Search Chico Bankruptcy Records

Chico bankruptcy records are managed by the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Located in Butte County with a population over 102,000, Chico serves as the economic hub of the northern Sacramento Valley. Residents searching for local bankruptcy filings can use PACER or visit the Sacramento courthouse in person. The Eastern District spans 34 counties, including Butte, and handles all federal bankruptcy matters for the region. This guide explains how to find and access Chico bankruptcy records through online and in-person methods.

Chico Bankruptcy Court Details

The Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court processes all bankruptcy cases for Chico and Butte County. This is the largest geographic district in California, covering 34 counties from the Oregon border to Kern County. The court has offices in Sacramento, Fresno, and Modesto.

Chico residents typically use the Sacramento headquarters. It sits at 501 I Street, Suite 3-200, about 90 miles south of Chico. Call (916) 930-4400 for the clerk's office. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.

The court's website offers local rules and filing instructions specific to the Eastern District. All Chico bankruptcy records are stored in the federal system and searchable through PACER.

Butte County faced significant economic hardship after the Camp Fire in 2018. This led to an increase in bankruptcy filings from Chico and surrounding areas. The court processed many cases related to fire losses and insurance disputes during that time.

How to Search Chico Bankruptcy Filings

PACER provides online access to all Chico bankruptcy records. You can search from home at any hour. The system contains every case filed in the Eastern District. Sign up free at pacer.uscourts.gov.

The fee is 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document. Light users pay nothing. If your quarterly charges stay under $30, the court waives them. This makes PACER free for most people searching Chico bankruptcy cases.

To find records, log in and select the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Enter a name or case number. Results show the docket, all filed documents, and current case status. You can view and download files directly.

The PACER Case Locator searches all federal courts nationwide. Use it when you do not know which district handled a case. Enter a name and the system shows results from every court.

Note: PACER accounts work across all federal courts, so one registration gives you access to bankruptcy records from any district.

Free Chico Bankruptcy Record Searches

Several free methods exist for finding bankruptcy records.

The Voice Case Information System offers free phone access around the clock. Dial (866) 222-8029 any time. Search by case number, party name, or Social Security Number. The automated system reads back filing dates, chapter types, and case status. This works well for quick checks on Chico cases without paying PACER fees.

In-person searches cost nothing at the Sacramento courthouse. Walk in during business hours and use the public terminals. Staff can help you navigate the system. You only pay for printed copies if you need them. The drive from Chico takes about an hour and a half.

Fee exemptions are available for low-income users, pro se litigants, nonprofits, and researchers. Contact the clerk's office to apply for a full PACER fee waiver.

Filing Bankruptcy in Chico

Chico residents file bankruptcy with the Eastern District court. Most people hire lawyers, but you can file on your own. Self-represented filers are called "pro se." The court treats both the same way.

Filing fees vary by chapter. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. Chapter 11 business reorganization costs $1,738. The court offers fee waivers and payment plans for those who cannot pay upfront. Ask the clerk about your options.

Credit counseling is required before filing. This is federal law. You must take an approved course within 180 days of your filing date. After your case ends, a second course on financial management is required. Without these certificates, your case will not proceed.

All bankruptcy forms are federal. Download them from uscourts.gov. Your completed petition, schedules, and statements become part of the public Chico bankruptcy record. Anyone can search and view these documents through PACER.

Bankruptcy Exemptions for Chico Residents

California gives filers a choice of two exemption systems. You must pick one or the other. Mixing is not allowed.

System 1 protects up to $722,507 in home equity. This is the better choice for most Chico homeowners. Butte County home values are lower than coastal areas, so many residents can protect their entire equity. System 1 also covers vehicles up to $8,625, tools of trade up to $10,950, and unlimited retirement accounts.

System 2 offers a large wildcard exemption. The homestead is only $36,750, but you get a wildcard worth up to $38,700. This can apply to any property. Renters and those with little home equity often choose System 2. It helps protect bank accounts, cars beyond the vehicle exemption, and other valuable property.

Your exemption choice appears in your bankruptcy records. A bankruptcy attorney can help you decide which system works best for your situation.

Bankruptcy Case Types in Chico

Chapter 7 liquidation is the most common filing in Chico. It erases most debts within a few months. About 78% of California filers choose Chapter 7. Exemptions protect most property for typical filers, so few people lose assets.

Chapter 13 works differently. You repay debts over three to five years through a court-approved plan. This suits people with steady income who want to keep property and catch up on missed payments. About 20% of California cases are Chapter 13.

Chapter 11 is for business reorganization. Companies restructure while staying open. Some Chico businesses, including farms and local enterprises, have used Chapter 11. These cases create large records with many motions and orders. Only about 1.5% of filings are Chapter 11.

Each chapter creates different records. Chapter 7 files tend to be smaller. Chapter 13 includes payment plans and completion reports. All are searchable through PACER for Chico and Butte County.

Legal Help for Chico Bankruptcy Cases

Several resources help Chico residents with bankruptcy matters. Legal Services of Northern California offers free help to those who qualify based on income. They serve Butte County and can assist with basic bankruptcy questions.

The Butte County Superior Court has a self-help center. While they focus on state court matters, they can point you toward federal bankruptcy resources. The Butte County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service for finding local bankruptcy attorneys.

The Eastern District website provides guides and all necessary forms. The federal forms page has fillable documents. Many Chico residents successfully file on their own using these tools. The court offers some assistance to pro se filers navigating the process.

Before hiring any lawyer, verify their license through the California State Bar website. This protects you from unlicensed practitioners who sometimes target people in financial trouble.

Nearby Eastern District Cities

These cities also file through the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court.