Paramount California Bankruptcy Records

Paramount bankruptcy records are held by the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. This Los Angeles County city has about 54,000 residents. The downtown Los Angeles courthouse handles all local filings. You can search records through PACER from home or visit the courthouse in person. This guide explains how to find Paramount bankruptcy filings, court contact information, and what to expect when filing or searching for records.

Paramount Bankruptcy Court Location

The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Paramount cases. The main courthouse is at 255 E. Temple Street in downtown Los Angeles. This is about 12 miles from Paramount. Call (213) 894-3118 for the clerk's office.

Court hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Staff can help with questions about Paramount bankruptcy records. Public terminals provide free search access.

The Central District is the busiest bankruptcy court in the nation. It handles cases from seven counties. Paramount falls under the Los Angeles division. All local bankruptcy filings go through the downtown courthouse based on zip code assignments.

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

Search Paramount Bankruptcy Records

PACER lets you search Paramount bankruptcy records online. Visit pacer.uscourts.gov to register for free. Choose the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court when searching.

Enter a name or case number. The system shows dockets, petitions, and orders. Fees are 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document. If your quarterly charges stay under $30, they are waived. Most casual users search free.

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

Walk-in searches are free at the courthouse. Use public terminals to view complete case files. Staff can assist with your search. Printing may have a small fee.

Filing Bankruptcy in Paramount

Paramount residents file at the Los Angeles courthouse. You can file in person or online. 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 fees go to the court. Low-income filers may qualify for waivers or payment plans.

Credit counseling is required before filing. This federal rule applies to all. Take the course within 180 days of filing. Use only approved providers. A second course on debt management is needed after the case ends. Both are mandatory.

Forms are at uscourts.gov. Start with the voluntary petition. Schedules list assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test determines Chapter 7 eligibility. These documents become part of your Paramount bankruptcy record.

Exemptions for Paramount Filers

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

System 1 protects up to $722,507 in home equity. Paramount home values are moderate for Los Angeles County. Many homeowners can protect their equity fully. System 1 also covers vehicles up to $8,625 and unlimited retirement funds.

System 2 has a smaller homestead of $36,750. But it adds a wildcard worth up to $38,700. The wildcard protects any property. Renters often choose System 2 for flexibility.

Note: Your exemption choice is recorded in court records and affects what you keep.

Paramount Bankruptcy Case Types

Chapter 7 is most common in Paramount. It wipes out most debts fast. Some assets 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 three to five years. You keep property while making payments. This helps catch up on mortgages or car loans. About 20% of Paramount filings are Chapter 13.

Chapter 11 is for business reorganization. Companies restructure while operating. Few Paramount cases are Chapter 11. Records can be large. All types are searchable through PACER.

Legal Help for Paramount Residents

Free legal help may be available. Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County assists low-income clients. Bet Tzedek Legal Services may also help. Contact these groups to check eligibility.

The Los Angeles County Bar Association has lawyer referrals. Many bankruptcy attorneys offer free first consultations. This lets you discuss your case before paying.

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

Nearby Cities

These cities near Paramount also file at the Los Angeles court.

Los Angeles County Bankruptcy Records

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