Stockton Bankruptcy Records

Stockton bankruptcy records are filed through the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. The city is the county seat of San Joaquin County with over 320,000 residents. Stockton made national news in 2012 when the city itself filed for bankruptcy. Residents searching for personal or business bankruptcy records can use PACER online or visit the Modesto courthouse. This guide explains how to access Stockton bankruptcy records and what to expect.

Stockton Bankruptcy Court Information

The Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Stockton bankruptcy cases. The closest court location is in Modesto at 1200 I Street, Suite 200, Modesto, CA 95354. This is about 30 miles south of Stockton.

The Eastern District covers 34 counties in the Central Valley and Sierra region. Stockton is one of the larger cities in the district. The Modesto division handles cases for San Joaquin County residents. Sacramento is another option if Modesto is less convenient.

Call (916) 930-4400 for court information. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Public terminals are free to use for searching Stockton bankruptcy records. Staff can help with questions about filings.

The court website has forms, local rules, and filing guides.

Search Stockton Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER provides online access to all federal bankruptcy records. Create a free account at pacer.uscourts.gov. Fees are 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document. Low-volume users pay nothing if quarterly charges stay under $30.

Select the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Enter a name or case number to search. Results show the docket, filed documents, and case status for Stockton bankruptcy filings. You can view and download any document.

The Voice Case Information System is free. Call (866) 222-8029 any time. Give a case number or name to hear basic case details. Good for quick status checks without paying PACER fees.

Use the PACER Case Locator when you need to search multiple districts at once.

Filing Bankruptcy in Stockton

Stockton residents file at the Eastern District court. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income.

Credit counseling is required before you file. Take the course from an approved provider. You have 180 days before your filing date. After filing, a second course on money skills is required. All Stockton bankruptcy filers must complete both courses.

Get forms at uscourts.gov. The petition starts your case. Schedules list assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test shows which chapter you qualify for. All forms become part of the public Stockton bankruptcy record.

Exemptions for Stockton Bankruptcy Filers

California has two exemption systems. You pick one. System 1 protects up to $722,507 in home equity. Stockton home prices are lower than coastal California, so this often covers the full value of a home here.

System 2 has a smaller homestead of $36,750 but adds a wildcard worth up to $38,700. The wildcard applies to any property. Renters may prefer System 2 for its flexibility in protecting cars, bank accounts, or other assets.

Note: Your exemption choice appears in court records. A lawyer can help you decide which system fits your situation.

Types of Stockton Bankruptcy Cases

Chapter 7 is the most common type. It clears debts in a few months. Exemptions protect most property. About 78% of California filers choose Chapter 7.

Chapter 13 spreads repayment over three to five years. This works for people with steady income who want to keep a home or car. Records include payment plans and progress reports.

Chapter 9 covers municipal bankruptcy. Stockton used this in 2012 when the city filed. This was one of the largest municipal bankruptcies in U.S. history at the time. The city emerged from bankruptcy in 2015. That case file is still available through PACER.

San Joaquin County Bankruptcy Records

Stockton is the county seat of San Joaquin County. All county residents file through the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Stockton and also use the Eastern District court.