Wayne County Bankruptcy Records Search

Wayne County bankruptcy records are part of the Southern District of Georgia federal court system. The county seat is Jesup. Bankruptcy filings from Wayne County residents do not go through the local courthouse. They go to the federal clerk's office. Every petition, schedule, motion, and order is filed and stored in federal databases. This means you search for Wayne County bankruptcy records through PACER online, the McVCIS phone line, or by visiting a Southern District court office. This page breaks down how each method works and what it costs to get the records you are looking for.

Federal Court Handling Wayne County Cases

The Southern District of Georgia Bankruptcy Court has jurisdiction over Wayne County. Three offices are staffed on a regular basis. The Brunswick office at 801 Gloucester Street, Third Floor, Brunswick, GA 31520 is likely the closest for Wayne County residents. Phone is (912) 280-1376. Savannah is at 124 Barnard Street, Second Floor, Savannah, GA 31401, reachable at (912) 650-4100. Augusta is at 600 James Brown Blvd, Augusta, GA 30901, phone (706) 823-6000.

From Jesup, both Brunswick and Savannah are within reasonable driving distance. Either office can process records requests, accept new filings, and look up existing Wayne County bankruptcy cases. Hours are Monday through Friday at all staffed locations.

Searching Wayne County Bankruptcy Filings

PACER is the main online tool. Create a free account and search by debtor name or case number. Every Wayne County bankruptcy filing is in the system. The full case file is available: petitions, schedules listing all assets and debts, creditor matrices, motions, orders, and discharge records. Cost is $0.10 per page.

Not sure which court has the case? The PACER Case Locator checks all federal courts at once. Enter a name and it returns matches from every district. You can save your searches and run them again any time.

McVCIS at 1-866-222-8029 is free. This phone system runs around the clock. Select the Southern District of Georgia, then search by name or case number. It gives you the filing date, chapter, judge, attorney, trustee, and current status. No documents, but enough details to know if a Wayne County case exists.

In-person access is available at the clerk's office. Use the public computer terminals to browse docket information at no charge. Printing costs $0.10 per page.

Wayne County Bankruptcy Record Fees

The fee schedule is consistent across the Southern District. PACER is $0.10 per page for all searches and documents. Public terminal use at clerk offices is free. Printing from those terminals runs $0.10 per page. Mail and in-person copy requests are $0.50 per page. Certified copies add $12.00 per document.

Need the court to find a Wayne County filing when you do not have the case number? That costs $34.00. Fill out Form B1320 and submit it with payment. Make checks payable to "Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court." Money orders, certified checks, and cash (in person) are accepted.

Filing Types in Wayne County Bankruptcy Cases

Under federal law at 11 U.S.C., there are several bankruptcy chapters. Chapter 7 liquidation is the most common for individuals. A trustee takes non-exempt property, sells it, and distributes the money. In many Wayne County Chapter 7 cases, there are no assets for the trustee to sell. The case closes fast, usually in three to four months.

Chapter 13 is a payment plan option. The debtor keeps everything and pays creditors over three to five years through a trustee. It works well for Wayne County homeowners facing foreclosure. They can catch up on missed payments without losing the house. Chapter 11 covers business reorganizations. Chapter 12 is for family farmers. All of these produce court records that are open to the public.

Georgia Exemptions in Wayne County Cases

Georgia opted out of the federal exemption system. Wayne County filers use state exemptions under O.C.G.A. 44-13-100. Home equity up to $21,500 is protected. The motor vehicle exemption is $5,000. Tools of trade get $1,500. Jewelry is $500. Personal property is exempt up to $5,000 total, with no single item over $300.

A $1,200 wildcard can cover any asset. Unused homestead value, up to $10,000, boosts the wildcard. Income that is fully exempt includes Social Security, veterans benefits, workers' compensation under O.C.G.A. 34-9-84, unemployment, and alimony. Retirement accounts stay protected. These exemptions are key to understanding what shows up in Wayne County bankruptcy schedules. Filers need 730 days of Georgia residency before they can claim these protections.

Refiling Rules and Time Limits

Federal law limits repeat filings. After a Chapter 7 discharge, a Wayne County resident must wait eight years to file Chapter 7 again. From Chapter 7 to Chapter 13, the gap is four years. Between two Chapter 13 filings, the wait is two years. The clock starts from the filing date. These restrictions show up in court records and can affect the outcome of a new case.

Wayne County State and Archived Records

State court records are kept by the Superior Court Clerk in Jesup. That office handles civil cases, criminal filings, deeds, and liens. The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority provides a statewide online search. Comparing these state records with federal bankruptcy data can help when liens or property issues cross both systems.

Archived Wayne County bankruptcy cases go to the National Archives. Before requesting files from NARA, call the Southern District clerk for the case details you will need. The Brunswick office at (912) 280-1376 or Savannah at (912) 650-4100 can help.

Nearby Counties

Wayne County is in southeast Georgia. Its neighbors are all within the Southern District for bankruptcy cases. Glynn County to the southeast includes the staffed Brunswick court office.