Kings County Bankruptcy Records

Kings County bankruptcy records are filed with the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. This Central Valley county has approximately 153,000 residents and relies heavily on agriculture, dairy farming, and food processing. When financial hardship strikes, Kings County residents can access federal bankruptcy protections. The court handles Chapter 7 liquidation, Chapter 13 payment plans, and Chapter 11 business reorganizations. The Fresno courthouse serves local filers since it is the closest court location. This page covers how to search Kings County bankruptcy records, explains the filing process, and details California exemption rules that protect property. You will find court contacts, search methods, filing costs, and legal resources serving the area.

Kings County Bankruptcy Court

The Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court serves Kings County through its Fresno courthouse. Find this location at 2500 Tulare Street, Suite 1501, Fresno, CA 93721. Call (559) 499-5800 to reach the clerk. From Hanford, the drive takes about 35 minutes north on Highway 43.

Kings County is one of 34 counties in the Eastern District, which covers more land area than any other bankruptcy district in California. Sacramento serves as headquarters with Chief Judge Christopher D. Jaime. The Fresno division handles Central Valley counties including Kings. The short drive makes court access fairly convenient for Kings County residents compared to more remote areas of the district.

Attorneys file electronically through CM/ECF. This system lets Kings 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 are 9 AM to 4 PM weekdays. Staff answer procedural questions about Kings County filings. They cannot give legal advice but can point you toward helpful resources.

Search Kings County Bankruptcy Records

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

After registering, select the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Type a name or case number. Results show all matching Kings County bankruptcy filings. Each entry links to the full docket where you can view documents, check status, and find trustee information. Most basic searches complete quickly.

The Voice Case Information System provides free phone access at (866) 222-8029. The automated system operates around the clock. Enter a case number or spell a party name. You hear basic case details like status and key dates. This suits Kings County residents who need quick information without logging into a computer.

In-person searches are free at the Fresno courthouse during business hours. Public terminals let you access case records. Staff can help with navigation. Printing costs extra. The relatively short drive from Kings County makes in-person visits practical for some residents.

Note: All bankruptcy records are public information unless sealed by specific court order.

Filing Bankruptcy in Kings County

Kings County residents file bankruptcy through the 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. Cannot afford the fee? Request a waiver or installment plan. The court considers financial hardship. Cost should not prevent Kings County residents from accessing bankruptcy protection when they need it.

Credit counseling is required before filing. This federal requirement applies everywhere. Take an approved course within 180 days before your filing date. Keep the certificate. A second course on debt management is required before discharge. Both courses work online or by phone, convenient for Kings County residents.

Get bankruptcy forms from uscourts.gov. Start with the voluntary petition. Complete schedules listing all debts, assets, income, and expenses. The means test determines Chapter 7 eligibility. Kings County filers earning below California medians usually qualify automatically. Higher earners may still qualify after accounting for allowed expense deductions.

Bankruptcy Exemptions for Kings County Filers

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

System 1 under CCP 704 helps homeowners most. The homestead exemption can reach $722,507 depending on circumstances. Kings County home values are generally moderate, so the exemption typically covers full equity for local homeowners. System 1 also exempts vehicles up to $8,625, tools of trade up to $10,950, jewelry up to $10,950, and all retirement accounts.

System 2 under CCP 703 benefits renters. Its wildcard exemption totals up to $38,700 and applies to any property. This comes from a $1,950 base plus up to $36,750 of unused homestead protection. Without a home to shield, Kings County renters can use the wildcard for cars, savings, farm equipment, or other assets. Non-homeowners often prefer System 2.

You need 730 consecutive days of California residency to use state exemptions. That equals two full years. Recent arrivals may use their prior state's exemptions. Sometimes federal exemptions apply instead. An attorney can help determine which rules work best for your situation.

Note: Your exemption election appears in your bankruptcy filing and generally cannot be changed once the case proceeds.

Types of Bankruptcy Cases in Kings County

Chapter 7 is most common in Kings County. It eliminates unsecured debts in about four months. You might surrender some property, but exemptions protect most assets. Around 78% of California bankruptcies use Chapter 7. This fits those 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 Kings County homeowners catch up on mortgages or car payments. Roughly 20% of filings use Chapter 13. Regular income is required since monthly payments continue throughout the plan.

Chapter 11 handles business reorganization. Companies continue operating during restructuring. The process costs more and takes longer. Kings County sees Chapter 11 filings from agricultural operations and dairy businesses. Chapter 12 exists specifically for family farmers and fishermen, providing specialized relief for farm debt.

Each chapter creates 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. All Kings County bankruptcy records are public and searchable through PACER.

Legal Resources for Kings County Bankruptcy

Several resources assist Kings County residents with bankruptcy. Central California Legal Services helps low-income individuals with legal matters. Income limits apply. Contact them about bankruptcy assistance in Kings County. The U.S. Trustee Program lists approved credit counseling and debtor education providers.

Private attorneys in Hanford and Fresno handle Kings County bankruptcy cases. Many offer free initial consultations. Ask about experience with agricultural debt if farming is involved. The Eastern District's Fresno division sees substantial farm-related filings.

The court website provides self-help materials for pro se filers. Guides explain each step. Sample forms show proper completion. Kings County residents have successfully completed bankruptcies without attorneys using these tools, though complex situations benefit from professional help.

Before hiring any lawyer, verify credentials through the State Bar of California. Check for active licensure and disciplinary history. Ask about experience with the Eastern District specifically. Knowledge of local trustees, judges, and procedures helps your Kings County case run smoothly.

Nearby Counties

These counties neighbor Kings County and share the Eastern District bankruptcy court.