San Bernardino Bankruptcy Records Database

San Bernardino bankruptcy records are filed through the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. The city is the county seat and has about 222,000 residents. Cases from San Bernardino go through the Riverside Division courthouse. This guide shows you how to search for bankruptcy filings from San Bernardino, what documents are available in the public record, and how to file a case if you need to. You will also learn about court fees, required forms, and California exemption rules that apply to local filers.

San Bernardino Bankruptcy Court

The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all bankruptcy cases for San Bernardino residents. The Riverside Division serves San Bernardino County. The courthouse address is 3420 Twelfth Street in Riverside. It is about 15 miles south of downtown San Bernardino.

Call (951) 774-1000 to reach the clerk's office. Hours are 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. Federal holidays close the court. Staff answer questions about San Bernardino bankruptcy filings and procedures.

This court is the busiest bankruptcy court in the United States. It processes cases from seven Southern California counties. San Bernardino County is the largest county by land area in the country. The Riverside office serves the entire Inland Empire region.

The court website has all forms, rules, and filing information you need.

Search San Bernardino Bankruptcy Records

PACER is the main way to search bankruptcy records online. It holds files from every federal court in the nation. Registration is free at pacer.uscourts.gov.

Once logged in, select the Central District of California. Enter a name, case number, or Social Security Number. Results show San Bernardino cases and all others in the district. Documents cost 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document.

Many users pay nothing. Quarterly charges under $30 get waived. This makes PACER effectively free for people searching a few San Bernardino bankruptcy records.

The PACER Case Locator searches all federal courts at once. It helps when you do not know which district handled a case. Results show cases from anywhere in the country.

Free Ways to Search San Bernardino Cases

The Voice Case Information System is free. Call (866) 222-8029 any time. The line runs 24/7. Enter a case number or debtor name. You hear filing date, chapter type, and case status.

Free searches are also available at the Riverside courthouse. Visit during business hours. Use public terminals to look up cases. Staff help if needed. You only pay for printed copies.

Some people qualify for full PACER fee waivers. Low income users can apply. Pro se litigants and nonprofits may qualify too. Ask the court about your options.

How to File Bankruptcy in San Bernardino

San Bernardino residents file at the Riverside courthouse. Online filing through CM/ECF is another option. Most people hire lawyers. Self filing is allowed but more difficult.

Filing fees depend on the chapter. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 business cases cost $1,738. Low income filers can apply for waivers. Others may request payment plans.

Credit counseling is mandatory before filing. Federal law requires it. Take the course from an approved provider within 180 days of filing. Get a certificate for the court. After your case ends, complete a second course on money management.

Download forms from uscourts.gov. The voluntary petition starts every case. Schedules list assets, debts, income, and expenses. All filed documents become part of your public San Bernardino bankruptcy record.

Types of San Bernardino Bankruptcy Cases

Chapter 7 is most common. About 78% of California filers use it. Debts are eliminated in three to four months. Exemptions protect most property.

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

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

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

California Exemptions for San Bernardino Filers

California offers two exemption systems. You pick one. System 1 protects more home equity. System 2 has a flexible wildcard exemption.

System 1 provides up to $722,507 in homestead protection. This helps homeowners with significant equity. It also covers vehicles, work tools, and retirement accounts without limits.

System 2 has a smaller homestead of $36,750. But the wildcard is worth up to $38,700. Apply it to any property. Many San Bernardino renters prefer this option for its flexibility.

Note: Your exemption choice becomes part of the public record.

What San Bernardino Bankruptcy Records Show

The petition has basic debtor information. Schedules break down assets, debts, income, and expenses in detail. The means test compares income to California medians.

The Statement of Financial Affairs covers financial history. It shows past transactions, lawsuits, and transfers. Creditors file claims. The trustee files reports. The court issues orders throughout the case.

A discharge order ends most cases. It shows which debts were eliminated. All documents remain public.

Legal Help in San Bernardino

Several resources help San Bernardino residents with bankruptcy. The court has self help guides. Legal aid groups offer free assistance to those who qualify.

Inland Counties Legal Services helps low income residents. The San Bernardino County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. California State University San Bernardino Pre-Law Society sometimes hosts clinics.

Always verify attorney licenses before hiring. The California State Bar website shows disciplinary records. This protects you from unlicensed practitioners.

Nearby Cities in the Central District

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

San Bernardino County Bankruptcy Resources

Visit the county page for more local bankruptcy information.