King and Queen County Bankruptcy Records Search

King and Queen County bankruptcy records are filed with the Eastern District of Virginia Bankruptcy Court, Richmond Division, and can be searched through PACER and the free VCIS phone line. This page covers how bankruptcy records are handled for King and Queen County, where to search, what it costs to file, and where to turn if you need legal help.

King and Queen County Bankruptcy Court

King and Queen County is served by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division. When a King and Queen County resident files for bankruptcy, the case goes to the Richmond Division office at 701 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. The phone number is (804) 916-2400. The county sits in the Middle Peninsula region of Virginia, and the Richmond Division handles cases from this part of the state.

The Eastern District processes all common chapter types. Chapter 7 results in a discharge of most unsecured debts after a review of the debtor's non-exempt assets. Chapter 13 is a repayment plan lasting three to five years that lets debtors keep property. Chapter 11 is less common and is typically used by businesses. All King and Queen County cases become part of the public record when filed, and those records are available through PACER.

King and Queen County Circuit Court Clerk

The King and Queen County Circuit Court Clerk is Hattie M. Robinson, reachable at hrobinson@vacourts.gov. The office is at 234 Allens Circle, King and Queen Court House, VA 23085. The phone number is (804) 785-5984. This office manages state court records and is separate from the federal bankruptcy system. The Circuit Court meets at the historic courthouse, which is the county seat.

One notable fact about King and Queen County records is that all court records prior to 1864 were destroyed by fire. Records available today date from 1864 to the present and include suit papers, deed books, marriage licenses, and wills. The clerk's office also offers Secure Remote Access (OCRA subscription) for online land records. VADeed Alert, the free property notification service, is available for property owners who want to be alerted to any new recordings tied to their property.

The county FOIA Officer is Tina Ammons, reachable at tammons@kingandqueenco.net or (804) 785-5975. Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3700, state records are subject to public access rules with a five-day response requirement. For federal bankruptcy records involving King and Queen County cases, use PACER or the VCIS phone line, not the state court system.

Searching King and Queen Bankruptcy Records

PACER is the tool to use for federal bankruptcy records. Register at pacer.uscourts.gov and search the Eastern District of Virginia. You can look up cases by debtor name, case number, the last four digits of a Social Security number, or attorney. The charge is $0.10 per page, but quarterly fees under $15 are waived. Most casual lookups end up being free.

The PACER system gives you access to the complete docket for every case, including every document filed from the petition through the final discharge order. You can download petitions, schedules of assets and debts, motions, and court orders. The records cover all chapter types and go back many years. It is the most thorough way to research a case or check on a specific debtor.

The free option for basic checks is the VCIS line. Call 1-866-222-8029 and press 863 for the Eastern District. The automated system runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You don't need an account. Enter a case number or debtor name and the system returns basic status, hearing dates, and discharge information. It's a quick first step if you just need to confirm whether a case was filed.

For state court case records, use the free Virginia Courts case information portal. You can also check the King and Queen Circuit Court page on the state judicial website. Keep in mind those systems only cover state cases, not federal bankruptcy filings.

Bankruptcy Filing Fees for King and Queen County

Federal bankruptcy filing fees are uniform across Virginia. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. Chapter 11 is $1,738. These fees are set by federal law and are collected when you file your petition. Where you live in Virginia has no effect on the amount.

Chapter 7 filers with very low income may apply for a fee waiver at the time of filing. The court compares your household income to federal poverty guidelines. If you qualify, the fee is waived. The waiver application is part of the standard filing packet at vaeb.uscourts.gov/bankruptcy-forms. Installment payment arrangements are sometimes available for those who do not qualify for a waiver.

You must also complete an approved credit counseling session before you file and a financial management course before your case closes. Both are required under federal bankruptcy law. Approved providers are listed at the U.S. Trustee's website. Courses typically cost $20 to $50 each and are available online.

Court Records in King and Queen County

King and Queen County has a notable records situation: all court records before 1864 were lost in a courthouse fire. The records that exist today run from 1864 to the present. Despite this gap, the county still holds a substantial collection of documents. Suit papers, deed books, marriage licenses, and wills from 1864 onward are maintained at the courthouse. For anyone doing legal research or title searches, understanding this historical record loss is important.

The clerk's office offers OCRA (Officer of Court Remote Access) subscriptions for online land records access. This is useful for attorneys and title companies that regularly need land record data. The VADeed Alert notification service is also available at no charge and alerts property owners when a new document is recorded against their property.

For historical records that predate 1864 or that may have survived in other forms, the Library of Virginia is the best starting point. The Library holds many Virginia county records and can sometimes supplement gaps caused by courthouse fires and other record losses. The National Archives also holds older federal court records.

Legal Aid Resources in King and Queen County

Virginia Legal Aid offers free legal services to residents who qualify based on income. Their site at valegalaid.org explains eligibility and how to apply. King and Queen County residents dealing with bankruptcy and debt issues may qualify for help. The county is rural and small, so checking early for legal aid options is a good idea since availability in the area may be limited.

King and Queen County is in the Middle Peninsula of Virginia, not close to a major city. Residents often look to attorneys in Williamsburg, Richmond, or the Northern Neck area who practice in the Eastern District of Virginia. The Virginia State Bar's referral program can help you find a licensed bankruptcy attorney. Most offer a free first consultation to discuss your options.

For people who want to file without an attorney, the Eastern District provides some basic self-help information at vaeb.uscourts.gov. Pro se filing works for some simple Chapter 7 cases. But if your case involves real property, creditor objections, or business debts, legal help significantly reduces the risk of mistakes that could affect the outcome of your case.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near King and Queen in the Middle Peninsula and surrounding region. Each files bankruptcy cases through the Eastern District of Virginia.