I only get to keep one car if I file bankruptcy, right?
Wrong. Often you can keep several cars when you file bankruptcy. Exactly what you can save and what you can’t keep depends on two factors: the type of bankruptcy you file and the kind of exemptions you can claim.
In a
Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can keep as many cars as appropriate. That usually means two, but if the vehicles are paid for, or if you can show the trustee a good reason for making payments on the cars, you get to keep them if you want. Sometimes, the
Chapter 13 trustee will wonder if you should be making payments on three or more vehicles when you are not paying all of the debts to your unsecured creditors. Whether you can convince her that it is reasonable for you to do so or not depends on your circumstances.
In a
Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you can keep any property that is
exempt. Exemptions vary from state to state so check with local competent bankruptcy counsel for the answer in your state.
In California, where I practice, there are two types of exemptions. Under one kind, you can keep as many cars as you want but only up to a value of $2600! Thus if you have two cars worth $2000 a piece and you don’t owe anything on either of them, the
Chapter 7 trustee will want you to turn over one of the cars or buy the non-
exempt amount from the bankruptcy estate.
Under the other kind of exemptions (like the Federal exemptions that are applicable in many states), you can keep one car up to a value of $3300 or as many vehicles as you want by using the “catch all” or “wild card” exemption up to $21,000!”
In any event, the number of vehicles you can keep in a bankruptcy varies, as noted above. A competent bankruptcy attorney in your state can guide you through your situation to maximize what is kept and minimize the impact of filing.
Wrong. Often you can keep several cars when you file bankruptcy. Exactly what you can save and what you can’t keep depends on two factors: the type of bankruptcy you file and the kind of exemptions you can claim.
In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can keep as many cars as appropriate. That usually means two, but if the vehicles are paid for, or if you can show the trustee a good reason for making payments on the cars, you get to keep them if you want. Sometimes, the Chapter 13 trustee will wonder if you should be making payments on three or more vehicles when you are not paying all of the debts to your unsecured creditors. Whether you can convince her that it is reasonable for you to do so or not depends on your circumstances.
In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you can keep any property that is exempt. Exemptions vary from state to state so check with local competent bankruptcy counsel for the answer in your state.
In California, where I practice, there are two types of exemptions. Under one kind, you can keep as many cars as you want but only up to a value of $2550! Thus if you have two cars worth $2000 a piece and you don’t owe anything on either of them, the Chapter 7 trustee will want you to turn over one of the cars or buy the non-exempt amount from the bankruptcy estate.
Under the other kind of exemptions (like the Federal exemptions that are applicable in many states), you can keep one car up to a value of $3300 or as many vehicles as you want by using the “catch all” or “wild card” exemption up to $21,825!”
In any event, the number of vehicles you can keep in a bankruptcy varies, as noted above. A competent bankruptcy attorney in your state can guide you through your situation to maximize what is kept and minimize the impact of filing.
Helping consumers in the following counties of California: Butte; Glenn; Tehama; Colusa; Yuba; Sutter; Plumas; Shasta; Lassen; Nevada; Placer and Sacramento. Call 530-342-6144 or visit my website to set up an initial consultation and to learn how I can help you. Mention Bankruptcy Law Network when you call."
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