Tehama County Bankruptcy Records

Tehama County bankruptcy records are processed through the Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court. This Northern California county has about 65,000 residents. Red Bluff serves as the county seat. The Sacramento courthouse handles all Tehama County bankruptcy filings. You can search records online through PACER or use the free phone system for case status. This page covers how to access Tehama County bankruptcy case information and find legal resources for debt relief.

Tehama County Bankruptcy Court Details

The Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court handles all Tehama County bankruptcy cases. The main courthouse is in Sacramento at 501 I Street, Suite 3-200. Sacramento is about 130 miles from Red Bluff. Call (916) 930-4400 to reach the clerk's office.

Tehama County sits along the Sacramento River in Northern California. The economy includes agriculture, timber, and ranching. Financial hardship can strike rural communities too. The court provides services to Tehama 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. The court accepts mailed filings from Tehama County residents.

Search Tehama County Bankruptcy Records Online

PACER provides online access to Tehama County bankruptcy records. This federal system covers all U.S. bankruptcy courts. Register for free at pacer.uscourts.gov. The cost is 10 cents per page with a $3 cap per document. Users with quarterly usage under $30 pay nothing.

Log into PACER and select the Eastern District of California. Enter a debtor name or case number. Results show all matching records from Tehama County and the broader district. View 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. Enter a case number or name for information.

In-person searches require traveling to Sacramento. Public terminals are available free during business hours. Online PACER access is more practical for most Tehama County residents.

Filing Bankruptcy in Tehama County

Tehama 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 your choice.

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. Many Tehama 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 rural areas like Tehama County. A second course is needed before discharge. The U.S. Trustee lists approved providers.

Federal forms are 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 Tehama County bankruptcy record.

Note: Mailing documents to Sacramento is the most practical option for many Tehama County filers.

California Exemptions for Tehama County Filers

California offers two exemption systems. Pick one. Mixing is not allowed. System 1 works better for homeowners. System 2 suits renters and those with valuable personal property.

System 1 under CCP 704 protects home equity up to $722,507. Tehama County property values are lower than urban areas. Most homeowners can protect their entire equity. The exemption also covers vehicles and tools of trade.

System 2 under CCP Section 703.140 offers a smaller homestead but includes a wildcard up to $38,700. Apply the wildcard to any property. Tehama County renters often prefer this option.

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

Bankruptcy Types in Tehama County

Chapter 7 is the most common filing. It eliminates most 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 catch up on mortgages or car loans. Regular income is needed for monthly payments.

Chapter 12 serves family farmers and ranchers. Tehama County has agricultural operations. This chapter offers flexible rules for farm income.

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

Legal Help for Tehama County Bankruptcy

Finding local bankruptcy help in Tehama County takes effort. Few attorneys practice here. Most residents work with lawyers from Redding, Chico, or Sacramento. Phone consultations bridge the distance.

Legal Services of Northern California provides free help to qualifying residents. Income limits apply. Contact them to check eligibility.

Self-help resources are available online. The court website has local rules. Federal forms are free at uscourts.gov. Many Tehama County residents file successfully without an attorney.

Verify any lawyer before hiring. The California State Bar shows license status and disciplinary records.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Tehama County in the Eastern District.