Palm Desert Bankruptcy Records Search

Palm Desert bankruptcy records are kept by the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. This Coachella Valley city has about 53,000 full-time residents, though the population swells during winter months. The Riverside division handles all local filings. You can search records through PACER online or visit the Riverside courthouse. This page explains how to access Palm Desert bankruptcy filings, court information, and the filing process.

Palm Desert Bankruptcy Court Location

The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Palm Desert bankruptcy cases. The Riverside courthouse serves Riverside County. It is at 3420 Twelfth Street in Riverside. This is about 75 miles from Palm Desert. Call (951) 774-1000 to reach the clerk.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Staff can answer questions about Palm Desert bankruptcy records. Public terminals provide free search access during business hours.

The Central District is the busiest bankruptcy court in the nation. It covers seven counties. Palm Desert falls under the Riverside division. The drive from the Coachella Valley to Riverside is significant, so online searches are often more convenient for local residents.

Check the court website for local rules and forms.

Search Palm Desert Bankruptcy Records

PACER provides online access to Palm Desert bankruptcy records. Go to pacer.uscourts.gov and create a free account. Choose the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court when searching.

Enter a name or case number. Results include dockets, petitions, and court orders. You pay 10 cents per page. Documents cap at $3 each. If your quarterly charges stay under $30, fees are waived. This makes PACER free for most casual users.

Free phone access is available through VCIS. Call (866) 222-8029 anytime. The system runs 24/7. Enter a case number or name to hear filing dates and status.

In-person searches are free at the Riverside courthouse. Public terminals let you view complete case files. Staff can help you find records.

Filing Bankruptcy in Palm Desert

Palm Desert residents file at the Riverside courthouse. You can file in person or online through CM/ECF. Most people hire a lawyer. Filing pro se means you handle it yourself.

Chapter 7 costs $338 to file. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 business cases run $1,738. These are court fees. Low-income filers may qualify for waivers or installment plans.

Credit counseling is required before filing. This is a federal rule. Take the course within 180 days of filing. Use only an approved provider. After your case ends, a second course on financial management is required. Both are mandatory for Palm Desert filers.

Get forms at uscourts.gov. The voluntary petition starts your case. Schedules list assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test determines Chapter 7 eligibility. These documents become part of your Palm Desert bankruptcy record.

Exemptions for Palm Desert Filers

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

System 1 protects up to $722,507 in home equity. Palm Desert home values are high for many properties. Homeowners with significant equity may benefit from System 1. It also covers vehicles up to $8,625 and retirement accounts without limit.

System 2 has a smaller homestead of $36,750. But it includes a wildcard exemption up to $38,700. Use the wildcard on any property. Renters and those with little home equity often choose System 2.

Note: Discuss exemption strategies with an attorney given Palm Desert property values.

Palm Desert Bankruptcy Case Types

Chapter 7 is most common in Palm Desert. It wipes out most debts in a few months. Some property may be sold, but exemptions protect most. About 78% of California filers use Chapter 7. Records include petitions and discharge orders.

Chapter 13 lets you repay debts over time. Plans last three to five years. You keep property while making payments. About 20% of filings are Chapter 13. Records include payment plans and histories.

Chapter 11 covers business reorganization. Palm Desert has many small businesses that could use this option. It is complex and costly. Records can be large. All types are searchable through PACER.

Legal Resources for Palm Desert

Inland Counties Legal Services may help low-income residents in Riverside County. The Riverside County Bar Association offers lawyer referrals. Many bankruptcy attorneys give free first consultations.

Self-help guides are on the court website. Forms and local rules are available online. The Riverside courthouse has staff who can direct you to resources. Verify any lawyer's license through the California State Bar.

Nearby Cities

These Coachella Valley cities also file through the Riverside court.

Riverside County Bankruptcy Records

Palm Desert is in Riverside County. For more on county-wide filings, see our Riverside County bankruptcy records page.