Fresno Bankruptcy Records

Fresno bankruptcy records are processed through the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court's Fresno Division. As the fifth largest city in California with over 550,000 residents, Fresno generates substantial bankruptcy filings each year. The city is fortunate to have its own federal bankruptcy courthouse, making record access convenient for local residents. This guide explains how to search Fresno bankruptcy cases, court procedures, and filing requirements. Whether you need to look up an old case or understand the filing process, you will find the information here.

Fresno Bankruptcy Court Location

The Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court operates a full division in Fresno. This is one of three court locations in the district, along with Sacramento and Modesto. Having a local courthouse makes Fresno bankruptcy matters much more accessible for Central Valley residents.

The Fresno courthouse is at 2500 Tulare Street, Suite 1501. It sits in downtown Fresno near the county courthouse complex. Call (559) 499-5800 for the clerk's office. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.

The Fresno division handles cases from surrounding counties as well. Residents of Madera, Kings, Tulare, and Kern counties often file here due to the central location. The Fresno court processes a significant share of agricultural bankruptcy cases given the region's farming economy.

Note: The court website provides local rules specific to the Fresno division along with forms and filing guides.

Search Fresno Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER provides full online access to Fresno bankruptcy records. Every case filed in the Eastern District is in the system. You can search any time from home or office.

Create a free account at pacer.uscourts.gov. After registering, log in and select the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Enter a name or case number to search. Results display the docket, all filed documents, and current case status.

Fees are 10 cents per page with a $3 maximum per document. Most people pay nothing. Users with quarterly charges under $30 receive automatic fee waivers. Light users searching Fresno bankruptcy records get free access in most cases.

The PACER Case Locator lets you search all federal courts nationwide. Use it when you are not sure which district handled a particular case.

Free Fresno Bankruptcy Searches

Several free methods exist for searching bankruptcy records.

The Voice Case Information System provides free phone access around the clock. Call (866) 222-8029 any time. You can search by case number, party name, or Social Security Number. The automated system provides basic case info including filing dates, chapter types, and current status.

Walk into the Fresno courthouse for free in-person searches. Public terminals give you access to the same records as PACER. Court staff can help you navigate the system. You only pay if you need printed copies of documents. This is the most convenient option for Fresno residents.

Fee waivers are available for qualifying users. Low-income individuals, pro se litigants, nonprofits, and researchers can apply through the clerk's office.

Filing Bankruptcy in Fresno

Fresno residents file bankruptcy at the local courthouse on Tulare Street. You can hire an attorney or file pro se on your own. The court treats both the same way. Pro se filings are common in the Fresno division.

Filing fees depend on the chapter. Chapter 7 liquidation costs $338. Chapter 13 reorganization is $313. Chapter 11 business cases cost $1,738. If you cannot afford the fee, ask about waivers or payment plans. The clerk can explain your options.

Credit counseling is required before you file. This is federal law. Take an approved course within 180 days of filing. A second course on financial management is mandatory after your case ends. Without both certificates, your case will not proceed to discharge.

Download all forms from uscourts.gov. Your petition and schedules become public Fresno bankruptcy records once filed.

California Exemptions for Fresno Filers

California provides two exemption systems. You must choose one. Mixing exemptions is not allowed.

System 1 protects up to $722,507 in home equity. Fresno County home values are moderate compared to coastal areas, so most homeowners can protect their full equity under System 1. This system also covers vehicles up to $8,625, tools of trade up to $10,950, and unlimited retirement accounts.

System 2 offers a smaller homestead of $36,750 but adds a wildcard worth up to $38,700. The wildcard can apply to any property. Fresno residents who rent or have little equity often prefer System 2 for its flexibility in protecting other assets.

Your exemption choice appears in your bankruptcy records. Consider consulting a lawyer about which system works best for your situation.

Fresno Bankruptcy Case Types

Chapter 7 is the most common filing in Fresno. It eliminates most unsecured debts within months. About 78% of California filers use Chapter 7. Exemptions protect most assets from liquidation.

Chapter 13 involves a repayment plan lasting three to five years. You keep all property while making monthly payments. This suits people with regular income who want to catch up on mortgages or car loans. About 20% of cases are Chapter 13.

Chapter 11 covers business reorganization. The Fresno division sees a notable number of agricultural Chapter 11 cases from farms and related businesses in the Central Valley. These cases tend to be complex with extensive records. Only about 1.5% of total filings use Chapter 11.

All Fresno bankruptcy records are searchable through PACER regardless of chapter type.

Legal Help for Fresno Bankruptcy

Several resources assist Fresno residents with bankruptcy.

Central California Legal Services provides free help to qualifying low-income individuals. The Fresno County Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service. You can find bankruptcy attorneys experienced with the Fresno division through their program. San Joaquin College of Law sometimes offers clinics on bankruptcy matters.

The Eastern District website provides guides for self-represented filers. The federal forms page has fillable documents. Many Fresno residents file successfully on their own using these resources.

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

Nearby Central Valley Cities

These cities also file through the Eastern District court system.