Monterey Park Bankruptcy Records Search

Monterey Park bankruptcy records are filed with the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court in Los Angeles. This San Gabriel Valley city has about 60,000 residents. Bankruptcy filings from Monterey Park are searchable through PACER or at the Los Angeles courthouse. The court holds Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 cases going back decades. This page shows you how to search for Monterey Park bankruptcy records, find court information, and understand the filing process.

Monterey Park Bankruptcy Court Information

The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Monterey Park bankruptcy cases. The courthouse sits at 255 E. Temple Street in downtown Los Angeles. It is about 8 miles from Monterey Park. Call (213) 894-3118 to reach the clerk.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. The clerk's office answers questions about filings and records. Public terminals are available for free searches. You can view case files without paying. Printing has a small fee.

This court is the busiest bankruptcy court in the nation. It handles cases from seven counties. Monterey Park falls under the Los Angeles division. The court processes thousands of cases each year from Los Angeles County alone.

The website has forms, rules, and guides for Monterey Park filers.

How to Search Monterey Park Bankruptcy Records

PACER provides online access to Monterey Park bankruptcy records. Go to pacer.uscourts.gov and create an account. It is free to register. Once logged in, select the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court.

Enter a name or case number to search. Results show all matching records. You can view dockets, petitions, schedules, and court orders. The fee is 10 cents per page. Documents cap at $3 each. If you use less than $30 per quarter, the fees are waived. This makes searches free for most casual users.

Free options exist too. The Voice Case Information System is available at (866) 222-8029. It works 24/7. Enter a case number or name to hear case details. The courthouse also offers free searches on public terminals during business hours.

The PACER Case Locator searches all federal courts at once. Use it when you do not know which district handled a case. It covers every bankruptcy court in the country.

Filing Bankruptcy in Monterey Park

Monterey Park residents file at the Los Angeles courthouse. You can file in person or online through CM/ECF. Most people hire a lawyer. Filing pro se means you handle the case yourself.

Filing fees vary by chapter. Chapter 7 is $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 costs $1,738. These are court fees. If you have low income, ask about waivers. The court may let you pay in installments.

Credit counseling is mandatory before filing. Federal law requires it. Take the course within 180 days of your filing date. Use an approved provider only. After the case ends, a second course on debt management is required. Both courses apply to all Monterey Park filers.

Forms are available at uscourts.gov. Start with the voluntary petition. Add schedules listing assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test form determines Chapter 7 eligibility. These documents become part of your Monterey Park bankruptcy record.

California Exemptions for Monterey Park Residents

California offers two exemption systems. Pick one. You cannot combine them. Your choice affects what you keep.

System 1 has a strong homestead exemption. It protects up to $722,507 in home equity. Monterey Park home values are substantial. Many homeowners can shield their full equity. System 1 also covers cars up to $8,625 and unlimited retirement funds.

System 2 works differently. The homestead is only $36,750. But System 2 has a wildcard up to $38,700. Apply it to any property. Renters and people with low home equity often use System 2. It gives more flexibility.

Note: Talk to a lawyer about which system fits your situation before you file.

Bankruptcy Case Types in Monterey Park

Chapter 7 is most common. It eliminates most debts in months. Some property may be sold, but exemptions protect most. About 78% of California filers choose Chapter 7. Records include petitions and discharge orders.

Chapter 13 allows repayment over time. Plans last three to five years. You keep property while catching up on payments. This helps with mortgage arrears or car loans. About 20% of filings are Chapter 13. Records include payment plans and histories.

Chapter 11 is for business reorganization. Companies restructure while staying open. Very few Monterey Park cases use Chapter 11. These records can be large and complex. All types are searchable through PACER.

Legal Resources for Monterey Park

Free help is available to those who qualify. Bet Tzedek Legal Services assists low-income residents with bankruptcy. Asian Pacific American Legal Center may also help. Contact these groups to check eligibility.

The Los Angeles County Bar Association offers lawyer referrals. Many attorneys give free initial meetings. Use this to discuss your case before paying anything.

Self-help tools are on the court website. Forms and guides cover the basics. The courthouse has a self-help desk too. Always verify a lawyer's license through the California State Bar before hiring.

Nearby Cities

These cities near Monterey Park also file at the Los Angeles bankruptcy court.

Los Angeles County Bankruptcy Records

Monterey Park is in Los Angeles County. For more on county-wide bankruptcy filings, visit our Los Angeles County bankruptcy records page.