Find Fresno County Bankruptcy Records

Fresno County bankruptcy records are filed with the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. With over one million residents, Fresno County is the most populous county in the Eastern District. The city of Fresno ranks as California's fifth largest. This Central Valley hub sees substantial bankruptcy activity each year. Residents can search filings through PACER online or visit the local Fresno courthouse in person. This page explains how to access Fresno County bankruptcy records, details the filing process, and covers California exemption rules that protect property. You will find court contacts, search methods, fee information, and legal resources serving Fresno County residents facing financial difficulty.

Fresno County Bankruptcy Court

The Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court has a Fresno division that handles most Fresno County cases. Find this courthouse at 2500 Tulare Street, Suite 1501, Fresno, CA 93721. Call (559) 499-5800 to reach the clerk's office. This local courthouse means Fresno County residents avoid the long drive to Sacramento for many hearings and filings.

The Eastern District covers 34 California counties. Sacramento serves as district headquarters with Chief Judge Christopher D. Jaime. The Fresno division handles cases from Fresno and surrounding Central Valley counties. A third location in Modesto serves San Joaquin Valley communities. Having a local Fresno courthouse makes bankruptcy more accessible for the million-plus county residents.

Attorneys file electronically through CM/ECF. This system lets Fresno County lawyers submit documents without leaving their offices. Pro se filers usually submit paper documents at the Fresno courthouse or by mail. Some electronic options exist for self-represented parties who complete training.

Court hours run 9 AM to 4 PM weekdays. The Fresno clerk's office handles procedural questions about local filings. They cannot give legal advice but can direct you to resources and explain court procedures.

Search Fresno County Bankruptcy Filings Online

PACER is the main tool for finding Fresno County bankruptcy records. Register free at pacer.uscourts.gov. Fees run 10 cents per page up to $3 per document. Users with quarterly charges under $30 pay nothing due to automatic waivers.

After creating an account, select the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Type in a name or case number to search. Results show all matching Fresno County bankruptcy cases. Each entry links to the full docket. You can view filed documents, check case status, and see the assigned trustee. Most searches complete quickly.

The Voice Case Information System provides free access by phone at (866) 222-8029. The automated line runs around the clock. Enter a case number or spell a party name using your keypad. The system reads back basic case details like status and important dates. This helps when you just need quick facts without logging into a computer.

In-person research is free at the Fresno courthouse during business hours. Public terminals let you search and view case records. Staff can help with navigation. Printing costs extra. Fresno County residents benefit from having local access rather than traveling to Sacramento.

Note: The PACER Case Locator searches all federal courts nationwide, useful when you are unsure which district handled a particular filing.

Filing Bankruptcy in Fresno County

Fresno County residents file at the local Fresno courthouse. You can hire an attorney or represent yourself. Self-representation is called "pro se" filing. Either way, you follow the same rules and use the same forms.

Filing fees depend on chapter. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. Chapter 11 costs $1,738 for most filers. Cannot afford the full fee? Request a waiver or payment plan. The court evaluates financial need and grants relief to qualifying applicants. Cost should not stop Fresno County residents from getting bankruptcy protection.

Credit counseling is mandatory before filing. This federal requirement applies everywhere. Complete an approved course within 180 days of your filing date. Keep the certificate. After your case concludes, a second course on debt management must be finished before discharge. Both courses are available online and by phone. Many Fresno County filers complete them from home.

Get bankruptcy forms from uscourts.gov. The voluntary petition starts your case. Schedules list all debts, assets, income, and expenses. The means test determines Chapter 7 eligibility. Fresno County filers with income below California medians usually qualify automatically. Higher earners may still qualify after allowed expense deductions.

Bankruptcy Exemptions for Fresno County Residents

California has two exemption systems. Pick one completely. No mixing allowed. This choice shapes what property you keep.

System 1 under CCP 704 helps homeowners most. The homestead exemption can reach $722,507 depending on circumstances. Fresno County home values are generally lower than coastal California, so the exemption typically covers full equity for local homeowners. System 1 also protects vehicles up to $8,625, tools of trade up to $10,950, jewelry up to $10,950, and all retirement accounts. Bank deposits get a smaller $2,170 exemption.

System 2 under CCP 703 benefits renters. Its main feature is a wildcard exemption totaling up to $38,700. This comes from a $1,950 base plus up to $36,750 in unused homestead protection. Without a home to protect, Fresno County renters can use the wildcard for cars, savings, tools, or other assets. Many people who do not own real estate choose System 2.

You need 730 consecutive days of California residency to use state exemptions. That is two full years. If you moved to Fresno County more recently, you may have to use exemptions from your prior state. In some cases, federal exemptions apply. An attorney can analyze which rules work best for you.

Note: Your exemption election appears in your bankruptcy filing and generally cannot be changed later.

Types of Fresno County Bankruptcy Cases

Chapter 7 is most common in Fresno County. It eliminates most unsecured debts in about four months. You might give up some property, but exemptions protect essentials for most filers. Around 78% of California bankruptcies are Chapter 7. This works for people with limited income who owe more than they own.

Chapter 13 creates a payment plan lasting three to five years. You keep all property while repaying debts through a trustee. This helps Fresno County homeowners catch up on mortgage arrears or car payments. Roughly 20% of filings use Chapter 13. Regular income is required since you make monthly payments throughout the plan.

Chapter 11 reorganizes businesses. Companies continue operating while restructuring debts. The process is expensive and takes time. Fresno County sees more Chapter 11 filings than some rural areas due to its large agricultural operations. Chapter 12 exists specifically for family farmers facing financial trouble. Both chapters allow continued operations during reorganization.

Each chapter generates different records. Chapter 7 files tend to be brief. Chapter 13 files span years with payment schedules and trustee reports. Chapter 11 files can be extensive with detailed financial disclosures, creditor voting results, and reorganization plans. All Fresno County cases are public records searchable through PACER.

Legal Help for Fresno County Bankruptcy

Several resources assist Fresno County residents with bankruptcy. Central California Legal Services helps low-income individuals with legal matters including bankruptcy. Income limits apply. Contact them to check availability. The U.S. Trustee Program lists approved credit counseling and debtor education providers required for filing.

The Fresno County Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with local bankruptcy attorneys. Many offer free initial consultations. Ask about experience with agricultural debt if farming is involved. The Eastern District sees substantial farm-related filings through its Fresno division.

Self-help materials on the court website guide pro se filers step by step. Sample forms show proper completion. Instructions explain requirements. Fresno County residents have successfully completed bankruptcies without attorneys using these resources, though complicated situations usually benefit from legal help.

Before hiring any lawyer, check their credentials through the State Bar of California. Verify active licensure. Look for disciplinary history. Ask about their experience with the Eastern District's Fresno division specifically. Local knowledge of trustees, judges, and procedures helps your case proceed smoothly.

Cities in Fresno County

Fresno County includes several major cities. All residents file through the Eastern District's Fresno division.

Nearby Counties

These counties neighbor Fresno County and file through the Eastern District bankruptcy court.