Washington Bankruptcy Exemption Laws

7/28/2019 Washington Bankruptcy Exemption Laws

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Washington Bankruptcy Exemption Laws

Washington Homestead ExemptionReal property, manufactured home, or mobile home to $125,000; unimproved property intended forresidence to $15,000 (husband and wife may not double) (more...)

Auto/Truck (aka Motor Vehicle)Motor vehicle to $2,500 total for individual (two vehicles to $5,000 for community) (more...)

Other PropertyAppliances, furniture, household goods, home & yard equipment to $2,700 total for individual ($5,400

for community)

Books to $1,500

Burial plots sold by nonprofit cemetery association 68.20.120 Clothing, no more than $1,000 in furs,

jewelry, ornamentsFood & fuel for comfortable maintenance 6.15.010(3)(a) Fire insurance proceeds for lost, stolen, or

destroyed exempt property

Keepsakes & family pictures

Farmer's trucks, stock, tools, seed, equipment, & supplies to $5,000 total

Library, office furniture, office equipment, & supplies of physician, surgeon, attorney, clergy, or other

professional to $5,000 total

Tools & materials used in any other trade to $5,000 (more...)

Wild Card Exemption$2,000 of any personal property (no more than $200 in cash, bank deposits, bonds, stocks, &

securities) (more...)

Washington Wage Garnishment ExemptionMinimum 75% of weekly disposable earnings or 30 times the federal minimum hourly wage,

whichever is greater; bankruptcy judge may authorize more for low-income debtors (more...)

Protecting Your Assets in Bankruptcy: Washington Property Exemption Laws

Property you get to keep*

The law of what has come to be called "Asset Protection" is actually a mixture of laws that allow you to keep

certain property no matter what, even if you owe money to others. Every state has laws that designate

specific property you get to keep so that you can continue living a productive life. That is, even if you owe a

trillion dollars to someone, the law won't make you sell the shirt off your back to pay it. And in Texas and

Florida, they won't even make you sell your million dollar mansion, or in Nevada, your gun.These rules are called "property exemptions." They vary from state to state. They designate what property

is off limits to your 'creditors '-- the legal name for those who claim you owe them money.

When you fill out your bankruptcy forms(Form 6, Schedule C), you will be asked what property

you claim as exempt -- and a citation of the law that allows it.

This page gives you those citations and gives a brief summary of the exemption.

The help topics on the right provide additional information.
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*Exemptions & "secured debts"Note that property that is collateral for a purchase-money loan (such as a car securing a car loan

or a home securing a first mortgage) is not protected by exemptions from repossession actions

by that lender. Any equity you may own in the property is protected and may give you certain rights

against holders of judgment liens and second or third lien holders.

Let's repeat that first point before we go further: Exemption laws do NOT protect you from losing property if

you've voluntarily pledged the property as security for a loan and you don't make the payments.

Example:Unsecured vs Secured Debts

So... for example. If you owe $30,000 to credit card companies, that debt is "unsecured". There is no

collateral attached to it. No matter what they threaten, the credit card company can't take any of your

exempt property. Likewise, most medical bills and lawsuit settlements are "unsecured" debts. If an

unsecured creditor bothers to go to court get a judgment against you, they can get the court to attach a

"judgment lien" to your property. But if the property is exempt, you typically can (and should) ask the

bankruptcy court to remove that lien from your property (but you have to ask -- its not automatic).

Continuing the example ... If you were persuaded to pay off your credit cards and other unsecured debts

with a lower interest, "secured" loan, say, from a loan consolidation company, you probably pledged your

home equity or other property as collateral.

As a general principle, once you've voluntarily (i.e. through a contract or signing something) pledged your

property as security for a loan, the exemption laws no longer protect you. The creditor can repossess the

property you pledged regardless of whether it is protected by an exemption.

Note that this is a general principle, among other factors -- more than we can go into here.... That's why we

wrote a book... Specific facts might lead the court to apply other principles to, for example, undo a recent

transaction if it unfairly benefited a single specific creditor at the expense of many others.

See Chapters 3, 4 and 5 of theHow to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcyfor more about this.

Conditions of use & common sense advice before you use this information Permission to use

these materials is given only on the condition that the user will be solely responsible for verifying the

accuracy of the information contained here.

This list was last updated, March 2009. Laws can and do change. Before relying on this or ANY information

you find on the internet, confirm that it is current. (If you find something incorrect or out of date, please

report ithere. Thanks. )Every effort has been made to report these laws accurately. However, there could be errors or omissions

which could change the effect of the law in a particular case.

If you see a law listed here and want to know how it applies to you -- that's what lawyers are for. A lawyer

can tell you whether and how a law would apply to your specific situation, and give you other ideas of how

the laws might work in your favor, in your particular case. There are resources on this website to help you

locate a lawyer in your area.

Laws are interpreted and applied by trustees and judges, and often even the judges don't agree on what the

law means and when it applies. Over time, and hundreds of cases, there develops a pretty clear picture of

what exemptions are allowed or routinely challenged within the local bankruptcy practice. Local customs can

vary one district to the next, or even depend on the trustee. An experienced local bankruptcy professional

should have a good sense of what flies and what doesn't with your local judge and trustee.

See thedisclaimer, for other important limitations regarding this information.

The Long Tradition of Property Exemptions

The most famous asset protection law is the "unlimited homestead exemption " invented in the 1800s by the

Republic of Texas as a way of attracting settlers. Other states across the plains, and Florida added unlimited

homesteads to their laws and today several states still have them. Several years ago Nevada greatly

expanded its exemption laws in hopes of becoming a haven for those seeking asset protection. Its generous

homestead protection may be partly responsible for the Las Vegas real estate boom. Unfortunately for

debtors in the rest of the country, most states offer far less protection.
http://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/hfbhttp://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/hfbhttp://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/hfbmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-lawyers.php?ZIP=25251&CITY=Left+Hand&ST=WV&FEDCT=WVS&FIPS=54087&LOC=2301&LOCNAME=Roane&SUB=3640&SUBNAME=Northeast+West+Virginia&REG=3342&REGNAME=Northern+West+Virginia&CBSA=0&METRO=http://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-lawyers.php?ZIP=25251&CITY=Left+Hand&ST=WV&FEDCT=WVS&FIPS=54087&LOC=2301&LOCNAME=Roane&SUB=3640&SUBNAME=Northeast+West+Virginia&REG=3342&REGNAME=Northern+West+Virginia&CBSA=0&METRO=http://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-law.php?&ST=WA#Disclaimerhttp://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-law.php?&ST=WA#Disclaimerhttp://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-law.php?&ST=WA#Disclaimerhttp://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-law.php?&ST=WA#Disclaimerhttp://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-lawyers.php?ZIP=25251&CITY=Left+Hand&ST=WV&FEDCT=WVS&FIPS=54087&LOC=2301&LOCNAME=Roane&SUB=3640&SUBNAME=Northeast+West+Virginia&REG=3342&REGNAME=Northern+West+Virginia&CBSA=0&METRO=mailto:[email protected]://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/hfb


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Washington ExemptionsFederal vs. State Exemption Statutes and How to Read Them

Some states offer you a choice of their State law exemptions or the Federal bankruptcy exemptions.

Other states require you to use their state exemptions.

Some states have special exemptions that apply specifically to bankruptcy, while others apply exemption

laws that affect any kind of court-ordered collection activity.As such, the wording of these statutes commonly speak in terms used in court-ordered procedures such

wages not being subject to or "garnishment" or of property or pension funds not being subject to

"attachment" ...they're not talking sentimental attachment... they mean liens -- that are "attached" to

property -- and sometimes can be "stripped" away or "avoided" (i.e. eliminated) in bankruptcy.

Also, unlike what you see on this web page, most states don't list their exemptions in a neat little table.

What appears on this page is a rather simplified summary of exemption laws to let you know what laws are

out there and where to find them.

Users should check the actual citations for specific limitations or qualifications or updates of these

exemptions.

One more thing... Some states change the exmeption amounts by adminstrative order, so the numbers in

the statute are old, and don't match current amounts, which you'll see here.

In states where that is the case, I make a note of that.

A few courts offer a simplified list of current exemptions and their amounts, but most don't. Wouldn't hurt toask the clerk.

Washington Offers a Choice of Federal or State ExemptionsWashington law allows you to use the exemptions found in the U.S. bankruptcy code (11 U.S.C. 522(d))

or the exemptions provided under Washington law. However, you cannot mix and match exemptions from

the federal bankruptcy code and state law. You must choose one system or the other.

However, if you use the state law exemptions, there are a few U.S. 'non-bankruptcy' exemptions (that is,

exemptions that exist outside of federal bankruptcy code) that you can use in addition to your state law

exemptions. The four most significant non-bankruptcy exemptions are for:

Wages (a general cap on what percentage of your wages can be garnished)

Social Security benefits Civil Service benefits, and

Veterans Benefits

Other non-bankruptcy exemptions mostly deal with various benefits to government and military personnel,

with a few odd laws regarding specially regulated labor markets such as railroad workers, merchant sailors,

and longshoremen.

NOTE: Federal Exemption amounts listed below reflect the April 1, 2010 adjustment for inflation

every three years, and therefore do not match the figures shown in the federal exemption

statutes.Click here for the April 1, 2010 inflation adjustments to Federal bankruptcy exemption

amounts, published in the Federal Register.

Can you double exemptions for joint filers? (General principles)If you are married and filing together, you and your spouse must use the same law; one cannot use federal

law while the other uses state law. However, the exemption law chosen applies separately to each

spouse. Thus, it is generally possible to double the amount of state law exemptions,Cheeseman

v. Nachman, 656 F.2d 60 (4th Cir. 1981)(married couple filing a joint petition was entitled to double the

Virginia homestead exemption), unless state law (e.g. California) specifically prohibits a couple from

doubling certain exemptions. SeeFirst National Bank v. Norris, 701 F.2d 902 (11th Cir.

1984)(Alabama);Granger v. Watson, 754 F.2d 1490 (9th Cir. 1985)(California).^ Top
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Washington Homestead ExemptionHome Valuation tools

Zillow.comRecommended! Wonderful tool that shows home values in your neighborhood. This link will

take you to a listing of the average home value in your zip code. Just add your street address to get an

estimate of the value of your house, and all others in your neighborhood. (Note: Does not serve all areas,

and valuations are imperfect estimates only.)Yahoo Real Estate offers comparable home sales in your neighborhood.

Almost every state provides protection for equity in the family home, and many states have increased the

amount of protection in recent years. Seven states offer unlimited protection. Most states are not as

generous.

New Federal Residency Requirement

Under the new bankruptcy law, you must be have lived in the state for at least 40 months (three years and

four months) before you can claim any homestead protection greater than $125,000. (If your states offers

less than this amount, the law is irrelevant to you.) The law is poorly worded but seems to say that if you

move from one home to another in the same state, you can claim that state's homestead protection.

Federal Exemptions Washington Exemptions

Real property, including co-op or mobile home, orburial plot to $21,625; unused portion of homesteadto $10,825 may be applied to any property11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(1), (d)(5)

Real property, manufactured home, or mobilehome to $125,000; unimproved property intended

for residence to $15,000 (husband and wife maynot double)Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.13.010

Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.13.030

Must record homestead declaration before sale of

home if property unimproved or home unoccupiedWash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.13.040

Insurance exemptionsVirtually all states protect life insurance proceeds in some manner or another. Some restrict it to proceeds

paid to a dependent. Many states also protect the cash-value or loan-value of insurance policies.

If a substantial amount of your assets are in life insurance, you may want to consult a professional to

determine the extent to which those policies are exempt. The website AssetProtectionBook.comdoes

particularly thorough job of covering Washington insurance exemptions.


Life insurance payments from policy for personyou depended on, needed for support

11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(11)(C)Unamtured life insurance contract, except credit

insurance policy11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(7)

Disability, illness, or unemployment benefits11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(10)(C)

Life insurance policy loan value, in accured dividendsor interest, to $11,52511 U.S.C. 522 (d)(8)

Annuity contract proceeds to $2,500 per monthWash. Rev. Code Ann. 48.18.430

Disability proceeds, avails, or benefitsWash. Rev. Code Ann. 48.18.400

Fraternal Benefit Society BenefitsWash. Rev. Code Ann. 48.36A.180

Group life insurance policy or proceedsWash. Rev. Code Ann. 48.18.420

Life insurance proceeds or avails if beneficiary is

not the insuredWash. Rev. Code Ann. 48.18.410
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Miscellaneous other exemptionsThis category covers items like partnership property, alimony & support payments.


Alimony, child support needed for support11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(10)(D)

Child support paymentsWash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.15.010 (3)(d)

Pensions & retirement savingsThe new federal bankruptcy law now automatically exempts a virtually all tax-exempt pensions and

retirement savings accounts from bankruptcy, even if you are using state law exemptions. 11 U.S.C. Section

522(a)(3)(C). (See Help Topic: Special Rules For Retirement Accounts.)

The law protects any pension or retirement fund that qualifies for special tax treatment under Internal

Revenue Code sections 401, 402, 403, 408, 408A.


All types of retirement funds and accounts thattax-exempt under IRC section 401, 403, 408,

408A, 414, 457, or 501(a) ; IRAs & Roth IRAslimited to $1,171,650 (excluding rollover

contributions); limitation can be overidden byjudge.11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(12)11 U.S.C. 522 (n)

City employeesWash. Rev. Code Ann. 41.28.200Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 41.44.240

ERISA-qualified benefits, IRAs, & KeoghsWash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.15.020

JudgesWash. Rev. Code Ann. 2.10.180Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 2.12.090

Law enforcement officials & firefightersWash. Rev. Code Ann. 41.26.053

Police officersWash. Rev. Code Ann. 41.20.180

Public & state employeesWash. Rev. Code Ann. 41.40.052

State patrol officersWash. Rev. Code Ann. 43.43.310

TeachersWash. Rev. Code Ann. 41.32.052

Volunteer firefightersWash. Rev. Code Ann. 41.24.240

Personal property exemptionsAuto Valuation Tools:

Kelley Blue Book

Edmunds

Both of these websites offer interactive tools to determine the current value of your used car.

This category covers your car, your non-retirement bank accounts, and most of your other personal

possessions, other than your house.
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.28.200http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.28.200http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.44.240http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.44.240http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.020http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.020http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=2.10.180http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=2.10.180http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=2.12.090http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=2.12.090http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.26.053http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.26.053http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.20.180http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.20.180http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.40.052http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.40.052http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.43.310http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.43.310http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.32.052http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.32.052http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.24.240http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.24.240http://www.kbb.com/http://www.kbb.com/http://www.edmunds.com/tmv/used/index.htmlhttp://www.edmunds.com/tmv/used/index.htmlhttp://www.edmunds.com/tmv/used/index.htmlhttp://www.kbb.com/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.24.240http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.32.052http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.43.310http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.40.052http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.20.180http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.26.053http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=2.12.090http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=2.10.180http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.020http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.44.240http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.28.200http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.html


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States vary widely on how generous they are in this area. Some exemptions may be for any combination of

property up to an aggregate amount. Other exemptions apply only to specific items, such as jewelry.

Remember that an exemption will not protect your car from being repossessed by the holder of the car loan

you used to purchase the vehicle if you pledged the vehicle as security for the loan. To keep the car, you will

have to pursue other options such as 'redemption' or 'reaffirmation.' See thehelp topicsandHow to File

for Chapter 7 Bankruptcyfor more on this.


Health aids11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(9)

Lost earnings payments11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(11)(E)

Wrongful death recoveries for person you

depended on11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(11)(B)

Animals, crops, clothing, appliances, books,

furnishings, household goods, musical instrumentsto $550 per item, $11,525 total

11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(3)Jewelry to $1,45011 U.S.C. 522 (d)(4)

Motor vehicle to $3,45011 U.S.C. 522 (d)(2)

Personal injury recoveries to $21,625 (not to includepain & suffering or pecuniary loss)11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(11)(D)

Appliances, furniture, household goods, home &

yard equipment to $2,700 total for individual($5,400 for community)Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.15.010 (3)(a)

Books to $1,500Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.15.010 (2)

Burial groundWash. Rev. Code Ann. 68.24.220

Burial plots sold by nonprofit cemetery association

68.20.120 Clothing, no more than $1,000 in furs,

jewelry, ornamentsWash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.15.010 (1)

Food & fuel for comfortable maintenance6.15.010(3)(a) Fire insurance proceeds for lost,

stolen, or destroyed exempt propertyWash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.15.030

Health aids prescribedWash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.15.010 (3)(e)

Keepsakes & family picturesWash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.15.010 (2)

Motor vehicle to $2,500 total for individual (twovehicles to $5,000 for community)Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.15.010 (3)(c)

Personal injury recoveries to $16,150

Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.15.010 (3)(f)

Public benefits exemptionMost states exempt public benefits, consistent with the notion that such benefits are intended as a safety

net for the recipient.


Public assistance11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(10)(A)

Social Security11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(10)(A)

Unemployment compensation

11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(10)(A)Veteran's benefits11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(10)(A)

Crime victims' compensation11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(11)(A)

Child welfareWash. Rev. Code Ann. 74.13.070

Crime victims' compensationWash. Rev. Code Ann. 7.68.070 (10)

General assistance

Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 74.04.280Industrial insurance (workers'

compensation)Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 51.32.040

Old-age assistanceWash. Rev. Code Ann. 74.08.210

Unemployment compensationWash. Rev. Code Ann. 50.40.020
http://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-law.php?&ST=WA#Helphttp://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-law.php?&ST=WA#Helphttp://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-law.php?&ST=WA#Helphttp://www.nolo.com/products/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy-HFB.html?kbid=1331http://www.nolo.com/products/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy-HFB.html?kbid=1331http://www.nolo.com/products/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy-HFB.html?kbid=1331http://www.nolo.com/products/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy-HFB.html?kbid=1331http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=68.24.220http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=68.24.220http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.030http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.030http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=74.13.070http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=74.13.070http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=7.68.070http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=7.68.070http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=74.04.280http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=74.04.280http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=51.32.040http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=51.32.040http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=74.08.210http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=74.08.210http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=50.40.020http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=50.40.020http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=50.40.020http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=74.08.210http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=51.32.040http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=74.04.280http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=7.68.070http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=74.13.070http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.030http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=68.24.220http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.nolo.com/products/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy-HFB.html?kbid=1331http://www.nolo.com/products/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy-HFB.html?kbid=1331http://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-law.php?&ST=WA#Help


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Tools of trade exemptionsThese are the things you use to make a living. An automobile or truck can be a tool of trade if you use it as

such. Commuting to work doesn't count, but if driving is a necessary component of transacting your

business, you can claim your vehicle is a tool of trade.


Implements, books, & tools of trade to $2,17511 U.S.C. 522 (d)(6)

Farmer's trucks, stock, tools, seed,equipment, & supplies to $5,000 totalWash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.15.010 (4)(a)

Library, office furniture, office equipment, &

supplies of physician, surgeon, attorney, clergy, orother professional to $5,000 totalWash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.15.010 (4)(b)

Tools & materials used in any other trade to

$5,000Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.15.010 (4)(c)

Wage garnishment exemptionFederal non-bankruptcy law limits how much of your pay can be taken for collection purposes. Most state

laws also cover this and may offer more protection. Most states have special limits for collection of spousal

or child support.


None11 U.S.C. 522 (d)

Minimum 75% of weekly disposable earnings or 30

times the federal minimum hourly wage,

whichever is greater; bankruptcy judge mayauthorize more for low-income debtorsWash. Rev. Code Ann. 6.27.150

Wild card exemptionMost, but not all, states allow a so-called "wild-card" exemption that can apply to any property. The wild

card exemption can be of particular help if one or more of your other exemptions falls short of protecting

your equity. You may split your wild card exemption amount over multiple items and stack it atop other

exemptions as needed to protect exposed equity.


$1,150 of any property

11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(5)Up to $10,825 of unused homestead exemptionamount, for any property.11 U.S.C. 522 (d)(5)

$2,000 of any personal property (no more than

$200 in cash, bank deposits, bonds, stocks, &securities)Step-by-step instructions cover the nuts and bolts of how

to prepare and file each form, and alert you to situations

that require a lawyer.

repossession? Consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which can provide you an affordable repayment plan -- and let youkeep your house, car and other property
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.27.150http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.27.150http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.27.150http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.htmlhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=6.15.010http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000522----000-.html


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Documents

Washington Bankruptcy Exemption Laws