Rialto Bankruptcy Records

Rialto bankruptcy records are filed through the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. Located in San Bernardino County, Rialto has about 105,000 residents. The city uses the Riverside Division courthouse for all bankruptcy matters. Whether you want to search for an old case or file a new one, this page will guide you through the process. You will learn where to find Rialto bankruptcy records online, what documents are available, and how the filing process works in this part of California.

Rialto Bankruptcy Court Information

The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court processes all bankruptcy cases for Rialto residents. San Bernardino County falls under the Riverside Division. The courthouse sits at 3420 Twelfth Street in Riverside. It is about 15 miles east of Rialto.

Reach the clerk's office at (951) 774-1000. The court is open 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. Federal holidays close the court. Staff members answer questions about cases, forms, and procedures.

This is the busiest bankruptcy court in the country. Seven Southern California counties use it. The Riverside location handles the Inland Empire, which includes Rialto and surrounding cities.

The court website provides forms, local rules, and case search tools.

Search Rialto Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER is the main way to search federal bankruptcy records. The system holds documents from courts across the country. Sign up free at pacer.uscourts.gov.

Once you have an account, select the Central District of California. Enter a name or case number. The search shows all matching results from Rialto and the entire district. Documents cost 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document.

Many users pay nothing. If your quarterly charges stay under $30, the court waives all fees. This makes PACER free for light users looking up Rialto bankruptcy records.

The PACER Case Locator searches all federal courts at once. It helps when you do not know which district handled a case. Enter a name and view results from across the nation.

Free Ways to Search Rialto Bankruptcy Cases

The Voice Case Information System gives free phone access. Call (866) 222-8029 any time. The line runs around the clock. Enter a case number or debtor name. You will hear basic case details like filing date and status.

In person searches cost nothing at the Riverside courthouse. Go during business hours. Use the public terminals to look up cases. Staff can help you navigate the system. Printing may cost a small fee.

Some people qualify for full PACER fee waivers. Low income users, pro se litigants, and nonprofits can apply. Contact the court for information about fee waiver options.

How to File Bankruptcy in Rialto

Rialto residents file at the Riverside courthouse. You can also file electronically through CM/ECF. Most people use lawyers. Self filing is allowed but harder.

The filing fee depends on which chapter you choose. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 business cases are $1,738. Low income filers can apply for a waiver or payment plan.

Before you file, complete credit counseling. This federal requirement applies to everyone. Take the course from an approved provider. You need a certificate for the court. After your case ends, take a second course on money management.

Download all forms from uscourts.gov. The voluntary petition starts your case. Schedules list assets, debts, income, and expenses. These documents become part of your public Rialto bankruptcy record.

Types of Rialto Bankruptcy Filings

Chapter 7 is the most popular choice. About 78% of California filers use it. Chapter 7 eliminates most debts in a few months. Exemptions protect property. Most filers keep everything they own.

Chapter 13 works for people with regular income. You repay debts over three to five years. This helps catch up on house or car payments. About 20% of filers choose Chapter 13.

Chapter 11 serves businesses. Companies restructure debts while operating. It is expensive and complex. Only 1.5% of cases use Chapter 11.

California Exemptions for Rialto Filers

California offers two exemption systems. Pick one. You cannot combine them. The right choice depends on your assets.

System 1 has a large homestead exemption. It protects up to $722,507 in home equity. This helps homeowners with significant equity. Other protections cover vehicles, retirement accounts, and work tools.

System 2 suits renters better. The homestead is only $36,750. But you get a wildcard exemption worth up to $38,700. Apply it to any property. Many Rialto residents without much home equity prefer this option.

Note: Your exemption choice appears in the bankruptcy records.

What Rialto Bankruptcy Records Include

The petition starts every case. It has basic information about the debtor. Schedules provide detailed financial data. Assets, debts, income, and expenses are all listed.

The means test determines Chapter 7 eligibility. It compares income to state medians. The Statement of Financial Affairs covers past transactions. Throughout the case, more documents get added. Trustee reports, creditor claims, and court orders all become part of the record.

A discharge order ends most cases. It shows which debts were eliminated. All documents stay in the public record.

Who Searches Rialto Bankruptcy Records

Many people need these records. Employers screen job applicants. Financial positions often require background checks. Landlords check rental applicants.

Creditors verify if someone filed bankruptcy. This affects collection efforts. Lawyers research cases for legal strategy. Real estate professionals look for liens. Journalists investigate businesses. Regular citizens check records for various personal reasons.

Nearby Cities in the Central District

These cities near Rialto also file through the Central District Bankruptcy Court.

San Bernardino County Bankruptcy Resources

Rialto is in San Bernardino County. See the county page for more information.