A basic knowledge of the district courts of Mississippi can be very beneficial if you ever have to file bankruptcy or find yourself a creditor when someone else does. Regardless of the circumstances, it doesn’t hurt to understand the court process and know a little about general bankruptcy rules.

Whether you need to search for a bankruptcy filing on a debtor or determine if bankruptcy is an option for you or your company, the Mississippi district court can assist you with both. When examining the district court of Mississippi, consider the following:

1. New requirements through the Mississippi district courts make it difficult for an individual to take advantage of bankruptcy as a means to get out of debt.

2. The Mississippi district court online provides downloads of local bankruptcy case rules.

3. It also provides information on the basics for bankruptcy filing, contact information for trustees and bankruptcy attorneys and an online search of Mississippi district court records.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

File a bankruptcy or creditor claim with the district court of MS

To file bankruptcy, you must meet specific eligibility requirements and follow rules of procedure. A bankruptcy stays on your credit report for at least seven years, so the lasting effects may cause some financial woe down the road. Talk to a bankruptcy attorney to make sure it's the right choice for you. Additionally, if you find that someone who owes you money files bankruptcy, it's important that you file a claim form in the case to make sure you're on the list of creditors.

I recommend: Visit the U.S. Courts Federal Judiciary for information on bankruptcy basics, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, the most frequently filed types. Examine the calendar for meetings of creditors on the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Mississippi website to find out when to attend the 341 meeting for the cases that list you as a creditor. Simply click on “341 Meeting Calendars” in the navigation bar on the left.

Procure forms for cases in the MS district courts

There are a large number of forms filed in a bankruptcy case. In fact, the district court in state of Mississippi, along with all other states, provides access to an Internet filing system that most bankruptcy attorneys use today. To file online, however, you need the appropriate Internet friendly forms. You can access most of these on the district court of Mississippi website.

I recommend: If you’re filing your bankruptcy Pro Se (without an attorney) go to the website for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Mississippi and, in the left navigation bar, click on “Filing without an Attorney” for helpful information. Download PDF files of each individual form, which are ready to fill out with your case information, save and file online, from the U.S. Courts Federal Judiciary. Obtain local court rules for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District of Mississippi.

Access information about Mississippi district court cases through CM/ECF

Public Access to Court Electronic Records, also known as PACER, is a case-access system used nationwide. Each district bankruptcy court has its own PACER database called CM/ECF, or electronic case filing system. This allows bankruptcy courts to accept case document filings and provide access to those documents over the Internet. You must obtain a login and password through the CM/ECF system.

I recommend: To access bankruptcy case records and file bankruptcy documents online, you must register for a Public Access to Court Electronic Records account. Sift through MS district court records by clicking the CM/ECF login link on any of the Mississippi bankruptcy court sites, and accessing pages like the Southern District of Mississippi Document Filing System.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regardless of how much knowledge you have of the district court of Mississippi, you should hire an attorney who specializes in your specific type of case to represent you.