Los Angeles County Bankruptcy Records

Los Angeles County bankruptcy records are part of the Central District of California court system. The county has more than 10 million residents, making it the most populous in the state. Residents who need to search bankruptcy filings can use PACER or visit the courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. This page covers how to find and access Los Angeles County bankruptcy records, including court locations, search methods, and filing information for the area.

Los Angeles County Bankruptcy Court

The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all bankruptcy cases for Los Angeles County residents. This is the busiest bankruptcy court in the nation. It processes more filings than any other federal court. The main courthouse sits in downtown Los Angeles at 255 E. Temple Street.

A second location serves the San Fernando Valley area. That court is at 21041 Burbank Blvd. in Woodland Hills. Both courts handle Los Angeles County bankruptcy records. Where you file depends on your address within the county. The court assigns cases based on zip code.

The Los Angeles office is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. You can call (213) 894-3118 for the main office. The San Fernando Valley location has a separate number at (818) 587-2900. Staff at both locations can help with questions about Los Angeles County bankruptcy filings.

The court's website provides local rules, forms, and case lookup tools for Los Angeles County.

Search Los Angeles County Bankruptcy Records

PACER is the main tool for searching Los Angeles County bankruptcy records online. It gives you access to all case files from home. The fee is 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document. Most users with low usage pay nothing due to quarterly fee waivers.

To search, go to pacer.uscourts.gov and create a free account. Once logged in, select the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. Enter a name or case number to find records. The system shows the docket, filed documents, and case status for any Los Angeles County bankruptcy filing.

You can also use the Voice Case Information System for free. Call (866) 222-8029 any time. The system works 24 hours a day. Enter a case number or name to hear basic case information. This is a good way to check case status without paying PACER fees.

In-person searches are free at either Los Angeles courthouse. Walk in during business hours and use the public terminals. Staff can help you find records and navigate the system. You only pay if you want printed copies of documents.

Filing Bankruptcy in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County residents file bankruptcy at the Central District court. Most people hire a lawyer, but you can file on your own. The court calls this "pro se" filing. Either way, you use the same forms and follow the same rules.

The filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338. Chapter 13 costs $313 to file. Chapter 11 business cases cost $1,738. These fees go to the court. Low-income filers may qualify for a fee waiver or payment plan. Ask the clerk about options if you cannot afford the full fee.

You must complete credit counseling before filing. This is a federal rule. Take the course from an approved provider within 180 days of filing. After your case ends, you take a second course on debt management. Without these courses, your case will not proceed in Los Angeles County or anywhere else.

All bankruptcy forms are federal. Download them from uscourts.gov. The main form is the voluntary petition. You also need schedules listing your assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test form determines which chapter you qualify for. Your completed forms become part of the public Los Angeles County bankruptcy record.

California Bankruptcy Exemptions for Los Angeles Residents

California lets you choose between two exemption systems. This choice matters for Los Angeles County filers. System 1 protects more home equity. System 2 offers a large wildcard exemption. You pick one or the other.

System 1 provides a homestead exemption up to $722,507. Given Los Angeles home values, this protects many homeowners fully. The actual amount depends on the county median home price. Los Angeles has some of the highest home values in the state, so the maximum exemption often applies here.

System 2 works better for renters or those with minimal home equity. It offers a wildcard exemption worth up to $38,700. You can apply this to any property. That helps protect cars, bank accounts, or other assets. Many Los Angeles County filers who rent choose System 2.

Note: Your exemption choice appears in your bankruptcy records. Talk to a lawyer about which system fits your situation.

Types of Bankruptcy Cases in Los Angeles County

Chapter 7 is the most common type filed in Los Angeles County. It wipes out most debts in a few months. You may have to give up some property, but exemptions protect most assets. About 78% of California filers use Chapter 7.

Chapter 13 lets you keep property while repaying debts over time. You make monthly payments for three to five years. This works well for people with steady income who want to catch up on mortgage or car payments. About 20% of Los Angeles County bankruptcy filings are Chapter 13.

Chapter 11 covers business reorganization. Companies use this to restructure while staying open. It is complex and expensive. Only about 1.5% of filings use Chapter 11, but Los Angeles sees many of these cases due to its large business community. High-profile company bankruptcies often go through the Los Angeles court.

Each type creates different records. Chapter 7 files are usually smaller. Chapter 13 cases include payment plans and completion documents. Chapter 11 records can be extensive with many motions and orders. All are searchable through PACER for Los Angeles County.

Legal Help for Los Angeles County Bankruptcy

Several resources help Los Angeles County residents with bankruptcy. Legal aid groups offer free help to those who qualify based on income.

The Bankruptcy Law Center at Loyola Law School runs a clinic for low-income filers. Students work under lawyer supervision to help prepare cases. Bet Tzedek Legal Services also helps with bankruptcy matters for qualifying clients. The Los Angeles County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service where you can find a bankruptcy attorney.

For self-help resources, the Central District court website has guides and forms. The federal forms page provides all required documents. Many Los Angeles County residents successfully file on their own using these resources.

Before hiring a lawyer, check their background. The California State Bar website lets you verify any attorney's license and disciplinary history. This protects you from unlicensed practitioners who sometimes target people in financial trouble.

Cities in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County contains 88 incorporated cities plus many unincorporated areas. All residents file bankruptcy through the Central District court. Here are some of the major cities in Los Angeles County.

Nearby Counties

These counties neighbor Los Angeles County and may have different court jurisdictions.