Pico Rivera Bankruptcy Records

Pico Rivera bankruptcy records are kept by the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. This Los Angeles County city has about 62,000 residents. The downtown Los Angeles courthouse handles all local filings. You can search these records through PACER online or visit the courthouse in person. This page explains how to access Pico Rivera bankruptcy cases, court details, search methods, and filing requirements.

Pico Rivera Bankruptcy Court Location

The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Pico Rivera cases. The main courthouse is at 255 E. Temple Street in downtown Los Angeles. This is about 10 miles from Pico Rivera. 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 Pico Rivera bankruptcy records. Public terminals offer free searches during business hours.

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

The court website has forms and local rules for Pico Rivera residents.

Search Pico Rivera Bankruptcy Records

PACER provides online access to Pico Rivera bankruptcy records. Visit pacer.uscourts.gov and sign up for free. Pick the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court when searching.

Enter a name or case number. Results show dockets, petitions, and court orders. Fees are 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document. Quarterly charges under $30 are waived. Most casual users search free.

Free phone access is available through VCIS. Call (866) 222-8029 any time. The system runs 24 hours a day. Enter a case number or name to hear basic case details.

Walk-in searches are free. Visit the courthouse during business hours. Use public terminals to view full case files. Staff can help you find records.

Filing Bankruptcy in Pico Rivera

Pico Rivera residents file at the Los Angeles courthouse. You can file in person or electronically. Most people use a lawyer. Filing pro se means you handle the case yourself.

Filing fees vary by chapter. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 business cases run $1,738. Low-income filers may qualify for fee waivers or payment plans. Ask the clerk about options.

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

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

California Exemptions for Pico Rivera Filers

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

System 1 protects up to $722,507 in home equity. Pico Rivera home values are moderate for Los Angeles County. Many homeowners can protect their full equity. System 1 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. The wildcard can protect any property. Renters and those with little home equity often prefer System 2.

Note: Your exemption choice appears in court records and cannot be changed after filing.

Pico Rivera Bankruptcy Case Types

Chapter 7 is most common in Pico Rivera. It eliminates most debts fast. 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 last three to five years. You keep property while making payments. This helps with mortgage or car loan catch-up. About 20% of filings are Chapter 13.

Chapter 11 covers business reorganization. Few Pico Rivera cases use Chapter 11. It is complex and expensive. All case types are searchable through PACER.

Legal Resources for Pico Rivera

Free legal help exists for some residents. 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 a lawyer referral service. Many bankruptcy attorneys give free first consultations. This lets you discuss your case before paying.

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

Nearby Cities

These cities near Pico Rivera also file at the Los Angeles court.

Los Angeles County Bankruptcy Records

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