Alameda County Bankruptcy Records

Alameda County bankruptcy records are filed with the Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court. The Oakland division handles most cases from this East Bay county, which has more than 1.6 million residents. Whether you need to search for a pending case, look up a closed filing, or check on a discharge status, the federal court system provides several ways to find records. This guide explains how Alameda County residents can access bankruptcy filings online and in person at the Oakland courthouse. You can also learn about filing requirements and what documents become part of the public record.

Alameda County Bankruptcy Court

The Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court serves Alameda County. Cases from this area go to the Oakland division. The Oakland Federal Building houses the court at 1300 Clay Street. You can reach the court by phone at (888) 821-7606.

San Francisco serves as the main headquarters for the Northern District. That office is at 235 Pine Street, 19th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104. The main line there is (415) 268-2300. However, most Alameda County residents use the Oakland location since it is closer and handles local cases.

The court is open Monday through Friday. Hours run from 9 AM to 4 PM. Walk-in services are available during these times. You can file documents, search records at public terminals, and speak with the clerk. The court does not charge to view records in person. Fees apply only when you need copies.

The court website has local rules for Alameda County bankruptcy filings. Check there for forms and procedures specific to this district.

Search Alameda County Bankruptcy Records

PACER provides the best way to search Alameda County bankruptcy records online. This federal system includes all bankruptcy courts in the country. Create a free account at pacer.uscourts.gov to start searching. The system charges 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document. Users with low activity often pay nothing due to quarterly fee waivers.

Once you log in, select the Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Enter a name, business name, or case number. The results show case details, docket entries, and filed documents. You can view the petition, schedules, and any court orders. All Alameda County bankruptcy records since the mid-1990s are in this system.

The Voice Case Information System offers free basic searches. Call (866) 222-8029 any time. This automated line works around the clock. Enter a case number to hear status information. It tells you if a case is open or closed. You also learn the discharge date if one exists.

For in-person searches, visit the Oakland courthouse. Public terminals let you search for free. Staff can help you use the system. Bring the name or case number you want to find. You only pay if you print documents.

Note: PACER accounts work for all federal courts, not just Alameda County.

Filing Bankruptcy in Alameda County

Alameda County residents file bankruptcy through the Northern District court. Most filings go through the Oakland division. The process follows federal rules that apply everywhere in the country.

The filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. Chapter 11 business cases cost $1,738. These fees go to the court. You can request a fee waiver if your income falls below 150% of the federal poverty line. A payment plan is another option for those who cannot pay the full amount at once.

Credit counseling is required before filing. You must complete an approved course within 180 days of your filing date. After your case starts, a second course on financial management is required. Both courses take a few hours each. Many providers offer them online for about $15 to $50. Without these courses, your case cannot proceed to discharge.

All bankruptcy forms are federal. Download them from uscourts.gov. The voluntary petition starts your case. Schedules list all your assets and debts. The means test determines if you qualify for Chapter 7. Income and expense statements show your budget. These documents become part of your Alameda County bankruptcy record.

Alameda County Electronic Filing

Most Alameda County bankruptcy documents must be filed electronically through CM/ECF. This system lets attorneys and approved filers submit documents online. It works around the clock. Files go directly into the court record.

Pro se filers can still file on paper at the Oakland courthouse. Bring your documents during business hours. The clerk scans everything into the electronic system. This is how most people who file without a lawyer handle their Alameda County bankruptcy case.

The CM/ECF system sends automatic notifications when something happens in a case. Creditors get alerts about deadlines and hearings. This helps everyone track the case progress without calling the court.

California Exemptions for Alameda County Filers

California offers two exemption systems. Alameda County filers pick one or the other. You cannot mix them. The choice depends on your assets and property values.

System 1 provides strong homestead protection. The exemption amount goes up to $722,507 based on county median home prices. Given Alameda County real estate values, many homeowners get full protection. This system works well for people with significant home equity. Other exemptions under System 1 protect vehicles, household goods, and retirement accounts.

System 2 suits renters and those with little home equity. It offers a wildcard exemption worth up to $38,700. You can apply this to any property. Bank accounts, cars, and other assets qualify. Many Alameda County renters choose System 2 because of this flexibility. The wildcard lets you protect cash and other liquid assets that System 1 would not cover as well.

Your exemption choice shows in your bankruptcy records. Review both options carefully before filing. A local bankruptcy attorney can help you decide which system protects more of your property.

Bankruptcy Case Types in Alameda County

Chapter 7 cases make up most Alameda County bankruptcy filings. This type eliminates qualifying debts in about four months. A trustee reviews your assets and exemptions. Most Chapter 7 cases are "no asset" cases where the filer keeps everything. The discharge wipes out credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans.

Chapter 13 works for people with regular income who want to catch up on secured debts. You propose a payment plan lasting three to five years. The trustee distributes your payments to creditors. This option helps save a home from foreclosure or a car from repossession. About one in five Alameda County filings use Chapter 13.

Chapter 11 covers business reorganization. Companies restructure debt while operating. This is the most complex type. It costs more and takes longer. Some individuals with debt above Chapter 13 limits also use Chapter 11. Alameda County sees these cases from local businesses and high-net-worth individuals.

Each case type creates different records. Chapter 7 files are usually simple. Chapter 13 records include the payment plan and completion documents. Chapter 11 cases can have hundreds of docket entries. All become searchable through PACER.

Legal Help for Alameda County Bankruptcy

Several groups help Alameda County residents with bankruptcy. Legal aid serves those who qualify based on income.

Bay Area Legal Aid provides free services to low-income residents. They help with bankruptcy and other civil matters. Alameda County residents can apply through their office. The State Bar of California runs a lawyer referral service. You can find a bankruptcy attorney in your area through their website. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations.

The Northern District court website has self-help resources. You can find forms, instructions, and local rules there. The federal forms page has all required documents. Many people file successfully without a lawyer using these materials.

The Federal Trade Commission provides guides on credit counseling at consumer.ftc.gov. This helps you find approved providers for the required courses. Always verify a counselor is approved before paying.

Note: Verify any attorney's license through the State Bar before hiring them.

Cities in Alameda County

Alameda County includes several major East Bay cities. All residents file bankruptcy through the Northern District court at the Oakland division. Here are the largest cities in the county.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Alameda County. Some are in different federal court divisions.