Northern Division · Beverly Hills
Filing in the Northern Division (Santa Barbara)
Filing in the Northern Division means your case is heard at the courthouse at 1415 State Street in Santa Barbara. Malibu cases go there, even though Malibu is in Los Angeles County, because the court's rules name Malibu as part of the Northern Division. Call (310) 362-9071 and we will explain what that means for your case.
- 1415 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Malibu cases are heard here
- 341 meetings held by Zoom for cases filed on or after May 1, 2024
At a glance
Where the Northern Division is
The Northern Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, is in downtown Santa Barbara.
- Address: 1415 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Court phone (general information, toll free): (855) 460-9641
- Clerk's office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except federal holidays
- In-person intake: by appointment through the court's online scheduling system
This information comes from the court's Northern Division location page on cacb.uscourts.gov. Check it before any visit.
Which areas file in Santa Barbara
The Northern Division covers Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, most of Ventura County and a small part of Los Angeles County.
The court's manual names five cities that go to the Northern Division no matter which county they are in: Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park and Malibu.
That is why a Malibu bankruptcy case goes to Santa Barbara, not to downtown Los Angeles. Malibu is the only one of the 30 cities we serve that files here. Its neighbors go elsewhere. Santa Monica files in the Los Angeles Division, and Calabasas files in the San Fernando Valley Division. See the full table on which court hears my case.
What a Santa Barbara courthouse means for you
A Santa Barbara courthouse sounds far from Malibu, but you may never need to go there. Here is why.
- Your 341 meeting is by Zoom. The U.S. Trustee for Region 16 holds Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 meetings for the Northern Division by Zoom for cases filed on or after May 1, 2024. A phone option is available, and in-person meetings are rare.
- Filing is electronic. Your lawyer files your case online.
- Hearings may be remote. Each judge posts rules on whether parties may appear by video or phone.
- You meet us close to home. You meet with us in Beverly Hills or by video.
If a hearing does require someone to appear in person, we will tell you ahead of time who needs to be there.
Learn more about the 341 meeting of creditors.
If you need to go to the courthouse
If you do visit, the court's location page says the following.
- Parking. Free parking is available at the Santa Barbara courthouse. The court says to enter on Sola Street.
- Security. Be prepared to pass through a metal detector when you enter.
- Clerk's office. In-person services are by appointment. Book through the court's scheduling system first.
- Transit. Plan your route ahead of time if you are not driving.
What to watch for
- Filing a Malibu case in Los Angeles. The court's rules send it to the Northern Division.
- Assuming you must drive to Santa Barbara. Your 341 meeting is by Zoom. Check your notice.
- Using the wrong Chapter 13 trustee information. Follow the trustee instructions in the notices for your case.
- Missing mail. Make sure the court has your current address so you get every notice.
What it costs
- Chapter 7: flat attorney fee from $1,200, plus the $338 court filing fee
- Chapter 13: attorney fee quoted in writing, and part of it can be paid through the plan
- Payment plans are available, and the first consultation is free
More on the bankruptcy courts
- Which Bankruptcy Court Will Hear My Case?
- Filing in the Los Angeles Division (Roybal Federal Building)
- Filing in the San Fernando Valley Division (Woodland Hills)
- Filing in the Northern Division (Santa Barbara)
Northern Division questions
Where is the Northern Division bankruptcy court?
The Northern Division bankruptcy court is at 1415 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. It is part of the Central District of California.
Why does my Malibu bankruptcy go to Santa Barbara?
Your Malibu bankruptcy goes to Santa Barbara because the court's manual names Malibu as part of the Northern Division, regardless of county.
Will I have to drive to Santa Barbara?
You may not have to drive to Santa Barbara at all. Your 341 meeting is by Zoom for cases filed on or after May 1, 2024, and filing is electronic.
Can I file my Malibu case in Los Angeles instead?
No, you generally cannot file a Malibu case in Los Angeles instead. The court assigns cases by where you live, and its manual places Malibu in the Northern Division. A case filed in the wrong division can be moved, which adds delay. We check your address before filing so your case starts in the right place.
Is there parking at the Santa Barbara bankruptcy court?
Yes, there is free parking at the Santa Barbara bankruptcy court, according to the court. Enter on Sola Street.
Free consultation
Filing from Malibu? Start here
Call (310) 362-9071 or send the form. We will explain how a Santa Barbara case works for you.
Law Offices of John Asuncion9454 Wilshire Blvd., Penthouse Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 362-9071
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.