Access Fontana Bankruptcy Records

Fontana bankruptcy records are managed by the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court, with San Bernardino County cases going through the Riverside division. As one of the largest cities in the Inland Empire, Fontana sees substantial bankruptcy filing activity. Residents can search for cases online using PACER or visit the Riverside courthouse in person. This guide covers how to find Fontana bankruptcy filings, what documents are available in each case file, and the search methods. Federal bankruptcy cases are public records. Anyone can access petitions, schedules, discharge orders, and docket entries for any Fontana bankruptcy case.

Fontana Bankruptcy Court Location

Fontana residents file bankruptcy through the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. The Riverside division serves San Bernardino County. The courthouse is at 3420 Twelfth Street, Riverside, CA 92501. Call (951) 774-1000 for the clerk's office.

Fontana is one of the larger cities filing at the Riverside division. Cases are assigned by zip code. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Staff can help with record searches and answer questions about filings.

All Fontana bankruptcy records stay with the Central District throughout the case. Documents are stored electronically. Records remain searchable for years after cases close.

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

Search Fontana Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER is the main way to search Fontana bankruptcy records from home. Create a free account at pacer.uscourts.gov. Log in and select the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court from the menu.

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 people doing light research pay nothing at all.

The system shows the complete case docket. View every filed document, court order, and case status. Download PDFs of petitions, schedules, and discharges for any Fontana bankruptcy case. Records going back many years are available through PACER.

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

Free Fontana Bankruptcy Searches

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

VCIS, the Voice Case Information System, provides phone access 24 hours a day. 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 Fontana bankruptcy cases.

In-person searches are free at the Riverside courthouse. Walk in during business hours and use the public terminals. Staff can help you find records. You pay only for printed copies if you need them.

Some users 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 Fontana

Fontana 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 and rules.

Filing fees depend on chapter type. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 business cases cost $1,738. Low-income filers may qualify for fee waivers or payment plans. Ask the clerk about your options.

Credit counseling is required before filing. Federal law mandates an approved course within 180 days of filing. A second course is needed before discharge. These rules apply to all Fontana filers regardless of chapter.

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 Fontana bankruptcy record.

Exemptions for Fontana Bankruptcy Filers

California has two exemption systems. You must pick one.

System 1 works best for homeowners. It shields up to $722,507 in home equity. Fontana homes have grown in value over the years, so this exemption matters for local homeowners. System 1 also covers vehicles up to $8,625 and retirement accounts without limit.

System 2 suits renters better. The homestead is $36,750, but you get a wildcard up to $38,700. You can apply the wildcard to any property. Fontana renters often prefer System 2 for the flexibility it provides.

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

Types of Fontana Bankruptcy Cases

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

Chapter 13 involves a repayment plan lasting three to five years. This suits people with regular income who want to catch up on a mortgage or car loan. Roughly 20% of filings are Chapter 13. Fontana homeowners facing foreclosure may find this chapter helpful.

Chapter 11 handles business reorganization. Companies restructure while staying open. Only about 1.5% of cases use it. Some Fontana businesses choose this path to reorganize debts rather than shut down.

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

Fontana Bankruptcy Legal Resources

Resources exist for Fontana residents who need help with bankruptcy.

The San Bernardino County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. Inland Counties Legal Services provides free help for low-income San Bernardino County residents. They handle various legal matters including debt problems.

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

Fontana is part of San Bernardino County, the largest county by area in the United States. 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 Fontana and also file through the Central District court.