Find Montebello Bankruptcy Records

Montebello bankruptcy records are maintained by the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court in Los Angeles. This city of about 63,000 people sits in eastern Los Angeles County. Residents can search bankruptcy filings through PACER or visit the downtown Los Angeles courthouse. The court holds records for all Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 cases filed by Montebello residents. This page explains how to access these records, the court process, and what to expect when searching for Montebello bankruptcy filings.

Montebello Bankruptcy Court Location

The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Montebello bankruptcy cases. The main courthouse is at 255 E. Temple Street in downtown Los Angeles. This is about 10 miles from Montebello. Call (213) 894-3118 for the clerk's office.

The court is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Staff can help with questions about Montebello bankruptcy records. Public terminals let you search cases for free. You only pay for printed copies.

The Central District processes more bankruptcy cases than any other court in the country. It serves Los Angeles County and six other counties. All Montebello residents file here. The court has multiple divisions, but Montebello falls under the Los Angeles division based on zip codes.

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

Search Montebello Bankruptcy Records

PACER is the best way to search Montebello bankruptcy records from home. Visit pacer.uscourts.gov and sign up for a free account. After logging in, choose the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. Enter a name or case number to find records.

Fees are low. You pay 10 cents per page viewed. A $3 cap per document limits costs. Most light users pay nothing. The court waives fees if your quarterly charges stay under $30. This makes PACER free for many people searching Montebello bankruptcy records.

The Voice Case Information System is free. Call (866) 222-8029 at any time. It runs 24 hours a day. Enter a case number or name to hear basic case data. You get the filing date, chapter type, and case status.

Walk-in searches cost nothing. Visit the Los Angeles courthouse during business hours. The public terminals let you view full case files. Staff can help you navigate the system. Printing may have a small fee.

Filing Bankruptcy in Montebello

Montebello residents file at the Los Angeles bankruptcy court. You can file in person or online. Most filers hire an attorney. Filing on your own is called pro se filing. The forms and fees are the same either way.

Chapter 7 costs $338 to file. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 for businesses runs $1,738. These fees go to the court. If you have low income, ask about fee waivers or payment plans. The clerk can explain your options.

Federal law requires credit counseling before filing. Take the course from an approved provider. You have 180 days before filing to complete it. A second course on financial management comes after the case. Both are required for Montebello bankruptcy filers.

Download forms at uscourts.gov. The voluntary petition starts the case. Schedules A through J list assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test determines Chapter 7 eligibility. All these forms become part of your public Montebello bankruptcy record.

Exemptions for Montebello Filers

California lets you pick between two exemption systems. This choice affects what property you keep. You cannot mix systems.

System 1 protects more home equity. The homestead exemption goes up to $722,507 as of 2025. Montebello home values are moderate for Los Angeles County. Many homeowners can protect their equity fully under System 1. Vehicles are covered up to $8,625. Retirement accounts have no limit.

System 2 has a smaller homestead of $36,750. But it includes a wildcard exemption up to $38,700. You can use the wildcard on any property. Renters and those with little home equity often prefer System 2. It offers more flexibility for protecting other assets.

Note: Your exemption choice is recorded in your bankruptcy documents and becomes part of the public record.

Types of Bankruptcy in Montebello

Chapter 7 is most common. It wipes out most debts in a few months. You might give up some assets, but exemptions protect most property. About 78% of California filers use Chapter 7. The records include petitions, schedules, and the discharge order.

Chapter 13 lets you pay debts over time. The plan runs three to five years. You keep your property while making payments. This helps if you are behind on a mortgage or car loan. About 20% of Montebello filings are Chapter 13. Records include payment plans and completion documents.

Chapter 11 covers business reorganization. Companies use it to restructure debt while operating. Very few Montebello cases are Chapter 11. These records are often large with many court filings. All case types are searchable through PACER.

Legal Help in Montebello

Several groups help Montebello residents with bankruptcy. Bet Tzedek Legal Services offers free help to qualifying low-income clients. Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County also provides assistance. Contact them to see if you qualify.

The Los Angeles County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Many bankruptcy lawyers offer free consultations. This lets you discuss your case before committing to fees.

Self-help resources exist too. The Central District court website has guides and forms. The courthouse has a self-help desk. Before hiring anyone, verify their license through the California State Bar website.

Nearby Cities

These cities near Montebello file through the Los Angeles bankruptcy court.

Los Angeles County Bankruptcy Records

Montebello is in Los Angeles County. For broader information about bankruptcy filings in the county, see our Los Angeles County bankruptcy records page.