Search Chino Bankruptcy Records

Chino bankruptcy records are processed through the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court, with most San Bernardino County cases going to the Riverside division. Located in the western part of San Bernardino County, Chino residents can search for bankruptcy filings online using PACER or visit the Riverside courthouse. This page covers how to access Chino bankruptcy case files, what documents you can find in each case, and the different ways to search. Federal bankruptcy cases are public records. Anyone can look up petitions, debt schedules, discharge orders, and other court documents for any Chino bankruptcy filing.

Chino Bankruptcy Court Information

Chino falls under the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. The Riverside division handles most San Bernardino County cases. This courthouse is at 3420 Twelfth Street, Riverside, CA 92501. Call (951) 774-1000 for the clerk's office.

Cases from Chino are assigned to Riverside based on zip code. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Staff can help with record searches and answer basic questions about filings.

All Chino bankruptcy records stay with the Central District from filing to discharge. Documents are stored electronically and remain searchable for years.

The court website provides forms, local rules, and search tools.

How to Search Chino Bankruptcy Records

PACER is the primary way to search Chino bankruptcy records online. Register for free at pacer.uscourts.gov. Log in and select the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court from the list.

Enter a name or case number to start your search. Fees are 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document. Quarterly charges under $30 are waived. Most light users pay nothing.

The system displays the complete case docket. View every filed document, every court order, and the current status. Download PDFs of petitions, schedules, and discharges for any Chino bankruptcy case.

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

Free Chino Bankruptcy Searches

Free search options exist if you prefer not to use PACER.

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

In-person searches at the Riverside courthouse are also free. Walk in during business hours. Use public terminals at no charge. Staff can help you find records. You only pay for printed copies.

Some users qualify for PACER fee waivers. Low-income individuals, nonprofits, and researchers may apply. Ask the clerk about waiver options.

Filing Bankruptcy in Chino

Chino residents file at the Central District court's Riverside division. You can hire a lawyer or file pro se on your own. Both use the same forms.

Filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7, $313 for Chapter 13, and $1,738 for Chapter 11. Low-income filers may qualify for waivers or payment plans. Ask the clerk about options if you cannot pay the full amount.

Federal law requires credit counseling before filing. Take an approved course within 180 days of filing. A second course is needed before discharge. These rules apply to all Chino filers.

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

Exemptions for Chino Bankruptcy Filers

California offers two exemption systems. You pick one only.

System 1 protects homeowners well. It shields up to $722,507 in home equity. Chino homes have significant value, so this matters for local homeowners. System 1 also covers vehicles up to $8,625 and retirement accounts with no limit.

System 2 works better for renters. The homestead is $36,750, but you get a wildcard up to $38,700. Use it on any property you choose. Chino renters often prefer System 2 for flexibility.

Note: Your exemption choice appears in the bankruptcy records. A lawyer can help you decide which system works better.

Types of Chino Bankruptcy Cases

Chapter 7 is most common. About 78% of California filers use it. Debts get discharged in a few months. Exemptions protect most assets.

Chapter 13 uses a repayment plan over three to five years. This suits people with steady income who want to catch up on a mortgage. Roughly 20% of cases are Chapter 13.

Chapter 11 handles business reorganization. Companies restructure while staying open. Only about 1.5% of filings use it. Some Chino businesses choose this path to reorganize rather than close.

Each chapter creates different records. Chapter 7 files are small. Chapter 13 includes payment plans. Chapter 11 can be extensive. All types are searchable for Chino cases.

Chino Bankruptcy Legal Resources

Help is available for Chino residents dealing with bankruptcy.

The San Bernardino County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Inland Counties Legal Services provides free help for low-income San Bernardino County residents.

The court website has self-help guides. The federal forms page provides all documents needed. Many Chino residents file on their own using these resources.

Check any lawyer's background before hiring. The California State Bar website shows license status and disciplinary history.

San Bernardino County Bankruptcy Records

Chino is part of San Bernardino County, the largest county by area in the nation. The county falls under the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. Visit the San Bernardino County page for more county-wide information.

Nearby Cities

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