Shasta County Bankruptcy Records

Shasta County bankruptcy records are processed by the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. This Northern California county has about 180,000 residents. Redding serves as both county seat and largest city. The Sacramento courthouse handles all Shasta County bankruptcy filings. You can search records online through PACER or use the free phone system for case status. This guide explains how to access Shasta County bankruptcy case information, understand filing procedures, and find legal resources for debt relief.

Shasta County Bankruptcy Court Information

The Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Shasta County bankruptcy cases. The main courthouse is in Sacramento at 501 I Street, Suite 3-200. Sacramento is about 160 miles from Redding. Call (916) 930-4400 to reach the clerk's office with questions.

Shasta County anchors the northern portion of the Eastern District. The region includes outdoor recreation, healthcare, and retail industries. Economic ups and downs affect residents here as anywhere else. The court provides full services to Shasta County residents despite the distance to Sacramento.

Court hours run Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Attorneys file electronically through CM/ECF. Self-represented filers often submit documents by mail given the distance. The court accepts mailed filings from Shasta County residents.

Search Shasta County Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER provides the best way to find Shasta County bankruptcy records. 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. Users spending under $30 quarterly pay nothing.

Log into PACER and select the Eastern District of California. Enter a debtor name or case number. The system returns all matching records from Shasta County and the broader district. View complete dockets, filed documents, and case status information.

The Voice Case Information System offers free phone access. Call (866) 222-8029 any time. The automated system provides basic case data around the clock. Enter a case number or name for information. This works well for quick status checks.

In-person searches require travel to Sacramento. Public terminals are available free during business hours. Given the distance from Shasta County, online PACER access is more practical for most residents.

Note: Online searches save Shasta County residents a long drive to Sacramento.

Filing Bankruptcy in Shasta County

Shasta County residents file bankruptcy at the Sacramento courthouse. You can hire a lawyer or file on your own. Self-filing is called "pro se." The same forms and rules apply regardless of which path you choose.

The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. These are federal court fees. Low-income filers may request a fee waiver or payment plan. The court reviews your financial situation. Many Shasta County residents with limited income qualify for reduced fees.

Credit counseling is mandatory before filing. Federal law requires an approved course within 180 days of your filing date. Online courses work well for Shasta County residents. A second course is needed before getting your discharge. The U.S. Trustee website lists approved providers.

All forms are federal and available at uscourts.gov. Complete the voluntary petition and schedules of assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test determines Chapter 7 eligibility. Your documents become part of the public Shasta County bankruptcy record.

California Exemptions for Shasta County Filers

California offers two exemption systems. Pick one. Mixing is not allowed. System 1 favors homeowners with equity. System 2 benefits renters and those with valuable personal property.

System 1 under CCP 704 provides homestead protection up to $722,507. Shasta County home values are lower than coastal regions. Many homeowners can protect their entire equity. The 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. Vehicles, equipment, and bank accounts qualify. Shasta County renters often prefer this system.

Your exemption choice shows in your bankruptcy records. Creditors may challenge claims they believe are excessive. Talk with an attorney about which system fits your needs.

Bankruptcy Case Types in Shasta County

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

Chapter 13 creates a payment plan over three to five years. This helps people catch up on mortgages or car loans. Regular income is needed to make monthly payments. Some Shasta County residents choose Chapter 13 to save their homes from foreclosure.

Chapter 12 is available for family farmers. Shasta County has some agricultural operations. This chapter offers flexible rules for farm income. It may apply to qualifying local farmers and ranchers.

Each type generates different records. Chapter 7 files are smaller. Chapter 13 includes payment plans and progress reports. All Shasta County bankruptcy records are searchable through PACER.

Legal Help for Shasta County Bankruptcy

Several options exist for Shasta County residents seeking bankruptcy help. Local attorneys in Redding handle these cases. The Shasta County Bar Association provides 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. Contact them to check if you qualify for assistance.

Self-help resources are available online. The Eastern District court website posts local rules and guides. Federal forms are free at uscourts.gov. Many Shasta County residents successfully file without an attorney.

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

Cities in Shasta County

Shasta County residents in this city file bankruptcy through the Sacramento courthouse.

Nearby Counties

These counties neighbor Shasta County in the Eastern District.