Daly City Bankruptcy Records

Daly City bankruptcy records go through the Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court. The city borders San Francisco to the south and has over 101,000 residents in San Mateo County. When Daly City residents file for bankruptcy, their cases enter the federal court system. You can search these records online through PACER or visit the San Francisco courthouse. This page explains how to find Daly City bankruptcy filings, what records are available, and how to navigate the court system.

Daly City Bankruptcy Court Details

The Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Daly City bankruptcy cases. San Mateo County falls under this court's jurisdiction. The closest courthouse to Daly City sits in San Francisco at 235 Pine Street, 19th Floor.

Call (415) 268-2300 to reach the San Francisco court directly. The general information line is (888) 821-7606. Staff answer questions about Daly City bankruptcy filings from 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays. Other court locations include Oakland, San Jose, and Santa Rosa.

Daly City sits right at the San Francisco border. Residents have easy access to the main court. The Northern District serves 15 counties in the Bay Area and north coast. It reports some of the nation's highest median debtor incomes.

Find local rules and forms on the court website.

Search Daly City Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER is the main tool for finding Daly City bankruptcy records online. This federal system stores documents from every bankruptcy court. Registration is free at pacer.uscourts.gov.

Log in and pick the Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Search using a name or case number. The system shows dockets, filed documents, and case status. Fees are 10 cents per page, capped at $3 per document. Users with less than $30 in quarterly charges pay nothing.

Not sure which court has the case? The PACER Case Locator searches all federal courts at once. This helps when someone filed before moving to Daly City.

Free Daly City Bankruptcy Search Options

Several free methods exist for finding Daly City bankruptcy records.

The Voice Case Information System runs 24 hours a day. Call (866) 222-8029 from any phone. Punch in a case number or name. The system reads back the filing date, chapter type, and status. It costs nothing and works any time. Good for quick checks on Daly City cases.

Free public terminals sit in the San Francisco courthouse. Walk in during business hours. Use the computers to search and view full case files. Court staff can help you navigate. Viewing is free. Printing costs a small fee. This option works well for detailed Daly City bankruptcy research.

Fee waivers may apply to some users. Low-income individuals, those filing pro se, nonprofits, and researchers can apply. Contact the court clerk to learn about waivers.

Note: Public terminals give you the same access as paid PACER.

Filing Bankruptcy in Daly City

Daly City residents file bankruptcy through the Northern District court. You can hire an attorney or file on your own. Self-filing is called pro se. The forms and rules are the same either way.

Filing costs depend on chapter type. Chapter 7 is $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 business filings cost $1,738. If the fee is too high, ask about waivers or payment plans. The clerk explains available options.

Credit counseling is required before filing. Federal law mandates this. Complete an approved course within 180 days of your filing date. After your case ends, you take a second course on money management. Both requirements apply to Daly City filers and everyone in California.

Download forms from uscourts.gov. Start with the voluntary petition. Fill out schedules for assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test determines which chapter fits. Your filed documents become public records.

Exemptions for Daly City Bankruptcy Filers

California offers two exemption systems. Pick one. Mixing is not allowed. Your choice matters for protecting property.

System 1 has a homestead exemption up to $722,507. Daly City home values are high, similar to San Francisco. Many homeowners need this large protection. System 1 also shields vehicles up to $8,625 and work tools up to $10,950. No wildcard comes with it.

System 2 works better for renters. The homestead drops to $36,750. But you get a wildcard worth up to $38,700. Apply it to any asset. Many Daly City renters choose System 2 for its flexibility with bank accounts, cars, and other property.

California exemptions require 730 days of state residency. Recent arrivals may need to use their prior state's rules. Talk to a bankruptcy attorney to determine which system fits your Daly City case.

Types of Daly City Bankruptcy Cases

Chapter 7 is the most common type in Daly City. It wipes out most debts quickly. Exemptions protect most property. Cases end in a few months. About 78% of California filers choose Chapter 7.

Chapter 13 creates a repayment plan. Payments run three to five years. Daly City residents with steady income may prefer this option. It helps save homes from foreclosure or catch up on car payments. Around 20% use Chapter 13.

Chapter 11 handles business reorganization. Companies restructure while staying open. Few Daly City cases use this chapter, but records exist for those that do. These cases can involve many documents over months or years.

Search any type through PACER. Chapter 7 files are usually small. Chapter 13 includes payment records. Chapter 11 tends to be extensive.

Legal Resources for Daly City Residents

Help exists for Daly City residents facing bankruptcy.

Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County serves low-income residents. They handle some bankruptcy matters. The San Mateo County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Find a bankruptcy attorney through their program. Many local lawyers give free first meetings.

Self-help resources include the court website and federal forms page. The San Francisco clerk's office answers basic procedural questions. They cannot give legal advice but can help with filing procedures for Daly City cases.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Daly City and file through the same Northern District court.