Bankruptcy Information by State
Learn how bankruptcy works in your state. From court locations to filing procedures, this section covers everything you need to know about filing for bankruptcy where you live.
Bankruptcy rules and state exemptions vary depending on where you live. Use these state guides to learn how to file for bankruptcy in your area. Whether you're just starting your research or ready to take the next step, this page can help you understand the state-specific rules that apply to you.
This page is your home base for learning about bankruptcy in your state.
Filter by State
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Minnesota
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Minnesota
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Mississippi
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Mississippi
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New Jersey
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New Jersey
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Washington
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Washington
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Missouri
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Missouri
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Nebraska
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Nebraska
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Maryland
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Maryland
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Wyoming
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Wyoming
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Maine
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Maine
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Nevada
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Nevada
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Virginia
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Virginia
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Alabama
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Alabama
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New Hampshire
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New Hampshire
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Massachusetts
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Massachusetts
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Oregon
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Oregon
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in South Dakota
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in South Dakota
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Texas
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Texas
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Tennessee
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Tennessee
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in South Carolina
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in South Carolina
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Rhode Island
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Rhode Island
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Pennsylvania
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Pennsylvania
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Ohio
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Ohio
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New York
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New York
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New Mexico
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New Mexico
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in North Dakota
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in North Dakota
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in North Carolina
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in North Carolina
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Montana
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Montana
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Michigan
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Michigan
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Connecticut
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Connecticut
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Delaware
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Delaware
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Indiana
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Indiana
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Washington D.C. Without a Lawyer
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Washington D.C. Without a Lawyer
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Arkansas
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Arkansas
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Kentucky
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Kentucky
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Illinois
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Illinois
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Arizona
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Arizona
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Georgia
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Georgia
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in California
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in California
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Florida
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Florida
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Colorado
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Colorado
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Alaska
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Alaska
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Hawaii
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Hawaii
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in West Virginia
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in West Virginia
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Wisconsin
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Wisconsin
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Vermont
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Vermont
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Utah
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Utah
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Oklahoma
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Oklahoma
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Idaho
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Idaho
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Iowa
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Iowa
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Kansas
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Kansas
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Louisiana
State guide for How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Louisiana
Read More →Guide To Bankruptcy Exemptions: What Can You Keep When You File Chapter 7?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy doesn’t mean losing everything. In fact, most people who file get to keep all of their property, including their home, car, clothes, and everyday household items. That’s because bankruptcy laws include exemptions, which are legal protections for the things you need to live and work.These exemptions exist to help you get a real fresh start. This guide breaks down how bankruptcy exemptions work in Chapter 7, what property they cover, and how to make sure you claim them properly. Whether you're using state or federal exemptions, understanding these protections can give you peace of mind and help you move forward.
Read More →What Are the Arizona Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Exemptions help you protect your property and assets in bankruptcy. There are both state and federal exemptions, but Arizona has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions. That means, if you’ve lived in Arizona for at least two years when you file your bankruptcy case, you have to use Arizona's exemption laws. Arizona has a generous homestead exemption of $250,000. The motor vehicle exemption is $15,000 for single filers (or $25,000 if you or a dependent is disabled). Arizona does not have a wildcard exemption.
Read More →California Bankruptcy Exemptions Explained
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Some states permit filers to choose between a set of federal bankruptcy exemptions and the state exemption system. However, California isn’t one of them. California is called an “opt-out” state, which means federal bankruptcy exemptions are not available to filers in the state. Californians filing bankruptcy have to use California exemption law.
Read More →What Are Florida's Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
If you’ve been a Florida resident for at least two years and you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you’ll need to use the state’s exemptions to protect your property. Exemptions are laws that outline how much of different kinds of property are protected when you file a bankruptcy case. Most filers see that all their property is protected. In Florida, the homestead exemption protects all the equity you have in your home, given you meet a few criteria. The motor vehicle exemption is $5,000, and if you don’t use the homestead exemption, you can apply the $4,000 wildcard exemption to your vehicle (or any other property) as well.
Read More →What Are the Texas Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Texas has more generous bankruptcy exemptions than many other states. It also allows bankruptcy filers to choose whether they want to use the Texas state bankruptcy exemptions or the federal bankruptcy exemptions. In many cases, the state exemptions are more beneficial to bankruptcy filers who own a home or car. But unlike the federal exemptions, Texas doesn’t offer a wildcard exemption to protect personal property of your choosing.
Read More →What Are the Illinois Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
If you’ve been an Illinois resident for at least two years, you’ll need to use the state’s exemptions if you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Exemptions help you protect important property, from your household furnishings and clothing to your car and retirement accounts. The homestead exemption in Illinois is $15,000 (or $30,000 if you’re married and filing jointly). The motor vehicle exemption is $2,400. Illinois also offers a $4,000 wildcard exemption.
Read More →What Are the Ohio Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Bankruptcy exemptions are rules that allow people who file for bankruptcy to keep certain important items instead of having to sell them to repay their debts. If you’re filing bankruptcy in Ohio, you must use the state’s exemptions to protect your property. Ohio has a homestead exemption of up to $182,625 for individual filers, a $5,025 motor vehicle exemption, and a $1,675 wildcard exemption. It also has exemptions for personal property and money benefits.
Read More →What Are the Michigan Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
If you’ve lived in Michigan for at least two years when you file bankruptcy, you can choose between the state’s exemptions or the federal bankruptcy exemptions. Both have the same aim — to help you protect your property. Michigan has a higher homestead exemption than the federal government ($46,125 vs. $31,575). But if you aren’t a homeowner, the federal exemptions for personal property, including your vehicle, are more generous.
Read More →What Are the Virginia Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Virginia bankruptcy exemptions let you keep certain property—like your home, car, and household items—when you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. These exemptions are grouped by category and have dollar limits that protect the value of specific types of property, including personal items, wages, and public benefits. Unlike some states, Virginia does not let you choose between state and federal bankruptcy exemptions—you must use the Virginia list. If your property falls within these exemption limits, you can likely keep it, even while clearing away your unsecured debts. Understanding how exemptions work can help you protect the things that matter most as you get a fresh financial start.
Read More →What Are the New York Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Attorney Karra Kingston. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Bankruptcy exemptions are laws that allow people filing for bankruptcy to retain their essential belongings, instead of losing everything to pay off debts. These laws vary from state to state. If you have lived in New York for at least two years and you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will use the state's exemptions to protect your personal property, like your car, from being seized. The homestead exemption in New York varies based on where your residence is located. The motor vehicle exemption is $4,825 (or $11,975 if your car is equipped for a disabled person). New York also has a $1,100 wildcard exemption.
Read More →What Are the Idaho Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Attorney Eva Bacevice. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Exemptions help you protect what you own when you file bankruptcy. If you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy as an Idaho resident, you must use the state’s exemption laws. Idaho provides a generous homestead exemption up to $175,000 and a motor vehicle exemption of $10,000. Additionally, Idaho offers a wildcard exemption of $800, which you can apply to any property you choose.
Read More →What Are the New Jersey Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Attorney Eva Bacevice. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Every state has its own set of bankruptcy exemptions. There is also a set of federal bankruptcy exemptions contained in the United States Bankruptcy Code. Several states, including New Jersey, allow residents to choose between taking the New Jersey bankruptcy exemptions and the federal exemptions. It’s important to note that you have to pick one set of exemptions and stick to it, you can’t pick and choose from both New Jersey exemptions and federal, rather go with the set that gives you the most protection. If you decide to go with the state exemptions you can also use the federal nonbankruptcy exemptions as a supplement, so long as you meet the qualifications.
Read More →What Are the Colorado Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Bankruptcy exemptions help bankruptcy filers protect the property they own so they don't have to start over with nothing after their debts are discharged. Colorado has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions, so residents must use the state exemptions instead. Fortunately, Colorado has generous bankruptcy exemptions, including a $250,000 homestead exemption (for filers under 60) and a $15,000 motor vehicle exemption.
Read More →What Are the Indiana Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Attorney Karra Kingston. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
If you’ve been an Indiana resident for at least two years when you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you’ll be required to use the state’s bankruptcy exemptions to protect your property and belongings. Indiana offers a $22,750 homestead exemption you can use to help protect your primary residence. There is no motor vehicle exemption in Indiana, but you can use the state’s $12,100 wildcard exemption to protect your car and other personal property.
Read More →What Are the Tennessee Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Attorney Karra Kingston. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Exemptions help bankruptcy filers protect their property and assets. If you're looking to file bankruptcy and exempt your property in Tennessee, you'll be limited to Tennessee’s exemptions only. Filers in Tennessee can't use the federal exemptions. That said, you can use federal nonbankruptcy exemptions to protect certain retirement accounts and disability benefits.
Read More →What Are the Minnesota Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Attorney Karra Kingston. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Exemptions are used to protect your property and assets as you go trhough bankruptcy. You can choose from two sets of exemptions when you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Minnesota — federal bankruptcy exemptions and Minnesota bankruptcy exemptions. If you choose to use Minnesota’s bankruptcy exemptions, you may also use the federal nonbankruptcy exemptions to protect retirement accounts and disability benefits.
Read More →What Are the Alabama Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Attorney Karra Kingston. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Alabama residents of at least two years filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy will need to use the state’s exemptions to protect their personal property during the case. Alabama’s homestead exemption is $18,800 (as of July 1, 2023). It also offers a $9,400 wildcard exemption that you can use to protect most types of personal property, including a vehicle, with a few exceptions. Filers in Alabama can also use the federal non-bankruptcy exemptions to protect certain benefits and retirement funds.
Read More →Homestead Exemption 101: How It Works in Bankruptcy
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
The homestead exemption helps protect the equity in your home if you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This protection makes it possible for many homeowners to get relief from credit card debt, medical bills, and other unsecured debts without losing their house. There’s a federal exemption, and each state sets its own exemption rules. How much home equity you can protect depends on where you live. If your equity goes over the exemption limit, you may still have options, including Chapter 13 bankruptcy and other forms of debt relief.
Read More →What Are the Massachusetts Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Attorney Kassandra Kuehl. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Massachusetts law allows for most residents to choose between federal bankruptcy exemptions and state exemptions to property that could be affected by the bankruptcy process. The only time that this choice is not available is if a filer is a new Massachusetts resident and has lived in the state for less than two years. By examining each approach below, you can determine whether your case will be served best by applying Massachusetts exemptions or by claiming those available under federal law. Oftentimes, both schemes do an equally adequate job of safeguarding a filer’s property. But sometimes, it’s advantageous to choose one option over the other.
Read More →What Are the Utah Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Attorney Kassandra Kuehl. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Utah law requires residents who have lived in the state for at least two years to use its state exemptions when filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Exemptions protect your property during the bankruptcy process so that you can get a financial fresh start without having to start from scratch. If you’re filing as a single person, the homestead exemption in Utah is $42,000. The motor vehicle exemption is $3,000. Utah doesn’t offer a wildcard exemption.
Read More →What Are the South Carolina Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Attorney Kassandra Kuehl. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Only 17 states allow their residents to choose between claiming state exemptions and federal bankruptcy exemptions. South Carolina is not one of these states. Instead, South Carolina law provides residents with state-specific exemptions and does not allow its residents to claim federal exemptions. While some federal law in the Bankruptcy Code does influence how some South Carolina exemptions are structured, the kinds of exempt property filers can claim and the exemption amounts that apply to bankruptcy cases are state-specific. It’s important to note that if you have lived in South Carolina for less than 2 years, you may not be able to claim South Carolina’s exemptions to your property.
Read More →What Are the Arkansas Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Attorney Kassandra Kuehl. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
If you’ve lived in Arkansas for at least two years and you’re filing Chapter 7, you can choose between the federal or state bankruptcy exemptions. Bankruptcy exemptions are laws that help you protect your property when you file your case. For many types of property and belongings, federal exemptions are more generous for filers. However, Arkansas does have a generous acreage-based homestead exemption, which can be useful if you’re a homeowner.
Read More →What Are the Georgia Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Attorney Karra Kingston. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
If you’ve been a Georgia resident for the last two years before you file Chapter 7, you’ll need to use the state’s exemptions to protect your property during your bankruptcy. Exemptions are laws that outline what property you can keep during bankruptcy. The Georgia homestead exemption is $21,500. The motor vehicle exemption is $5,000. Georgia also has a wildcard exemption you can use to protect other personal property up to $1,200. If you don’t use the full homestead exemption, you can apply up to $10,000 of the unused portion to protect personal property as well.
Read More →
