Pasadena Bankruptcy Records

Pasadena bankruptcy records are filed with the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. This Los Angeles County city is home to about 138,000 people. The downtown Los Angeles courthouse handles all local cases. You can search records online through PACER or visit the courthouse in person. This page covers how to access Pasadena bankruptcy filings, court information, search tools, and the filing process for residents.

Pasadena Bankruptcy Court Information

The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Pasadena bankruptcy cases. The main courthouse sits at 255 E. Temple Street in downtown Los Angeles. This is about 10 miles from Pasadena. Call (213) 894-3118 for the clerk's office.

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

The Central District is the busiest bankruptcy court in the country. It serves seven counties. Pasadena falls under the Los Angeles division. All local filings go through the downtown courthouse. The court also has a location in Woodland Hills that handles some matters.

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

Search Pasadena Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER is the main tool for finding Pasadena bankruptcy records. Go to pacer.uscourts.gov and create a free account. Pick the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court when searching.

Enter a name or case number. Results show dockets, petitions, schedules, and orders. Fees are 10 cents per page. Each document caps at $3. Users under $30 per quarter pay nothing. Fees are waived for light users. This makes searches essentially free for most people.

The PACER Case Locator searches all federal courts at once. Use this when you do not know which district handled a case. It covers every bankruptcy court nationwide.

Free phone access is through VCIS at (866) 222-8029. It runs 24/7. In-person searches are free at the courthouse using public terminals.

Filing Bankruptcy in Pasadena

Pasadena residents file at the Los Angeles courthouse. You can file in person or electronically. Most filers hire a lawyer. You may also file pro se, meaning on your own.

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

Credit counseling is required before filing. Federal law mandates this. Take the course within 180 days of filing. Use only approved providers. A second course on debt management is required after your case. Both apply to all Pasadena bankruptcy filers.

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

California Exemptions for Pasadena Residents

California has two exemption systems. Pick one. You cannot mix them.

System 1 protects up to $722,507 in home equity. Pasadena home values are high. Many homeowners can still protect their equity fully, though some may face challenges with homes worth over a million dollars. System 1 also covers vehicles up to $8,625 and retirement funds without limit.

System 2 has a smaller homestead of $36,750. But it includes a wildcard up to $38,700. The wildcard protects any property you choose. Renters or those with little equity may prefer System 2.

Note: Given Pasadena property values, discuss exemption strategies with an attorney.

Types of Pasadena Bankruptcy Cases

Chapter 7 is most common in Pasadena. It wipes out most debts quickly. 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 run three to five years. You keep property while making payments. This helps catch up on mortgages. About 20% of Pasadena filings are Chapter 13.

Chapter 11 covers business reorganization. Pasadena has many businesses that could use this option. It is complex and expensive. Records can be extensive. All case types are searchable through PACER.

Legal Resources for Pasadena Residents

Several organizations help Pasadena residents. Bet Tzedek Legal Services assists low-income clients with bankruptcy. The Pasadena Bar Association offers lawyer referrals. Many attorneys give free first consultations.

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

Nearby Cities

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

Los Angeles County Bankruptcy Records

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