Search Sacramento County Bankruptcy Records

Sacramento County bankruptcy records are filed through the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. With over 1.5 million residents, Sacramento County is the seventh most populous in California. The city of Sacramento serves as both county seat and state capital. The main bankruptcy courthouse sits right in downtown Sacramento at 501 I Street. You can search records online through PACER or visit the courthouse in person. This guide explains how to access Sacramento County bankruptcy case information, understand the filing process, and find legal help.

Sacramento County Bankruptcy Court

The Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court headquarters sits at 501 I Street, Suite 3-200 in downtown Sacramento. This is the main courthouse for the entire Eastern District, which covers 34 counties. Sacramento County generates the highest volume of filings in the district. Call (916) 930-4400 to reach the clerk's office.

Court hours run Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. The courthouse is convenient for Sacramento County residents. Public parking is available nearby. The clerk's office can help with procedural questions and filing requirements.

Electronic filing through CM/ECF is available for attorneys. Self-represented filers may submit documents in person at the clerk's window or by mail. The court processes hundreds of Sacramento County bankruptcy filings each month.

The Eastern District also has courthouses in Fresno and Modesto. Sacramento County residents always use the Sacramento courthouse for their filings.

How to Search Sacramento County Bankruptcy Records

PACER is the primary tool for finding Sacramento County bankruptcy records online. This federal system covers every U.S. bankruptcy court. Register for free at pacer.uscourts.gov. The cost is 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document. Most users pay nothing because quarterly usage under $30 is waived automatically.

To search Sacramento County cases, log into PACER and select the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Enter a debtor name or case number. The system returns all matching records from the district. You can view complete dockets, filed documents, and current case status. Bankruptcy petitions, schedules, and court orders are available for review.

The Voice Case Information System provides free 24/7 phone access. Dial (866) 222-8029 any time. Enter a case number or spell out a name to get basic information. This works well for quick status checks without computer access.

In-person searches are available at the Sacramento courthouse. Public computer terminals let you search for free during business hours. Staff can help you navigate the system. You only pay if you want printed copies of documents.

Note: New filings typically appear in PACER within one business day.

Filing Bankruptcy in Sacramento County

Sacramento County residents file bankruptcy at the downtown courthouse. Most people hire an attorney, but self-filing is allowed. The court calls this "pro se" filing. Either path uses the same forms and procedures.

Filing fees are federal. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. These fees go to the court. Low-income filers may request a fee waiver or payment plan. The court reviews income and expenses to decide eligibility. Many Sacramento County residents with limited means qualify for reduced fees.

Credit counseling is required before filing. Federal law mandates an approved course within 180 days of your filing date. Online and in-person options are available. A second course on financial management is needed before getting your discharge. The U.S. Trustee website lists approved providers.

All bankruptcy forms are federal. Download them from uscourts.gov. The voluntary petition is the main form. You also need schedules listing assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test determines if you qualify for Chapter 7. Your completed documents become part of the public Sacramento County bankruptcy record.

California Exemptions for Sacramento County Residents

California offers two exemption systems. Choose one. You cannot mix them. System 1 favors homeowners with significant equity. System 2 benefits renters and those with valuable personal property.

System 1 under CCP 704 provides homestead protection up to $722,507. Sacramento County home values have risen substantially over the years. Many homeowners have significant equity to protect. This system also covers vehicles up to $8,625, tools of trade up to $10,950, and unlimited retirement accounts.

System 2 under CCP Section 703.140 has a smaller homestead at $36,750 but includes a wildcard up to $38,700. Apply the wildcard to any property. Cash, vehicles, equipment, and other assets qualify. Sacramento County renters often prefer System 2.

Your exemption choice appears in your bankruptcy records. Creditors can challenge exemptions they believe are excessive. Consult with an attorney about which system works best for your situation.

Types of Sacramento County Bankruptcy Cases

Chapter 7 is the most common filing in Sacramento County. It wipes out most unsecured debts in a few months. Credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans typically qualify. About 78% of California filers use Chapter 7. You keep property covered by exemptions.

Chapter 13 creates a repayment plan lasting three to five years. This helps people catch up on mortgage or car payments. Regular income is needed for monthly payments. Many Sacramento County residents with steady jobs choose Chapter 13 to save their homes from foreclosure.

Chapter 11 serves business reorganization. Sacramento County businesses sometimes use this chapter. It allows companies to restructure debts while continuing operations. Chapter 11 is more complex and expensive than other chapters but serves an important role for larger cases.

Each type generates different records. Chapter 7 files are smaller and resolve faster. Chapter 13 includes payment plans, progress reports, and completion documents. Chapter 11 records can be extensive. All Sacramento County bankruptcy records are public and searchable through PACER.

Legal Help for Sacramento County Bankruptcy

Many options exist for Sacramento County residents seeking bankruptcy assistance. Numerous local attorneys specialize in bankruptcy law. The Sacramento County Bar Association provides lawyer referrals. Legal aid organizations serve those who cannot afford private lawyers.

Legal Services of Northern California offers free help to qualifying residents. Income limits apply. They assist with bankruptcy and other civil matters. McGeorge School of Law runs clinics that may help as well. Contact these organizations to check eligibility.

Self-help resources are available at no cost. The Eastern District court website posts local rules and guides. Federal forms are free at uscourts.gov. The Sacramento County Public Law Library has bankruptcy resources too. Many Sacramento County residents successfully file without an attorney using these materials.

Always verify attorney credentials before hiring. The California State Bar website shows license status and disciplinary records. This protects you from unlicensed practitioners.

Cities in Sacramento County

Sacramento County residents in these cities file bankruptcy at the downtown courthouse.

Nearby Counties

These counties neighbor Sacramento County in the Eastern District.