Search Solano County Bankruptcy Records

Solano County bankruptcy records are filed through the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. This Bay Area county has about 460,000 residents. Fairfield serves as the county seat. The Sacramento courthouse handles all Solano County bankruptcy filings. You can search records online through PACER or use the free phone system for case status checks. This page explains how to access Solano County bankruptcy case information, understand the filing process, and find legal help for debt relief.

Solano County Bankruptcy Court Information

The Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Solano County bankruptcy cases. The main courthouse is in Sacramento at 501 I Street, Suite 3-200. Sacramento is about 45 miles from Fairfield. Call (916) 930-4400 to reach the clerk's office.

Solano County sits between the Bay Area and Sacramento. The economy includes Travis Air Force Base, healthcare, and growing tech sector jobs. When financial hardship strikes, bankruptcy offers a path forward. The Eastern District court provides services to all Solano County residents.

Court hours run Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Attorneys file electronically through CM/ECF. Self-represented filers may submit documents in person or by mail. The drive to Sacramento is manageable for most Solano County residents.

How to Search Solano County Bankruptcy Records

PACER is the primary tool for finding Solano County bankruptcy records online. This federal system covers every U.S. bankruptcy court. Register for free at pacer.uscourts.gov. The fee is 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document. Users spending under $30 quarterly get automatic fee waivers.

Log into PACER and select the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. Enter a debtor name or case number to search. Results show all matching records from Solano 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 day or night. The automated system provides basic case data. Enter a case number or spell out a name for information. This is useful for quick status checks.

In-person searches are available at the Sacramento courthouse. Public terminals let you search for free during business hours. Staff can help navigate the system. Printed copies have a small fee.

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

Filing Bankruptcy in Solano County

Solano 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 income to decide eligibility. Many Solano County residents with limited means 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 are convenient and available any time. 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 along with schedules of assets, debts, income, and expenses. The means test determines Chapter 7 eligibility. Your documents become part of the public Solano County bankruptcy record.

California Exemptions for Solano County Residents

California offers two exemption systems. Choose one. Mixing is not allowed. System 1 favors homeowners. System 2 benefits renters and those with less home equity.

System 1 under CCP 704 provides homestead protection up to $722,507. Solano County home values have risen over the years. Many homeowners have significant equity to protect. 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. Cash, vehicles, and equipment qualify. Solano County renters often prefer this system.

Your exemption choice appears in your bankruptcy records. Talk with an attorney about which system fits your situation.

Bankruptcy Case Types in Solano County

Chapter 7 is the most common filing in Solano County. It eliminates 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 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 for monthly payments. Many Solano County residents with steady jobs choose Chapter 13 to save their homes.

Chapter 11 serves business reorganization. Some Solano County business owners use this chapter. It allows companies to restructure debts while continuing operations.

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

Legal Help for Solano County Bankruptcy

Several options exist for Solano County residents seeking bankruptcy help. Local attorneys in Fairfield, Vacaville, and Vallejo handle these cases. The Solano 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. 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 Solano County residents successfully file without an attorney.

Always verify attorney credentials. The California State Bar website shows license status and disciplinary records.

Cities in Solano County

Solano County residents in these cities file bankruptcy through the Sacramento courthouse.

Nearby Counties

These counties neighbor Solano County.