Alpine County Bankruptcy Records

Alpine County bankruptcy records are managed by the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. This small Sierra Nevada county has fewer than 1,200 residents, making it the least populous county in the state. Despite its size, Alpine County filers have full access to federal bankruptcy protections. The court handles all case types including Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 repayment plans. Residents who need to search Alpine County bankruptcy filings can use PACER online or visit the Sacramento courthouse in person. This page explains how to find and access bankruptcy case records for Alpine County residents, covering court locations, search tools, filing steps, and California exemption rules that apply to local filers.

Alpine County Bankruptcy Court Location

The Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court serves Alpine County from its Sacramento headquarters. Alpine is one of 34 counties in this district. The court sits at 501 I Street, Suite 3-200, in Sacramento. You can reach them at (916) 930-4400. The drive from Markleeville takes about two hours.

Most Alpine County residents handle their bankruptcy matters by mail or online. The court does not have a local office in the Sierra Nevada region. Electronic filing through CM/ECF lets attorneys submit documents from anywhere. Pro se filers can mail their paperwork to Sacramento or make the trip for hearings that require personal attendance.

Court hours run Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. The clerk's office can answer questions about Alpine County bankruptcy filings by phone. They help with procedural issues but cannot give legal advice. For complex questions, the court suggests speaking with a bankruptcy attorney who knows California law.

The Eastern District website has local rules, forms, and guides for Alpine County filers.

Search Alpine County Bankruptcy Records

PACER is the main way to search Alpine County bankruptcy records online. It costs 10 cents per page. There is a $3 cap per document. Users with less than $30 in quarterly charges pay nothing. The fee waiver applies automatically.

To start searching, go to pacer.uscourts.gov and set up a free account. Once logged in, pick the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Enter a name or case number to find records. The system shows dockets, filed documents, and case status for any Alpine County bankruptcy case. Results appear right away on your screen.

The Voice Case Information System offers free access by phone. Call (866) 222-8029 anytime. It works around the clock. Enter a case number or name to hear basic case data. This helps when you just need to check if a case exists or its current status.

In-person searches are free at the Sacramento courthouse. Walk in during business hours. Use the public computer terminals. Staff can help you navigate the system. You only pay if you want to print copies of documents you find. Alpine County residents can request documents by mail too. Send a written request to the court clerk with the case number and document description. Include a check for any fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the reply.

Note: The PACER Case Locator at pcl.uscourts.gov searches all federal courts at once, useful for finding cases that moved between districts.

Filing Bankruptcy in Alpine County

Alpine County residents file bankruptcy at the Sacramento courthouse. You can hire a lawyer or file on your own. The court calls self-filing "pro se." Either way, you use the same forms and follow the same rules.

Chapter 7 costs $338 to file. Chapter 13 costs $313. Chapter 11 business cases cost $1,738. These fees go to the court. If you cannot afford the fee, you may qualify for a waiver or payment plan. Ask the clerk about options available to low income filers. The court does not turn people away just because they lack funds.

Credit counseling is required before you file. This is federal law. Take the course from an approved provider within 180 days of filing. After your case ends, you take a second course on managing debt. The court will not grant a discharge without proof of both courses. All approved providers offer online or phone options, which helps Alpine County residents who live far from major cities.

Download all bankruptcy forms from uscourts.gov. The main form is the voluntary petition. You also need schedules listing assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test form determines which chapter you qualify for. Alpine County filers with income below state medians often qualify for Chapter 7 automatically.

California Bankruptcy Exemptions for Alpine County

California offers two exemption systems. Alpine County filers pick one or the other. You cannot mix them. This choice affects what property you keep.

System 1 works best for homeowners. It protects home equity up to $722,507 under certain conditions. The exact amount depends on county median home prices and your situation. Alpine County property values vary widely. Mountain homes can hold significant equity. System 1 also covers vehicles up to $8,625, tools of trade up to $10,950, and unlimited retirement accounts.

System 2 suits renters better. It has a wildcard exemption worth up to $38,700. You apply this to any property you want to keep. The homestead amount is lower at $36,750, but the wildcard makes up for it if you do not own real estate. Many Alpine County residents who rent choose System 2.

You must have lived in California for 730 days to use state exemptions. That is two full years. Recent arrivals use their prior state's rules. If you moved from a state with poor exemptions, you might qualify for federal exemptions instead. This gets complicated. A bankruptcy lawyer can help you sort through the rules and pick the best option for your situation.

Note: Your exemption choice appears in your bankruptcy filing and cannot be changed once the case proceeds past a certain point.

Types of Alpine County Bankruptcy Cases

Chapter 7 is most common. It wipes out debts in a few months. You might give up some property, but exemptions protect most assets. About 78% of California filers use Chapter 7. It works well for people with more debt than assets and limited income.

Chapter 13 lets you keep property while paying back debts over time. Payments last three to five years. This helps people catch up on mortgage or car payments they fell behind on. About 20% of filings use Chapter 13. You need steady income to qualify since you must make regular payments to a trustee.

Chapter 11 covers business reorganization. Companies use this to restructure while staying open. It is expensive and complex. Few Alpine County cases use Chapter 11 given the small local business community. The process involves detailed disclosure statements and creditor voting on a reorganization plan.

Each chapter creates different records. Chapter 7 files are usually small. Chapter 13 cases include payment plans and completion documents spanning years. Chapter 11 records can be extensive with many motions, objections, and court orders. All Alpine County bankruptcy records are searchable through PACER regardless of chapter.

Legal Help for Alpine County Bankruptcy

Finding a bankruptcy attorney in Alpine County can be challenging due to the small population. Most residents work with lawyers in Carson City, Nevada, or the Sacramento area. The U.S. Trustee Program maintains lists of approved credit counseling and debtor education providers.

Legal aid organizations serve Alpine County though their offices are elsewhere. California has several nonprofits that help low-income people with bankruptcy. Call ahead to check if they serve your area and what income limits apply. Some offer phone consultations that work well for remote residents.

The Eastern District court website provides self-help resources. You can find guides, sample forms, and instructional materials. Pro se filers in Alpine County have successfully completed cases using these tools. The court staff cannot give legal advice but can answer procedural questions.

Before hiring any lawyer, check their background. The State Bar of California website lets you verify an attorney's license and see any disciplinary history. This protects you from unlicensed practitioners who sometimes target people in financial trouble. Ask about their experience with the Eastern District and cases similar to yours.

Nearby Counties

These counties neighbor Alpine County in the Eastern District and share the same bankruptcy court.