Search Contra Costa County Bankruptcy Records

Contra Costa County bankruptcy records are maintained by the Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court. This East Bay county has over 1.1 million residents who file cases through the Oakland division. Searching for bankruptcy filings is straightforward once you know where to look. The federal court system offers online access through PACER and free in-person searches at the courthouse. This page covers how to find Contra Costa County bankruptcy records, what information they contain, and how to file if you need debt relief. You will also find court contact details and links to official resources.

Contra Costa County Bankruptcy Court Info

The Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Contra Costa County bankruptcy cases. Filings go to the Oakland division since the county is in the East Bay region. The Oakland Federal Building is located at 1300 Clay Street in downtown Oakland.

You can call the court at (888) 821-7606 for general questions. The main headquarters in San Francisco is at 235 Pine Street, 19th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104. That office can be reached at (415) 268-2300. Both locations serve Contra Costa County residents, though Oakland is more convenient for most.

Court hours are 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays. Walk in to use public terminals for free record searches. The clerk can help you find cases and understand the system. Printing costs money but viewing is free. The court does not require an appointment for basic services.

Local rules and forms for Contra Costa County filings are on the court website.

Find Contra Costa County Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER is the federal system for searching Contra Costa County bankruptcy records. You need a free account to use it. Go to pacer.uscourts.gov to register. The process takes just a few minutes. Once approved, you can search any federal court.

Search costs are low. The fee is 10 cents per page. Each document is capped at $3. Users who run up less than $30 per quarter pay nothing. The court waives small balances. Most people doing occasional searches never pay a dime. For Contra Costa County records, select the Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court after logging in.

Enter a name to find someone's bankruptcy case. You can also search by case number if you have it. Results show case type, filing date, and current status. Click through to see the full docket. Every document filed in the case is listed. You can view petitions, schedules, motions, and orders.

The Voice Case Information System is free. Call (866) 222-8029 to check case status by phone. The automated system works 24 hours a day. You need a case number to use it. This is good for quick checks when you do not need documents.

Contra Costa County Bankruptcy Filing Process

Contra Costa County residents file for bankruptcy at the Northern District court. The Oakland division handles local cases. You can hire a lawyer or file on your own. The steps are the same either way.

Filing fees are set by federal law. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 is $313. Chapter 11 runs $1,738 for most filers. You cannot negotiate these amounts. However, you can ask for a waiver or payment plan if you qualify. The means test determines your eligibility for fee reduction.

Before filing, complete a credit counseling course. This is required by law. Take it within 180 days of your filing date. Approved providers are listed on the U.S. Trustee website. Most courses cost $15 to $50 and take about two hours. You get a certificate to file with your petition. A second course on financial management comes later in the case.

Forms are available at uscourts.gov. Start with the voluntary petition. Add schedules for assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test form is critical for Chapter 7. Complete everything accurately. Mistakes delay your case. All these forms become part of your Contra Costa County bankruptcy record once filed.

Note: Credit counseling certificates must be attached to your petition or the court will reject the filing.

Electronic Filing in Contra Costa County

Attorneys must file Contra Costa County bankruptcy documents through CM/ECF. This electronic system accepts filings around the clock. Documents go straight into the case record. The system sends notices to all parties automatically.

People filing without lawyers can submit paper documents. Bring them to the Oakland courthouse during business hours. The clerk scans everything into the electronic system. This takes a bit longer but works fine for pro se filers.

CM/ECF training is available for attorneys new to the system. The court offers online resources and occasional workshops. Proper use of the system keeps Contra Costa County bankruptcy records organized and accessible.

Bankruptcy Exemptions for Contra Costa County

California has two exemption systems. Contra Costa County filers choose one. This choice matters a lot. It determines what property you keep.

System 1 focuses on homestead protection. The maximum exemption reaches $722,507. Contra Costa County home values are high, so this matters here. You can protect substantial equity in your primary residence. This system also covers vehicles, tools, and personal items up to specified limits.

System 2 offers more flexibility through a wildcard. The wildcard exemption totals $38,700. Apply it to anything. Cash in the bank qualifies. So does your car or other valuable property. Renters in Contra Costa County often prefer System 2 since they have no home equity to protect anyway.

Pick the system that protects more of your assets. Your exemption elections appear in your bankruptcy records. Consider talking to a lawyer before deciding. Once you file, you cannot switch systems in that case.

Types of Bankruptcy in Contra Costa County

Chapter 7 is the most filed type in Contra Costa County. It wipes out unsecured debt in a few months. Credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans can be discharged. Most filers keep all their property under the exemptions. A trustee reviews your case but usually finds nothing to sell.

Chapter 13 suits people with steady income. You make payments for three to five years. The plan can include catching up on mortgage arrears or car loans. Some debts get reduced. Others are paid in full. At the end, remaining qualifying debts are discharged. This option helps homeowners avoid foreclosure.

Chapter 11 handles complex cases. Businesses use it to reorganize while staying open. Individuals with very high debt sometimes need Chapter 11 too. The debt limits for Chapter 13 do not apply here. Contra Costa County has many businesses, so Chapter 11 filings are not rare. These cases create extensive records.

All case types produce searchable records. Chapter 7 files are usually thin. Chapter 13 includes payment history. Chapter 11 can run to hundreds of pages. PACER provides access to all of them.

Contra Costa County Legal Resources

Free and low-cost legal help exists for Contra Costa County residents. Income limits usually apply.

Bay Area Legal Aid serves the East Bay area. They handle bankruptcy and other civil matters for those who qualify. The State Bar of California maintains a lawyer referral service. Find a bankruptcy attorney in Contra Costa County through their website. Many offer free first meetings.

Self-help resources are plentiful. The Northern District court website has instructions and forms. The official forms page provides everything you need to file. Many Contra Costa County residents successfully complete their cases without hired help.

Check any lawyer through the State Bar before hiring. Their website shows license status and disciplinary history. Unlicensed practitioners sometimes target people in debt. Protect yourself by verifying credentials. The FTC consumer site also has guides on avoiding scams related to debt relief.

Cities in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County has numerous cities and towns. All file bankruptcy through the Northern District at Oakland. Here are the major population centers.

Nearby Counties

These counties are next to Contra Costa County. They may use different court divisions.