Moreno Valley Bankruptcy Records

Moreno Valley bankruptcy records are public court documents kept by the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. With over 210,000 residents, Moreno Valley is the second largest city in Riverside County. The Riverside division of the Central District handles all local filings. You can search these records through PACER from home or visit the Riverside courthouse. This page covers how to find Moreno Valley bankruptcy filings, court locations, search options, and the filing process for residents.

Moreno Valley Bankruptcy Court Location

The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court in Riverside handles all Moreno Valley cases. The courthouse is at 3420 Twelfth Street in Riverside. This is about 15 miles from Moreno Valley. Call (951) 774-1000 for the clerk's office.

Court hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Staff can help with questions about Moreno Valley bankruptcy records. Public access terminals let you search for free. You can view complete case files during business hours.

The Central District covers seven counties in Southern California. It is the busiest bankruptcy court in the nation. Riverside County, including Moreno Valley, falls under the Riverside division. Cases filed by Moreno Valley residents go through this courthouse.

Visit the court website for local rules and forms that apply to Moreno Valley filings.

Search Moreno Valley Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER lets you search Moreno Valley bankruptcy records from any computer. Go to pacer.uscourts.gov and register for free. Once logged in, choose the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court from the list. Enter a name or case number to find records.

The cost is low. You pay 10 cents per page viewed. Each document caps at $3. Users with less than $30 in quarterly charges pay nothing. The fees get waived for light users. This makes PACER essentially free for casual searches of Moreno Valley bankruptcy records.

Phone access is free through VCIS. Call (866) 222-8029 any time. The system runs 24 hours a day. You can look up cases by number or party name. The automated voice gives filing dates, chapter types, and case status.

In-person searches are free at the Riverside courthouse. Walk in during business hours. Use the public terminals to search and view full case files. Staff can assist you. Printing may have a small charge.

Filing Bankruptcy in Moreno Valley

Moreno Valley residents file bankruptcy at the Riverside courthouse. You can file in person or online through CM/ECF. Most people use a lawyer. You may also file pro se, which means without an attorney. The process and forms are the same.

Chapter 7 filing costs $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 business cases run $1,738. These fees go to the court. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask about fee waivers or installment plans. Low-income filers may qualify.

Credit counseling is required before filing. This is federal law. Take the course within 180 days of your filing date. Only use an approved provider. After your case ends, a second course covers financial management. Both courses are mandatory for Moreno Valley bankruptcy filers.

Get forms at uscourts.gov. The voluntary petition starts your case. Schedules A through J list your property, debts, income, and expenses. The means test shows which chapter you can use. These documents become part of your public Moreno Valley bankruptcy record.

Exemptions for Moreno Valley Filers

California has two exemption systems. You must choose one. You cannot mix them.

System 1 offers a large homestead exemption up to $722,507. Moreno Valley home values have grown in recent years. Many homeowners can protect their full equity with System 1. It also covers vehicles up to $8,625 and unlimited retirement accounts. This system works well for homeowners with significant equity.

System 2 has a smaller homestead of $36,750. But it includes a wildcard exemption worth up to $38,700. The wildcard can protect any property you choose. Renters and people with low home equity often prefer System 2. It provides more flexibility.

Note: Discuss exemption options with a lawyer before filing to protect as much property as possible.

Types of Moreno Valley Bankruptcy Cases

Chapter 7 is the most common filing in Moreno Valley. It clears most debts in about four months. You may give up some property, but exemptions protect most assets. Around 78% of California filers use Chapter 7. Records include petitions, schedules, and discharge orders.

Chapter 13 lets you repay debts over three to five years. You keep your property while making payments to a trustee. This helps people catch up on mortgages or car loans. About 20% of Moreno Valley filings are Chapter 13. Records include payment plans and completion documents.

Chapter 11 is for business reorganization. Companies restructure while continuing to operate. Very few Moreno Valley cases use Chapter 11. These records tend to be large with many filings. All case types can be searched through PACER.

Legal Help for Moreno Valley Residents

Free legal help is available to some residents. Inland Counties Legal Services assists low-income people in Riverside County. They may help with bankruptcy questions if you qualify. Contact them to check eligibility.

The Riverside County Bar Association has a lawyer referral program. Many bankruptcy attorneys offer free first consultations. This lets you discuss your case without paying upfront.

Self-help resources are on the Central District court website. Forms, guides, and local rules are posted there. The Riverside courthouse also has staff who can point you to resources. Verify any lawyer's license through the California State Bar before hiring.

Nearby Cities

These cities near Moreno Valley also use the Riverside bankruptcy court.

Riverside County Bankruptcy Records

Moreno Valley is part of Riverside County. For more details on bankruptcy throughout the county, see our Riverside County bankruptcy records page.