Access Redlands Bankruptcy Records

Redlands bankruptcy records are filed with the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. This historic city in San Bernardino County has about 72,000 residents. Filers in Redlands use the Riverside Division courthouse for their cases. If you need to look up a bankruptcy filing from this area, you can do so through PACER or in person at the court. This page covers how to find Redlands bankruptcy case files, what information they contain, and the steps for filing a new case. You will also find details on fees, forms, and exemption rules that apply in California.

Redlands Bankruptcy Court Details

The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all bankruptcy filings for Redlands residents. The Riverside Division of this court serves San Bernardino County. The courthouse address is 3420 Twelfth Street in Riverside. From Redlands, it is about a 20 minute drive west on Interstate 10.

Call (951) 774-1000 to reach the clerk's office. Hours are 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. The court closes on federal holidays. You can visit in person to file papers, ask questions, or search records for free using public terminals.

This is the busiest bankruptcy court in the nation. It handles cases from Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties. The Riverside office focuses on the Inland Empire region.

The court website lists forms, local rules, and filing guides for Redlands and other cities.

Search Redlands Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER lets you search for bankruptcy records from any computer. The system holds files from all federal courts. Create a free account at pacer.uscourts.gov to get started.

Once you have an account, select the Central District of California. Enter a name, case number, or Social Security Number. The search returns results from Redlands and every other city in the district. Documents cost 10 cents per page. The cap is $3 per document. If you use less than $30 worth per quarter, the fees are waived.

The PACER Case Locator is another option. It searches all federal courts at once. Use it when you do not know which district handled a case.

Free phone access is available through the Voice Case Information System. Call (866) 222-8029 any time. The automated line provides case status, filing dates, and chapter type. It does not give full documents.

Filing Bankruptcy in Redlands

Redlands residents file bankruptcy at the Riverside courthouse or online through CM/ECF. Most people hire an attorney. Self filing is allowed but more difficult. The court calls it "pro se" filing.

Filing fees depend on the chapter type. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. Chapter 11 business cases cost $1,738. Low income filers may apply for a fee waiver. Others can ask for a payment plan.

Federal law requires credit counseling before filing. Take the course from an approved provider within 180 days of filing. You will need a certificate to show the court. After your case ends, a second course on debt management is required.

All forms are available at uscourts.gov. The voluntary petition is the main document. Schedules list your property, debts, income, and expenses. Everything you file becomes part of your public Redlands bankruptcy record.

Types of Redlands Bankruptcy Filings

Chapter 7 cases make up most filings. About 78% of California filers use Chapter 7. It erases most debts in three to four months. Exemptions protect most property from being sold.

Chapter 13 is for people with steady income. You pay back debts over three to five years. This works well for saving a house from foreclosure. About 20% of filers choose this path.

Chapter 11 covers business reorganization. Companies use it to restructure while staying open. It is expensive and complex. Only about 1.5% of filings are Chapter 11.

Each chapter creates different records. Chapter 7 files are smaller. Chapter 13 includes payment plans and completion documents. Chapter 11 cases can have hundreds of filings.

California Exemptions for Redlands Residents

California offers two exemption systems. You must pick one. System 1 works best for homeowners. It protects up to $722,507 in home equity. The exact amount depends on the county median home price.

System 2 suits renters better. It has a smaller homestead of $36,750. But it adds a wildcard exemption up to $38,700. You can apply the wildcard to any property.

Both systems protect retirement accounts fully. Vehicles get some protection. So do tools of trade, clothing, and household items. The exemption you choose shows up in your bankruptcy records.

Note: Consult with a bankruptcy attorney to determine which system works best for your situation.

What Redlands Bankruptcy Records Include

The voluntary petition starts every case. It has basic facts about the debtor. Name, address, and type of case are listed there.

Schedules provide detailed financial information. Schedule A covers real property. Schedule B lists personal property. Schedule D shows secured debts like mortgages. Schedule E/F covers unsecured debts. Schedules I and J show income and expenses. The means test compares income to the state median.

Throughout the case, more documents are added. The trustee files reports. Creditors file claims. The court issues orders. A final discharge order ends most cases. All of these become part of the public record.

Legal Help for Redlands Bankruptcy Cases

Several resources can help Redlands residents with bankruptcy. The court website has self help guides and forms. Legal aid organizations offer free help to those who qualify based on income.

The San Bernardino County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Inland Counties Legal Services provides assistance to low income residents. The University of La Verne College of Law has a bankruptcy clinic.

Before hiring any lawyer, verify their license. The California State Bar website shows disciplinary history. This protects you from unlicensed practitioners.

Nearby Cities in the Central District

These cities near Redlands also file through the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court.

San Bernardino County Bankruptcy Resources

Redlands is located in San Bernardino County. Visit the county page for more information about local bankruptcy resources.