Crawford County Bankruptcy Filings

Crawford County bankruptcy records are held by the Middle District of Georgia Bankruptcy Court. Knoxville is the county seat. Crawford County is a small county in central Georgia, just south of Bibb County and the Macon metro area. Since bankruptcy is strictly a federal matter, the Crawford County courthouse plays no part in these cases. The Middle District's main office in Macon is close by, which makes in-person access fairly easy for Crawford County residents who prefer to visit the clerk office rather than use the online tools. This page explains your options for searching, viewing, and getting copies of Crawford County bankruptcy records.

Middle District Court for Crawford County

All Crawford County bankruptcy cases go to the Middle District of Georgia Bankruptcy Court. The Macon office at 433 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201 is the closest staffed location. Phone is 478-752-3506. Crawford County borders Bibb County, so the drive to the Macon courthouse is short.

The Columbus office at 901 Front Avenue, Columbus, GA 31902 is also fully staffed. Phone is 706-649-7837. Chief Judge Austin E. Carter leads the district, and Kyle George is the clerk. Both offices are open Monday through Friday for filings, record requests, and questions about Crawford County bankruptcy cases.

How to Search Crawford County Bankruptcy Records

PACER is the main tool. It is the federal court system's electronic records database. Create a free account and search by debtor name or case number. Every document in a Crawford County case shows up: the bankruptcy petition, asset and debt schedules, motions from attorneys, court orders, and the final discharge or dismissal. It costs $0.10 per page and is available 24/7.

The PACER Case Locator searches all federal courts at once. It covers bankruptcy, district, and appellate courts. Use it when you know a name but not which court the case went through.

McVCIS at 1-866-222-8029 is a free phone option. The automated system runs around the clock. Choose the Middle District, then search by name or number. It reads back the debtor name, case number, judge, filing date, chapter, attorney, trustee, and case status. No full documents, but it is a quick way to verify whether a Crawford County case exists.

Note: PACER registration is free. Fees only apply when you view documents.

Crawford County Record Access Fees

PACER charges $0.10 per page. Viewing at the Macon clerk office on public terminals is free. Printing from those terminals is $0.10 per page. In-person or mail copy requests cost $0.50 per page. Want a certified copy? That adds $12.00 per document.

A case search by the court when you lack a case number costs $34.00. Submit Form B1320. Pay by money order or certified check to "Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court." Cash is accepted at the office window in Macon.

Bankruptcy Chapters for Crawford County

Federal law under 11 U.S.C. defines the types of bankruptcy available. Chapter 7 is the simplest. A trustee sells non-exempt property, and the debtor's eligible debts are wiped out. In Crawford County, most Chapter 7 filers have no assets above the exemption limits. These cases move fast.

Chapter 13 keeps the debtor's property intact. They repay debts through a plan lasting three to five years. A trustee collects the monthly payments. This works well for Crawford County residents who have income but have fallen behind on a mortgage or car loan. Chapter 12 covers family farmers and fishermen. In a rural county like Crawford, this chapter can apply. Chapter 11 is for business reorganizations.

Georgia Exemptions in Crawford County

Georgia requires its own exemptions instead of the federal ones. Crawford County filers follow O.C.G.A. 44-13-100. Homestead exemption: $21,500. Vehicle: $5,000. Tools of trade: $1,500. Jewelry: $500. Personal items: $5,000 total, $300 per item. Wildcard: $1,200 plus up to $10,000 of unused homestead.

Fully exempt income includes Social Security, veterans benefits, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation per O.C.G.A. 34-9-84, alimony, and child support. Retirement accounts are also protected. To use Georgia exemptions, you need to have lived in the state for at least 730 days before filing. This residency rule can affect people who recently moved to Crawford County from out of state.

Archived Crawford County Cases

Very old Crawford County bankruptcy cases are stored with the National Archives and Records Administration once they leave the court's active system. They will not show up on PACER. Call the Middle District clerk at 478-752-3506 for the accession number and related details. Then order copies through NARA. Allow more time for this process compared to online searches.

Crawford County Related Records

The Crawford County Superior Court Clerk in Knoxville handles state court records. Civil cases, criminal records, property deeds, and lien filings are all there. The GSCCCA provides statewide online search for deeds and liens. When a Crawford County bankruptcy touches on property or secured debts, combining GSCCCA and PACER records tells the full story.

The Middle District court information page covers local rules and filing procedures for all Crawford County cases.

Nearby Counties

Crawford County is in central Georgia just south of Macon. All neighboring counties are in the Middle District for bankruptcy purposes.