Colquitt County Bankruptcy Records

Colquitt County bankruptcy records are filed with the Middle District of Georgia Bankruptcy Court. Moultrie is the county seat. Located in south Georgia, Colquitt County is an agricultural area where both individual and farm-related bankruptcy filings come through the federal system. The local courthouse has no part in bankruptcy cases. The Middle District holds hearings in Thomasville from time to time, which is one of the closer locations for Colquitt County residents. The Macon office handles the bulk of daily operations. This page covers how to search for, access, and get copies of Colquitt County bankruptcy records through online, phone, and in-person methods.

Middle District Court and Colquitt County

The Middle District of Georgia Bankruptcy Court serves Colquitt County and 68 other counties in the central and southwest parts of the state. The Macon office is at 433 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201, phone 478-752-3506. The Columbus office is at 901 Front Avenue, Columbus, GA 31902, phone 706-649-7837. Both are staffed every weekday.

The court also holds hearings in Thomasville, which is south of Colquitt County. That office is only staffed when hearings are scheduled. For regular business and Colquitt County record requests, contact the Macon office. Chief Judge Austin E. Carter and clerk Kyle George oversee the district.

How to Search Colquitt County Bankruptcy Cases

PACER is the primary search tool for Colquitt County bankruptcy records. This federal court records system is available online 24 hours a day. Sign up for a free account, then search by debtor name or case number. You will see every document in the case: the petition, financial schedules, creditor lists, motions, court orders, and the final discharge or dismissal. The cost is $0.10 per page.

When you are not sure which district handled a filing, use the PACER Case Locator. It searches all federal courts nationwide. Enter a name and see every bankruptcy case tied to that person, regardless of where they filed.

For a free phone lookup, call McVCIS at 1-866-222-8029. The automated system operates around the clock. Choose the Middle District of Georgia, then search by name or case number. It provides the debtor name, case number, judge, filing date, chapter, attorney, trustee, and current status for any Colquitt County case in the system.

Note: McVCIS is a general information service and not the official court record.

Colquitt County Bankruptcy Record Costs

Getting Colquitt County bankruptcy records involves fees that vary by method. PACER online access is $0.10 per page. Viewing records on the public terminals at the Macon or Columbus clerk office is free. Printing at those terminals costs $0.10 per page. In-person or mail copy requests are $0.50 per page. Certified copies are an additional $12.00 per document.

If you lack a case number and need the court to search, the fee is $34.00. Submit Form B1320 with your payment. Make checks or money orders payable to "Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court." Cash works in person at the counter.

Bankruptcy Chapters in Colquitt County

All Colquitt County bankruptcy cases fall under Title 11 of the U.S. Code. Chapter 7 is the standard liquidation option. A trustee sells non-exempt assets and distributes the proceeds to creditors. Many individual filers in Colquitt County have few assets above exemption limits, so their cases close quickly with no asset distribution.

Chapter 13 allows the debtor to keep property while paying back debts through a three to five year plan. Monthly payments go through a trustee. This chapter is used by Colquitt County residents who want to save a home or vehicle. Chapter 12 is specifically for family farmers and fishermen. In an agricultural county like Colquitt, this chapter has real relevance. It works much like Chapter 13 but with terms designed for the ups and downs of farming income.

Chapter 11 is for businesses that need to reorganize. All of these chapters create public court records searchable through PACER.

Georgia Exemptions for Colquitt County Filers

Georgia has opted out of the federal exemption system. Colquitt County filers use state exemptions under O.C.G.A. 44-13-100. The homestead exemption covers $21,500 in equity. A vehicle is protected up to $5,000. Tools of the trade up to $1,500. Jewelry up to $500. Personal property up to $5,000 total, with a $300 cap per item.

The wildcard exemption gives $1,200 plus up to $10,000 in unused homestead value. Fully exempt income with no dollar limit includes Social Security, veterans benefits, unemployment, workers' compensation under O.C.G.A. 34-9-84, alimony, and child support. Retirement accounts are also protected. A 730-day Georgia residency requirement applies.

Archived Colquitt County Bankruptcy Cases

Closed cases from Colquitt County that have been off the active docket for a number of years may be stored at the National Archives and Records Administration. Once there, the records leave PACER. Contact the Middle District clerk at 478-752-3506 for the case number, accession number, and other details needed to order from NARA. This process is slower but it is the only way to get very old Colquitt County bankruptcy records.

Colquitt County State Court Records

The Colquitt County Superior Court Clerk in Moultrie keeps state-level records. Civil lawsuits, criminal cases, deeds, and liens are all handled locally. The GSCCCA offers statewide online search for property and lien records. When a Colquitt County bankruptcy case involves real estate or secured debts, cross-referencing these sources gives you the full picture.

For court rules and procedures specific to the Middle District, visit the court information page.

Nearby Counties

Colquitt County is in south Georgia surrounded by other rural counties. Most neighbors are in the Middle District for bankruptcy matters.