Terrell County Bankruptcy Records

Terrell County bankruptcy records are processed through the Middle District of Georgia Bankruptcy Court. Dawson is the county seat. The courthouse in Dawson handles state matters like civil cases and property records, but bankruptcy filings are strictly federal. To search for a bankruptcy case from Terrell County, you can use the PACER website, call the free McVCIS phone line, or visit the Macon or Columbus clerk offices. This guide walks you through each method, outlines fees, and covers the Georgia exemptions that apply to Terrell County residents filing for bankruptcy.

Middle District Court and Terrell County

Every bankruptcy case from Terrell County is filed with the Middle District of Georgia Bankruptcy Court. The main 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.

Terrell County is in southwest Georgia, not far from Albany. The Middle District holds hearings at the C.B. King U.S. Courthouse in Albany, 201 West Broad Avenue. While closer to Dawson, the Albany location is only staffed when hearings are set. For records access and filing questions, call Macon or Columbus directly. The court info page lists hours and directions.

How to Search Terrell County Bankruptcy Records

PACER is the best tool for a full search. Registration is free. Log in and choose the Middle District of Georgia. Search by debtor name or case number. You get the complete docket, every document in the file, and the current status. It costs $0.10 per page. PACER never closes.

McVCIS is free and works from any phone. Dial 1-866-222-8029. Follow the prompts for the Middle District. The automated voice gives you the debtor name, case number, chapter, filing date, judge, trustee, and case status. It runs all day, every day of the year.

The PACER Case Locator checks every federal court in the country at once. Good for when you don't know which district holds a case. Type in a name and see results from every bankruptcy court nationwide. You can bookmark cases and save frequent searches.

Fees for Terrell County Records

PACER charges $0.10 per page for views and downloads. Documents 30 pages or less cap at $3.00. Viewing at the clerk office on public terminals is free. Printing there is $0.10 per page.

Copies by mail or picked up in person cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $12.00 extra each. A search without a case number costs $34.00. Submit Form B1320 with a money order or certified check to the Macon office. Make it payable to "Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court." Cash is only for walk-in payments.

Note: The Albany hearing office cannot process copy requests since it is only staffed during hearings.

Terrell County Bankruptcy Exemptions

Georgia opted out of federal exemptions. Terrell County filers must use the state list under O.C.G.A. 44-13-100. Here are the key amounts:

• Homestead: $21,500 (up to $43,000 for married couples)
• Vehicle: $5,000
• Jewelry: $500
• Tools of the trade: $1,500
• Wildcard: $1,200 plus up to $10,000 unused homestead
• Personal property: $5,000 total, each item $300 or less

Income from Social Security, veterans benefits, workers' compensation under O.C.G.A. 34-9-84, and unemployment is fully exempt. Retirement accounts are protected. Alimony and child support cannot be taken in a Terrell County bankruptcy. You need 730 days of Georgia residency to claim these exemptions.

Bankruptcy Types in Terrell County

Most Terrell County cases fall under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 liquidates assets. Chapter 13 sets up a payment plan. Chapter 11 is for business reorganization. Chapter 12 applies to family farmers and fishermen. Terrell County has a strong agricultural presence, so Chapter 12 filings appear here.

All chapters follow Title 11 of the United States Code. Between filings, you must wait eight years for Chapter 7 to Chapter 7, four years from Chapter 7 to Chapter 13, and two years between Chapter 13 cases. Every case creates searchable records in PACER.

The Middle District homepage above is the federal court system that handles all Terrell County bankruptcy filings.

Terrell County Clerk and State Records

The Terrell County Superior Court Clerk in Dawson keeps state court records. Civil cases, criminal filings, deeds, and liens are on file. These are not bankruptcy records. But they can overlap. A lien or property transfer recorded at the Terrell County courthouse might also appear in a federal bankruptcy filing. The GSCCCA lets you search statewide deed records and UCC filings for Terrell County online.

Archived Terrell County Cases

Old closed cases transfer to the National Archives. You need the case number, accession number, location number, and box number. Call Macon at 478-752-3506 for that information. Active and recently closed Terrell County bankruptcy cases stay accessible through PACER.

Nearby Counties

Terrell County is in southwest Georgia near Albany. All neighboring counties are part of the Middle District. The Albany hearing office is the closest court location, though the Macon and Columbus offices are where staffed records access is available full time.