Access Compton Bankruptcy Records

Compton bankruptcy records are filed through the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court in Los Angeles. This Los Angeles County city sends all bankruptcy cases to the federal court downtown. Residents can search for filings online using PACER or visit the courthouse in person during business hours. This guide covers the process for finding Compton bankruptcy cases, what documents are available in each case file, and the different search options. All federal bankruptcy filings are public records. Anyone can look up petitions, schedules, discharge orders, and docket entries for any Compton bankruptcy case in the system.

Compton Bankruptcy Court Location

Compton residents file bankruptcy at the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. The main courthouse is at 255 E. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Call (213) 894-3118 for the clerk's office. This is the busiest bankruptcy court in the nation.

Compton cases go to the Los Angeles division 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 cases.

All Compton bankruptcy records remain with the Central District from filing to discharge. Documents are stored electronically and stay searchable for years. The clerk maintains the official record of every case.

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

How to Search Compton Bankruptcy Records

PACER is the main way to search Compton bankruptcy records online. Create a free account 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. Fees run 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document. Quarterly fees under $30 get waived. Most light users pay nothing at all.

The system displays the complete case docket. View every document filed, every order entered, and the case status. Download PDFs of petitions, schedules, and discharges for any Compton bankruptcy filing. Records going back many years are available.

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

Free Compton Bankruptcy Searches

Free options exist if you prefer not to pay PACER fees.

VCIS provides phone access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call (866) 222-8029. Enter a case number or name. The system reads back filing date, chapter type, and case status. This works for quick checks on Compton bankruptcy cases.

You can also search in person at the courthouse. The Los Angeles office has public terminals. Walk in during business hours and use them at no charge. Staff can help you navigate the system. You only pay for printed copies.

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

Filing Bankruptcy in Compton

Compton residents file at the Central District court. You can hire a lawyer or file pro se on your own. Both use the same forms and process.

Filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7, $313 for Chapter 13, and $1,738 for Chapter 11. 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 filing. A second course is needed before discharge. These rules apply to all Compton filers.

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

Exemptions for Compton Filers

California offers two exemption systems. Pick one only.

System 1 protects homeowners. It shields up to $722,507 in home equity. System 1 also covers vehicles up to $8,625 and retirement accounts with no limit. Compton homeowners may find this system valuable.

System 2 suits renters better. The homestead is $36,750, but you get a wildcard up to $38,700. Apply it to any property you choose. Many Compton renters prefer System 2 for the flexibility it offers.

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

Types of Compton Bankruptcy Cases

Chapter 7 is the most common. About 78% of California filers use it. Debts get discharged in a few months. Exemptions protect most property. Compton residents with limited income often choose this path.

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

Chapter 11 covers business reorganization. Companies restructure while staying open. Only about 1.5% of filings use it. Some Compton businesses choose this option to reorganize debts.

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

Compton Bankruptcy Legal Resources

Several resources help Compton residents with bankruptcy matters.

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 helps with debt issues for qualifying clients.

The court website has self-help guides. The federal forms page provides all documents needed. Many Compton 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.

Los Angeles County Bankruptcy Records

Compton is part of Los Angeles County, which has over 10 million residents. The county falls under the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. Visit the Los Angeles County page for more details about county-wide resources.

Nearby Cities

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