San Bernardino County Bankruptcy Records

San Bernardino County bankruptcy records are handled by the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court at the Riverside division. This is the largest county by land area in the lower 48 states, covering over 20,000 square miles with a population of more than 2.1 million people. Residents searching for bankruptcy cases can use PACER online or visit the court in Riverside. This page explains how to access San Bernardino County bankruptcy filings, including court locations, search procedures, and filing information. Whether you are a creditor checking on a debtor or someone researching your own case, you will find the steps to view these public records here.

San Bernardino County Bankruptcy Court Location

The Central District of California Bankruptcy Court serves San Bernardino County from its Riverside division. The courthouse sits at 3420 Twelfth Street, Riverside, CA 92501. Call (951) 774-1000 for case status or filing questions. San Bernardino County does not have its own federal bankruptcy courthouse, so all matters go through Riverside.

The Riverside court handles both San Bernardino and Riverside County bankruptcy filings. This makes it one of the busiest divisions in the Central District. Public terminals are available for searching records without charge. Staff can assist with basic questions about court procedures.

Court hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Federal holidays close the office. If you live in San Bernardino County, plan for the drive to Riverside when you need to appear in person. Some hearings happen by phone or video, which reduces travel needs.

The district court main phone line at (855) 460-9641 can also answer general questions about San Bernardino County filings.

Search San Bernardino County Bankruptcy Records

PACER provides online access to San Bernardino County bankruptcy records. It stores case files, docket sheets, and filed documents. Fees are 10 cents per page, capped at $3 per document. Users who spend less than $30 per quarter pay nothing.

To begin, go to pacer.uscourts.gov and register for free. Log in and select Central District of California from the list. Enter a debtor name, case number, or partial Social Security number to find matching records. The system returns all San Bernardino County bankruptcy cases that fit your search terms.

The Voice Case Information System offers free phone access at (866) 222-8029. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can check case status, filing dates, and trustee assignments without paying anything. This helps when you just need quick information.

In-person searches at the Riverside courthouse are free. Walk in during business hours and use the public terminals. Staff members can help you navigate if you are new to court records research.

Note: If you are unsure whether a bankruptcy was filed in California, use the PACER Case Locator to search all federal courts at once.

Filing Bankruptcy in San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County residents file bankruptcy at the Riverside courthouse. You can hire an attorney or file on your own as a pro se debtor. The same forms and rules apply either way.

Filing fees depend on the chapter. Chapter 7 costs $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. Chapter 11 costs $1,738. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask about installment plans or fee waivers. The court has forms for requesting fee reductions based on income.

Federal law requires credit counseling before filing. You must complete an approved course within 180 days of your filing date. The course usually takes about an hour and costs $20 to $50. After your case ends, a second course on money management is required before discharge. These steps apply to all San Bernardino County bankruptcy filers no matter which chapter they use.

Forms are federal and available at uscourts.gov. The main documents include the voluntary petition, schedules of assets and debts, income statements, expense statements, and the means test. Your completed forms become part of the public San Bernardino County bankruptcy record.

California Exemptions for San Bernardino County

California gives filers two exemption systems to choose from. San Bernardino County residents must pick one. You cannot combine exemptions from both.

System 1 works best for homeowners. It offers a homestead exemption up to $722,507. San Bernardino County home values vary widely depending on location, but many residents benefit from this high protection. System 1 also covers vehicles up to $8,625, tools of trade up to $10,950, and unlimited retirement accounts. No wildcard exemption exists in System 1.

System 2 suits renters and those with little home equity. The homestead is $36,750, but you get a wildcard exemption up to $38,700 that protects any property. Many San Bernardino County filers who rent or whose homes have minimal equity prefer System 2 because of this flexibility.

Your choice appears in your bankruptcy filing and cannot be changed later. Talk to an attorney about which system better protects your specific assets.

Types of Bankruptcy Cases in San Bernardino County

Chapter 7 is filed most often in San Bernardino County. It wipes out unsecured debts in about three to four months. You might give up some property, but exemptions protect most things people own. The Inland Empire has a high rate of Chapter 7 filings.

Chapter 13 offers a repayment plan. Debtors pay a trustee each month for three to five years. This helps people catch up on mortgages or vehicle loans while keeping property. San Bernardino County sees many Chapter 13 cases from homeowners trying to save their homes from foreclosure.

Chapter 11 handles business reorganization. It lets companies restructure while staying open. The process is longer and more expensive than other chapters. Some San Bernardino County businesses use Chapter 11 when they need time to turn things around without liquidating.

Each chapter type creates different record sizes. Chapter 7 files are typically smaller. Chapter 13 files include plan documents and trustee reports over several years. Chapter 11 files can contain hundreds of documents. All San Bernardino County bankruptcy records are searchable through PACER.

Legal Help for San Bernardino County Residents

Several organizations help San Bernardino County residents with bankruptcy. Low-income individuals may qualify for free legal assistance.

Inland Counties Legal Services provides help to eligible residents in San Bernardino County. The San Bernardino County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service where you can find bankruptcy attorneys. The U.S. Trustee Program website lists approved credit counseling agencies you must use before filing.

Self-help resources are available on the Central District court website. Many San Bernardino County residents file successfully on their own using court forms and guides. The clerk's office answers procedural questions during business hours but cannot give legal advice.

Verify any attorney through the California State Bar website before hiring. This protects you from unlicensed people who target those in financial trouble.

Cities in San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County has 24 incorporated cities plus large unincorporated areas. All residents file at the Riverside court. Here are cities with populations over 50,000.

Nearby Counties

These counties neighbor San Bernardino County. Most share the same Central District court system.