Access Palmdale Bankruptcy Records

Palmdale bankruptcy records are filed with the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. This Antelope Valley city in northern Los Angeles County has about 170,000 residents. The Los Angeles division handles all local filings. You can search records through PACER online or visit the downtown Los Angeles courthouse. This page shows you how to find Palmdale bankruptcy cases, court locations, search methods, and filing requirements.

Palmdale Bankruptcy Court Information

The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Palmdale bankruptcy cases. The main courthouse is at 255 E. Temple Street in downtown Los Angeles. This is about 60 miles from Palmdale. Call (213) 894-3118 for the clerk's office.

Court hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Staff answer questions about Palmdale bankruptcy records. Public terminals let you search for free during business hours.

The Central District processes more cases than any other bankruptcy court. It serves seven Southern California counties. Palmdale falls under the Los Angeles division. The Woodland Hills courthouse at 21041 Burbank Blvd. may also handle some matters and is closer to Palmdale. Call (818) 587-2900 for that location.

The court website has forms and local rules for Palmdale filers.

Search Palmdale Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER is the best way to search Palmdale bankruptcy records from home. Visit pacer.uscourts.gov and sign up for free. Select the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court after logging in.

Enter a name or case number to search. Results include dockets, petitions, schedules, and orders. The fee is 10 cents per page. Each document caps at $3. Quarterly charges under $30 are waived. Most casual users search Palmdale bankruptcy records for free.

The Voice Case Information System offers free phone access. Call (866) 222-8029 any time. It runs 24 hours a day. Enter a case number or name to hear filing dates and case status.

In-person searches are free at any courthouse. Use public terminals to view case files. Staff can help you navigate the system. Given the distance from Palmdale, online searches are often more practical.

Filing Bankruptcy in Palmdale

Palmdale residents file at the Los Angeles bankruptcy court. You can file in person or electronically through CM/ECF. Most people use a lawyer. Filing pro se means handling the case yourself.

Filing fees depend on the chapter. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 business reorganization costs $1,738. Low-income filers may get fee waivers or payment plans. Ask the clerk about your options.

Credit counseling is required before filing. This federal rule applies to everyone. Complete the course within 180 days of filing. Use only an approved provider. A second course on debt management is needed after the case. Both are mandatory for Palmdale bankruptcy filers.

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

California Exemptions for Palmdale Filers

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

System 1 has a large homestead exemption up to $722,507. Palmdale home values are lower than coastal areas but have risen. Many homeowners can protect their full equity. System 1 also covers vehicles up to $8,625 and unlimited retirement accounts.

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

Note: Your exemption choice is recorded in court documents and cannot be changed later.

Palmdale Bankruptcy Case Types

Chapter 7 is most common in Palmdale. It eliminates 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 allows repayment over time. Plans run three to five years. You keep property while making payments. This helps catch up on mortgages or car loans. About 20% of Palmdale filings are Chapter 13. Records include payment plans.

Chapter 11 is for business reorganization. Companies restructure while staying open. Few Palmdale cases are Chapter 11. These records can be extensive. All types are searchable through PACER.

Legal Help for Palmdale Residents

Free legal help exists for some residents. Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County may assist low-income clients. The Los Angeles County Bar Association offers lawyer referrals. Many bankruptcy attorneys give free first consultations.

Self-help resources are on the court website. Forms, guides, and local rules are available. The courthouse has a self-help desk too. Verify any lawyer through the California State Bar before hiring.

Nearby Cities

These cities near Palmdale also file through the Central District.

Los Angeles County Bankruptcy Records

Palmdale is in Los Angeles County. For more on county-wide filings, see our Los Angeles County bankruptcy records page.