Find Clovis Bankruptcy Records

Clovis bankruptcy records fall under the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. This Fresno County city has grown to nearly 128,000 residents and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Central Valley. The Fresno courthouse handles most filings from Clovis, making it convenient for residents to access their records. Whether you need to search old cases or file a new petition, understanding how the system works will help. This guide covers everything about finding and accessing bankruptcy records for Clovis residents.

Clovis Bankruptcy Court Location

The Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all bankruptcy filings for Clovis and Fresno County. The court operates from three locations across the district. Clovis residents use the Fresno division, which sits just minutes away.

The Fresno courthouse is at 2500 Tulare Street, Suite 1501. It is about 10 minutes from downtown Clovis. Call (559) 499-5800 for the clerk's office. Staff can help with questions about Clovis bankruptcy records, filing procedures, and case lookups.

The court opens Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. You can visit in person or handle most matters online through PACER and the court's electronic filing system.

The Eastern District website provides local rules, forms, and filing instructions. All Clovis bankruptcy records are stored in the federal system.

Search Clovis Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER gives you access to all Clovis bankruptcy records from any computer. The system contains every case filed in federal court. Sign up free at pacer.uscourts.gov.

Using PACER is straightforward. After creating an account, log in and select the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Enter a name or case number to search. Results show the complete docket, all filed documents, and current case status. You can view and download any file.

Fees are low. You pay 10 cents per page with a $3 maximum per document. Many users pay nothing at all. If your quarterly charges stay under $30, the court waives them. Light users searching Clovis cases rarely owe anything.

Note: The PACER Case Locator searches all federal courts at once, which helps when you do not know which district handled a case.

Free Clovis Bankruptcy Case Searches

Not all searches require payment. Several free methods exist.

The Voice Case Information System provides free phone access around the clock. Call (866) 222-8029 any time. Search by case number, name, or Social Security Number. The automated system reads back basic case details including filing dates, chapter types, and status. This is useful for quick checks.

In-person searches are free at the Fresno courthouse. Walk in during business hours and use the public access terminals. Court staff can help you navigate the system. You only pay for printed copies. The short drive from Clovis makes this a practical option.

Fee waivers are available for certain users. Low-income individuals, pro se litigants, nonprofits, and academic researchers may qualify. Contact the clerk to ask about waiving PACER fees for your Clovis bankruptcy search.

How to File Bankruptcy in Clovis

Clovis residents file bankruptcy at the Fresno division of the Eastern District court. You can hire a lawyer or represent yourself. Self-represented filers are called pro se litigants.

Filing fees vary by chapter type. Chapter 7 liquidation costs $338 to file. Chapter 13 reorganization is $313. Chapter 11 business cases cost $1,738. If you cannot pay the full fee, the court offers waivers and payment plans. Ask the clerk about options when you file.

You must complete credit counseling before filing. Federal law requires an approved course within 180 days of your filing date. After your case concludes, a second course on financial management is mandatory. The court will not discharge your debts without both certificates.

All bankruptcy forms are federal. Download them from uscourts.gov. Your completed forms become public Clovis bankruptcy records once filed.

California Exemptions for Clovis Filers

California lets filers choose between two exemption systems. You pick one or the other. Mixing is not allowed.

System 1 works best for homeowners. It protects up to $722,507 in home equity. Fresno County home values are lower than coastal areas, so most Clovis homeowners can protect their entire equity. The system also covers vehicles up to $8,625, tools of trade up to $10,950, and unlimited retirement funds.

System 2 suits renters better. The homestead is only $36,750, but you get a wildcard exemption worth up to $38,700. Apply this to any property. Many Clovis renters choose System 2 to protect cash, vehicles, or other assets beyond standard exemptions.

Your exemption choice appears in your bankruptcy records. A lawyer can help you decide which system protects your property best.

Bankruptcy Case Types for Clovis Residents

Chapter 7 is the most common filing in Clovis. It eliminates most unsecured debts within months. About 78% of California filers choose Chapter 7. Exemptions protect most property, so few filers lose assets.

Chapter 13 involves repaying debts over three to five years. You keep all property while making monthly payments. This works for people with steady income who want to catch up on mortgages or car loans. About 20% of California cases use Chapter 13.

Chapter 11 is business reorganization. Companies restructure debts while staying open. Some Clovis businesses, including agricultural operations, have used Chapter 11. These cases create large records. Only about 1.5% of filings are Chapter 11.

Each type produces different records. Chapter 7 files are smaller. Chapter 13 includes payment plans. All Clovis cases are searchable through PACER.

Legal Resources for Clovis Bankruptcy

Several resources help Clovis residents with bankruptcy.

Central California Legal Services provides free assistance to low-income individuals in Fresno County. The Fresno County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral program. You can find bankruptcy attorneys experienced with Eastern District cases through their service.

The federal forms website has all required documents. The Eastern District court also provides guides for pro se filers. Many Clovis residents successfully file on their own using these tools.

Before hiring any attorney, check their standing with the California State Bar. Their website lets you verify licenses and view any disciplinary history.

Nearby Cities in the Eastern District

These Central Valley cities also file through the Eastern District court.