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Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions Lawyers

Exemptions In Federal Law

A debtor who files bankruptcy under federal law must follow 11 U.S.C. 522 when claiming exemptions. Some of the major exemptions that may be available to a person filing bankruptcy under federal law are listed below, with a brief description of each exemption. A lawyer should be consulted to determine the particulars of each exemption and to determine all available exemptions that may be filed.

  • Homestead (equity in dwelling used as residence)
    - Up to $18,450 in value
  • Equity in automobile
    - Up to $2,950 in value in one motor vehicle
  • Personal property
    - Household items (Animals, appliances, furniture, clothes, etc.), up to $450 each item totaling $9,850 in value
    - Jewelry and heirlooms: up to $1225 in value
  • Tools of the trade
    - Up to $1850 in value
  • Insurance
    - Disability benefits
    - Unmatured life insurance is also usually exempt
  • Pensions
    - ERISA qualified benefits needed for support
    - Amount reasonably necessary for support of debtor and dependants
  • Public benefits
    - Unemployment
    - Workers compensation
    - Public assistance
    - Social security
    - Veteran's benefits
  • Alimony and child support
    - Amount reasonably necessary for support of debtor and dependants

Do I Need a Bankruptcy Lawyer?
Bankruptcy is a very complicated process and filing an exemption incorrectly can lead to that property being seized, even if the property would have been exempt had the exemption been filed correctly. A bankruptcy lawyer knows the ins and outs of filing for bankruptcy, and can recommend what chapter of bankruptcy is right for you, ensuring that your exemptions are filed correctly.

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