Novato Bankruptcy Records

Novato bankruptcy records are maintained by the Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Located in northern Marin County, Novato has about 52,000 residents. When someone in Novato files for bankruptcy, the case goes to the federal court system. You can search these records through PACER online or visit the San Francisco courthouse. This page explains how to find Novato bankruptcy filings, what records are available, and how the court process works.

Novato Bankruptcy Court Details

The Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Novato bankruptcy cases. Marin County falls under this court's jurisdiction. The San Francisco courthouse at 235 Pine Street, 19th Floor, is the main location. Santa Rosa also serves as a convenient option for Marin County residents.

Call (415) 268-2300 to reach the San Francisco court. The general line is (888) 821-7606. Staff answer questions about Novato bankruptcy filings from 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays.

Novato is the largest city in Marin County by area. The high cost of living in Marin sometimes leads to financial difficulties for residents. When that happens, the Northern District court processes the bankruptcy filings. The same court serves 15 counties across the Bay Area and north coast.

Find local rules and forms on the court website.

Search Novato Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER provides online access to Novato bankruptcy records. This federal database contains over a billion court documents. Sign up free at pacer.uscourts.gov.

Log in and select the Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Enter a name or case number to search. Results show dockets, filed documents, and case status. The cost is 10 cents per page, capped at $3 per document. Users who stay under $30 per quarter pay nothing.

Use the PACER Case Locator to search all federal courts at once. This helps when you do not know which district has the case.

Free Novato Bankruptcy Search Methods

Free options exist for finding Novato bankruptcy records. Not every search costs money.

The Voice Case Information System runs around the clock. Call (866) 222-8029 any time. Enter a case number or name. The system reads back filing date, chapter, and status. It costs nothing. Good for quick status checks on Novato cases.

Public terminals in courthouses provide free access. Visit San Francisco or Santa Rosa during business hours. Use the computers to search and view case files. Staff help with navigation. Viewing is free. Only printing has a fee. This works well for detailed Novato bankruptcy research.

Fee waivers cover certain users. Low-income individuals, pro se filers, nonprofits, and researchers may qualify. Ask the court clerk about waivers.

Note: Free courthouse terminals give you the same records as paid PACER.

Filing Bankruptcy in Novato

Novato residents file bankruptcy with the Northern District court. Use a lawyer or file pro se. Pro se means you represent yourself. The forms and rules stay the same.

Filing fees depend on the chapter. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 business filings cost $1,738. Cannot afford the fee? Ask about waivers or payment plans at the clerk's office.

Credit counseling is required before filing. Federal law mandates this. Complete an approved course within 180 days of your filing date. After the case ends, take a second course on debt management. Both are mandatory for Novato filers.

Download forms from uscourts.gov. The voluntary petition starts your case. Schedules list assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test determines which chapter fits. Your filed documents become public records.

Exemptions for Novato Bankruptcy Filers

California offers two exemption systems. Pick one. No mixing allowed. This choice matters for Novato residents.

System 1 has a homestead exemption up to $722,507. Marin County has some of the highest home values in California. Many Novato homeowners need this large protection. System 1 also shields vehicles up to $8,625 and work tools up to $10,950. It has no wildcard.

System 2 works better for renters. The homestead drops to $36,750. But it adds a wildcard worth up to $38,700. Apply it to any property. Many Novato renters choose System 2 for its flexibility.

California exemptions require 730 days of state residency. Newer arrivals may need their former state's rules. Consult a bankruptcy lawyer about which system fits your Novato case.

Novato Bankruptcy Case Types

Chapter 7 dominates Novato filings. It eliminates most debts quickly. Exemptions protect most property. Cases usually end in a few months. About 78% of California filers use Chapter 7.

Chapter 13 sets up a repayment plan. Payments run three to five years. Novato residents with steady income may use this option. It helps catch up on mortgage payments or keep a car. Around 20% choose Chapter 13.

Chapter 11 covers business reorganization. Companies restructure while staying open. Few Novato cases use this chapter, but records exist. These cases often have many documents.

Search all types through PACER. Chapter 7 files are compact. Chapter 13 includes payment records. Chapter 11 tends to be extensive.

Legal Help for Novato Residents

Resources exist to help Novato residents with bankruptcy matters.

Legal Aid of Marin assists low-income clients in the county. They handle some bankruptcy cases. The Marin County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. Find a bankruptcy attorney through their program. Many area lawyers give free first consultations.

Self-help options include the court website and federal forms page. The clerk's office answers procedural questions. They cannot give legal advice but can point Novato filers toward the right resources.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Novato and file through the same Northern District court.