Russell County Bankruptcy Records
Bankruptcy records for Russell County are filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Montgomery. Opelika hosts some hearings, which may be closer for many residents.
Russell County Quick Facts
Bankruptcy Court Locations
Russell County is in the Eastern Division of the Middle District of Alabama. The main court is in Montgomery, about 55 miles from Phenix City. The drive takes about an hour going west.
Opelika has a courthouse for hearings. This is only about 35 miles from Phenix City. But Opelika handles hearings only. No mail. No filings. Everything goes to Montgomery.
| Main Office (All Filings) |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court One Church Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Phone: (334) 954-3800 |
|---|---|
| Opelika (Hearings Only) |
701 Avenue A Opelika, AL 36801 No mail accepted. No walk-in services. |
| Montgomery Hours | Walk-in: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Phone: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | almb.uscourts.gov |
How to Search Bankruptcy Records
PACER is how you search federal court records. Registration is free. PACER charges 10 cents per page with a $3.00 cap. Keep quarterly totals under $30 for free access.
To find Russell County bankruptcies:
- Visit pacer.uscourts.gov
- Create a free account
- Select Middle District of Alabama
- Enter name, case number, or last 4 of SSN
- View results
Free phone searches at 1-866-222-8029. Check RECAP Archive at courtlistener.com/recap for free documents.
Filing Fees
Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. Chapter 11 runs $1,738. Copies cost extra: PACER is 10 cents per page up to $3.00. Certified copies are $12.00.
- Chapter 7: $338
- Chapter 13: $313
- Chapter 11: $1,738
- PACER: $0.10/page (max $3.00)
- Certified copy: $12.00
Low-income filers may pay over time or get fees waived.
Types of Bankruptcy
Most Russell County residents file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 wipes out debts quickly. Chapter 13 sets up a payment plan for three to five years.
Chapter 7 works best for high debt and low income. Chapter 13 works if you have steady wages and want to save a home.
Chapter 11 is for businesses. Phenix City has various local businesses. Chapter 12 is for farmers.
What Records Show
Each case has many documents. The petition lists basic debtor info. Schedules show assets and debts. Most records are public under 11 U.S.C. Section 107.
Bankruptcy Administrator
Alabama uses Bankruptcy Administrators. The administrator runs the 341 meeting. Contact them at (334) 954-3850. Visit almba.uscourts.gov for info.
Finding Legal Help
Legal Services Alabama at (334) 745-4000 in Opelika serves Russell County. The Alabama State Bar referral line is (800) 392-5660.
Cities in Russell County
Russell County includes Phenix City, Hurtsboro, and Seale. Phenix City is the county seat and largest city. It sits across the Chattahoochee River from Columbus, Georgia. All bankruptcy cases go through Montgomery.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Russell. Lee has the Opelika hearing location. All are in the Middle District.