Simi Valley Bankruptcy Records Lookup

Simi Valley bankruptcy records are filed with the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. This Ventura County city has about 126,000 residents. Cases from Simi Valley can go through the San Fernando Valley Division or the main Los Angeles courthouse. This page explains how to search for bankruptcy filings, what documents are in the public record, and how to file a new case. You will learn about court locations, fees, required forms, and exemption rules under California law.

Simi Valley Bankruptcy Court Location

The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Simi Valley bankruptcy cases. Ventura County residents typically file at the San Fernando Valley Division at 21041 Burbank Blvd. in Woodland Hills. The main Los Angeles courthouse at 255 E. Temple Street is another option.

Call the San Fernando Valley office at (818) 587-2900. The Los Angeles number is (213) 894-3118. Both are open 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays. Federal holidays close the courts.

The Central District is the busiest bankruptcy court in the nation. It handles cases from seven Southern California counties, including Ventura County.

The court website has forms, rules, and filing information.

Search Simi Valley Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER is the main tool for searching bankruptcy records. It holds files from all federal courts. Create a free account at pacer.uscourts.gov.

Once logged in, select the Central District of California. Enter a name or case number. Results show Simi Valley cases and all others in the district. Documents cost 10 cents per page. A $3 cap applies per document.

Light users often pay nothing. Quarterly charges under $30 are waived. This makes PACER free for occasional Simi Valley bankruptcy record searches.

The PACER Case Locator searches all federal courts at once. It helps when you do not know which district has the case.

Free Ways to Find Simi Valley Cases

The Voice Case Information System is free. Call (866) 222-8029 any time. It runs around the clock. Enter a case number or name to hear basic details.

Free searches are available at the courthouses. Visit during business hours. Use public terminals. Staff can help. Printing costs a small fee.

Some users qualify for PACER fee waivers. Low income individuals, pro se filers, and nonprofits can apply. Ask the court about options.

Filing Bankruptcy in Simi Valley

Simi Valley residents typically file at the San Fernando Valley courthouse. Online filing through CM/ECF is also available. Most people use attorneys. Self filing is allowed.

Chapter 7 costs $338 to file. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 business cases cost $1,738. Low income filers may qualify for fee waivers. Payment plans are available.

Credit counseling is required before filing. Federal law mandates it. Complete the course within 180 days of filing. Get a certificate for the court. A second course comes after your case ends.

Download forms from uscourts.gov. The petition starts every case. Schedules list your financial details. These become public Simi Valley bankruptcy records.

Types of Simi Valley Bankruptcy Filings

Chapter 7 is most common. About 78% of California filers use it. Debts get discharged in a few months. Exemptions protect most property.

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

Chapter 11 is for businesses. Companies restructure while operating. It is expensive and complex. Only about 1.5% of filings use Chapter 11.

California Exemptions for Simi Valley Filers

California offers two exemption systems. Pick one. System 1 protects more home equity. System 2 has a large wildcard exemption.

System 1 provides up to $722,507 in homestead protection. This matters for Simi Valley homeowners. It also covers vehicles, work tools, and retirement accounts.

System 2 has a smaller homestead of $36,750. But the wildcard is worth up to $38,700. Apply it to any property. Renters often prefer this flexibility.

Note: Your exemption choice appears in your bankruptcy records.

What Simi Valley Bankruptcy Records Include

The petition starts every case with basic debtor info. Schedules list assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test determines Chapter 7 eligibility.

The Statement of Financial Affairs covers past transactions. Creditors file claims. The trustee files reports. Court orders address issues. A discharge order ends most cases.

Who Searches Simi Valley Bankruptcy Records

Many people search these records. Employers screen applicants. Landlords check histories. Creditors verify bankruptcy filings.

Lawyers research cases. Real estate professionals look for liens. Private citizens check records for various purposes.

Nearby Cities in the Central District

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

Ventura County Bankruptcy Resources

Simi Valley is in Ventura County. Visit the county page for more information.