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Exemptions: What Can I Keep In California?

One of the most common misconceptions about bankruptcy is that a debtor may lose everything, or at least may lose valuables, including jewelry, tools, antiques, a car and/or house. In fact, the vast majority of our bankruptcy clients at Bird & Van Dyke, Inc. – A Professional Law Corporation are able to keep most or all of their personal property.

Exemptions are laws that allow a person filing for bankruptcy to retain his or her property. In California there are two sets of exemptions available. These exemption laws can be found in California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 703 and 704. A skillful lawyer can utilize the available exemptions so a bankruptcy filer will not lose his or her real or personal property.

We’ll Help You Understand Exemptions

Contact a lawyer at Bird & Van Dyke, Inc. – A Professional Law Corporation for answers regarding commonly applied exemptions in California such as the following:

  • Homestead
  • Personal property such as a boats or motorcycles
  • Life insurance and other types of insurance
  • Qualified pensions/retirement exemptions, including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, deferred compensation, 457 plans, profit sharing retirement plans, IRAs and many others
  • Household furnishings and appliances
  • Jewelry
  • Motor vehicles
  • Public benefits such as unemployment benefits
  • Tools of a trade
  • Wages: 75 percent within 30 days of filing bankruptcy
  • Wildcard exemption

Free Consultations — Get Information About State Exemptions

For dollar amounts in these categories as they apply to your financial situation, talk to an attorney who can clarify which of two sets of California bankruptcy exemptions is best suited for your case. Contact us at Bird & Van Dyke, Inc. – A Professional Law Corporation in  Stockton. Call 888-915-0422.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.