabama exemptions protect quite a bit. This works best for people with high debt and low income.

Chapter 13 takes three to five years. You make payments from wages. Remaining debts get discharged at the end. This works if you have steady income and want to save a house from foreclosure.

Chapter 11 is for businesses. Chapter 12 is for farmers.

What Records Show

Each case has many documents. The petition lists basic debtor info. Schedules show assets, debts, income, and expenses. The Statement of Financial Affairs covers recent history.

Creditors file claims. The trustee writes reports. The judge issues orders. A discharge order at the end wipes out debts.

Most records are public under 11 U.S.C. Section 107. Personal data gets protected. You see only four digits of Social Security numbers.

Bankruptcy Administrator

Alabama uses Bankruptcy Administrators instead of U.S. Trustees. The administrator runs the 341 meeting of creditors. Every case has one. The debtor must attend and answer questions under oath.

Contact the administrator at (334) 954-3850. Visit almba.uscourts.gov for trustee info and meeting times.

Finding Legal Help

Most people hire lawyers. Legal Services Alabama at (334) 832-4570 in Montgomery serves Elmore County. The Alabama State Bar referral line is (800) 392-5660.

Lawyer fees for Chapter 7 run $1,000 to $2,000. Chapter 13 costs more. These are on top of court fees.

Cities in Elmore County

Elmore County includes Wetumpka, Prattville (partly), Millbrook, Coosada, Tallassee, and Eclectic. Wetumpka is the county seat. All bankruptcy cases go through nearby Montgomery.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Elmore. Montgomery County has the courthouse. All are in the Middle District.