Burbank Bankruptcy Records Search

Burbank bankruptcy records are handled by the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. Residents of this Los Angeles County city can search for filings online through PACER or visit one of two courthouse locations. Many Burbank cases go to the San Fernando Valley division in Woodland Hills due to its proximity. This guide explains how to access bankruptcy records for Burbank addresses, what documents are available, and the search options. All federal bankruptcy cases are public records, so anyone can look up petitions, schedules, discharge orders, and docket entries for any Burbank bankruptcy case through the court system.

Burbank Bankruptcy Court Locations

Burbank residents file bankruptcy through the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. Due to its location, Burbank cases often go to the San Fernando Valley division at 21041 Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Call (818) 587-2900 for that office.

The main Los Angeles court at 255 E. Temple Street also handles Burbank cases. Phone (213) 894-3118 for that location. Cases are assigned by zip code. Either way, all Burbank bankruptcy records are accessible through the same online system.

Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Staff can answer questions about cases and help with record searches. The Central District is the busiest bankruptcy court in the nation, processing more filings than any other.

The court website has local rules, forms, and case lookup tools.

Search Burbank Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER is the best way to search Burbank bankruptcy records from anywhere. Register for free at pacer.uscourts.gov. Once logged in, select the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court from the menu.

Enter a name, case number, or Social Security Number to find records. Fees are 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document. Users with quarterly charges under $30 pay nothing at all. This makes PACER essentially free for light users.

The system displays the complete case docket. View every filed document, every court order, and the current status. Download PDFs of petitions, schedules, and discharge orders. Burbank bankruptcy records going back many years are available.

The PACER Case Locator searches all federal courts at once. Use it if you are not sure which court has a particular case.

Free Burbank Bankruptcy Record Searches

Free search options exist for those who prefer not to use PACER.

VCIS, the Voice Case Information System, provides phone access 24 hours a day. Call (866) 222-8029 from any phone. Enter a case number or name. The system reads back filing date, chapter type, and case status. This works for quick checks on Burbank bankruptcy cases.

In-person searches are free at both courthouse locations. Walk in during business hours and use the public terminals. Staff can help you find records. Viewing is free. You only pay for printed copies if you need them.

Some users qualify for PACER fee waivers. Low-income individuals, pro se parties, nonprofits, and researchers may apply. Ask the clerk about waiver options for your Burbank bankruptcy record search.

Filing Bankruptcy in Burbank

Burbank residents file at the Central District court. Most people hire a lawyer, but you can file pro se. Either way uses the same forms and rules.

Filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Chapter 11 business cases cost $1,738. If you cannot afford the fee, ask about waivers or payment plans. The clerk can explain your options.

Federal law requires credit counseling before filing. Take an approved course within 180 days of your filing date. A second course on financial management is required before discharge. These rules apply to all Burbank filers.

Get forms from uscourts.gov. Key forms include the voluntary petition, schedules, means test, and statement of financial affairs. Completed documents become part of your public Burbank bankruptcy record.

Exemptions for Burbank Bankruptcy Filers

California offers two exemption systems. You must choose one.

System 1 protects homeowners best. It shields up to $722,507 in home equity. Burbank real estate values are high, making this substantial exemption valuable for local homeowners. System 1 also covers vehicles up to $8,625 and all retirement accounts.

System 2 suits renters and those with less home equity. The homestead is $36,750, but the wildcard reaches $38,700. You can apply the wildcard to any property. Burbank renters often find this flexibility helpful.

Note: Your exemption choice appears in the bankruptcy records. Consider consulting a lawyer about which system works better for your circumstances.

Types of Burbank Bankruptcy Cases

Chapter 7 is the most common type. About 78% of California filers choose it. The process wipes out most debts in a few months. Exemptions protect most property.

Chapter 13 involves repaying debts over three to five years. This suits people with steady income who want to catch up on a mortgage or car loan. Roughly 20% of filings are Chapter 13. Burbank homeowners facing foreclosure may find this chapter useful.

Chapter 11 handles business reorganization. Companies restructure while staying open. Only about 1.5% of cases use it. Given Burbank's media industry presence, some local businesses have used Chapter 11 to reorganize debts.

Each chapter creates different records. Chapter 7 files tend to be smaller. Chapter 13 includes payment plans. Chapter 11 can be extensive. All types are searchable for Burbank cases.

Burbank Bankruptcy Legal Resources

Several resources help Burbank residents with bankruptcy.

The Los Angeles County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles provides free help for low-income residents. Bet Tzedek Legal Services also offers assistance with debt issues for qualifying clients.

The court website offers self-help guides and forms. The federal forms page has all required documents. Many Burbank residents file successfully on their own.

Check any lawyer's background before hiring. The California State Bar website lets you verify licenses and see disciplinary history.

Los Angeles County Bankruptcy Records

Burbank is part of Los Angeles County, home to over 10 million residents. The county falls under the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. See the Los Angeles County page for more information about county-wide resources and both courthouse locations.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Burbank and also file through the Central District court.