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Bankruptcy Exemption Estimator

Estimate which property you may be able to protect in bankruptcy using federal or state exemptions. This tool offers an educational estimate of common exemption categories — it is not legal advice, and exemption amounts change over time.

Covers 10 priority states today; more states coming soon.

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Methodology

How This Tool Works

Bankruptcy exemptions determine which property you can keep when you file. You may use the federal exemptions under 11 U.S.C. § 522(d) or your state's exemption set, depending on where you live; many states require you to use the state set. Which state's exemptions apply is governed by the 730-day domicile rule under 11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(3): you generally use the exemptions of the state where you lived for the 730 days before filing, with a look-back rule if you moved during that period. Some states are notably generous — for example, Texas and Florida provide an unlimited homestead exemption (subject to acreage and timing caveats), and California lets you elect between its System 1 (CCP § 704) and System 2 (CCP § 703) exemption schemes. This estimator reflects common exemption categories only; specific dollar amounts and caps change over time and must be verified against current statutes. This is an educational estimate, not legal advice. People's Justice is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; we connect you with licensed attorneys, and we are not a government agency. An attorney can confirm which exemptions apply to your property.

Sources & References

  1. Chapter 7 — Liquidation Under the Bankruptcy Code (exemptions overview) [Link]
  2. 11 U.S.C. § 522 — Exemptions (including § 522(b)(3) domicile rule and § 522(d) federal exemptions) [Link]