Redwood City Bankruptcy Records

Redwood City bankruptcy records are filed with the Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court. The city serves as the county seat of San Mateo County and has about 83,000 residents. Located on the San Francisco Peninsula, Redwood City is home to tech companies and research facilities. When residents file for bankruptcy, the case enters the federal court system. Search these records online through PACER or visit the San Francisco courthouse. This guide explains how to find Redwood City bankruptcy filings.

Redwood City Bankruptcy Court Details

Redwood City is part of the Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court. San Mateo County falls under this court. The San Francisco courthouse at 235 Pine Street, 19th Floor, is the main location. San Jose also serves the Northern District.

Call (415) 268-2300 to reach the San Francisco court directly. The general line is (888) 821-7606. Staff answer questions about Redwood City bankruptcy cases from 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays.

As the county seat, Redwood City hosts San Mateo County government offices. The city sits in Silicon Valley with high income levels and property values. When financial troubles arise, the Northern District handles the bankruptcy filings. Court statistics show high median debtor incomes reflecting the local economy.

Local rules and forms appear on the court website.

Search Redwood City Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER is the main tool for searching Redwood City bankruptcy records. It stores documents from all federal courts. Sign up free at pacer.uscourts.gov.

Log in and pick the Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Search by name or case number. Results show dockets, documents, and case status. Fees are 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document. Users under $30 per quarter pay nothing.

The PACER Case Locator searches all federal courts at once. This helps when you do not know which district handled a case.

Free Redwood City Bankruptcy Search Options

Free options exist for finding Redwood City bankruptcy records.

The Voice Case Information System operates 24 hours a day. Call (866) 222-8029. Enter a case number or name. The system tells you the filing date, chapter type, and status. It costs nothing. Good for quick Redwood City case checks.

Public terminals at the San Francisco courthouse provide free access. Visit during business hours. Use the computers to search and view case files. Staff help with navigation. Viewing is free. Only printing costs money. This works for detailed Redwood City bankruptcy research.

Fee waivers cover certain users. Low-income individuals, pro se filers, nonprofits, and researchers may qualify. Ask the court clerk about waivers.

Note: Free courthouse terminals show the same records as paid PACER.

Filing Bankruptcy in Redwood City

Redwood City residents file bankruptcy with the Northern District court. Hire a lawyer or file pro se. Pro se means representing yourself. The rules stay the same.

Chapter 7 filing costs $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 business cases run $1,738. Cannot afford the fee? Ask about waivers or payment plans. The clerk explains options.

Credit counseling comes first. Federal law requires it. Complete an approved course within 180 days of filing. After the case ends, take a second course on debt management. Both apply to Redwood City filers.

Get forms at uscourts.gov. Start with the voluntary petition. Add schedules for assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test shows which chapter fits. Filed documents become public records.

Exemptions for Redwood City Bankruptcy Filers

California has two exemption systems. Pick one. No mixing. This choice matters given high local property values.

System 1 protects up to $722,507 in home equity. Redwood City real estate prices are high. Many homeowners need this large exemption. System 1 also shields vehicles up to $8,625 and work tools up to $10,950. It has no wildcard.

System 2 works for renters. The homestead drops to $36,750. But it adds a wildcard worth up to $38,700. Use it on any property. Many Redwood City renters choose System 2 for flexibility.

California exemptions require 730 days of residency. Recent arrivals may use their former state's rules. Talk to a bankruptcy attorney about your Redwood City case.

Redwood City Bankruptcy Case Types

Chapter 7 is common in Redwood City. It eliminates most debts fast. Exemptions protect most property. Cases end in a few months. About 78% of California filers use Chapter 7.

Chapter 13 creates a repayment plan. Payments last three to five years. Redwood City residents with steady income may prefer this. It helps catch up on mortgage payments. Around 20% choose Chapter 13.

Chapter 11 handles business reorganization. Companies restructure while staying open. Some Redwood City businesses have filed. Tech company failures sometimes go through Chapter 11. Records can be extensive.

Search all types through PACER. Chapter 7 files are compact. Chapter 13 includes payment details. Chapter 11 often has many documents.

Legal Help for Redwood City Residents

Resources exist to help Redwood City residents with bankruptcy.

Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County serves low-income clients. They handle some bankruptcy matters. The San Mateo County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Find a bankruptcy attorney through their program. Many local lawyers offer free first meetings.

Self-help options include the court website and federal forms page. The clerk's office answers procedural questions. They cannot give legal advice but can help Redwood City filers understand the process.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Redwood City and file through the same Northern District court.