Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Not All Assets are At Risk

TRI Writer • February 17, 2021

Do you know which assets are exempt during a bankruptcy case? Before filing, it is essential to understand the difference between an exempt asset and a non-exempt asset. 

What is a Non-exempt asset During a Bankruptcy Case? 

After filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, certain assets (property you own) may be sold to pay creditors for debts owed. Assets that may be sold to repay creditors during Chapter 7 bankruptcy are called non-exempt assets. Assets the bankruptcy court considers non-exempt can vary depending on state and federal law, but generally speaking, non-exempt assets will include any of the following: 

  • Residential property or house that is not the filer’s primary home
  • New model car holding equity
  • Expensive musical instruments not necessary for the profession
  • Jewelry
  • Artwork of value
  • Expensive clothing
  • Valuable stamp or coin collections
  • Investments not held in a retirement account

What Are Exempt Assets During a Bankruptcy Case? 

Not all assets are at risk during a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Some assets are considered “exempt” from bankruptcy, so the bankruptcy trustee cannot sell them to pay creditors. Bankruptcy exemptions determine exempt assets. Exempt assets are usually things the filer needs to live or work. Assets the bankruptcy court considers exempt can vary depending on state and federal law, but generally speaking, exempt assets will include any of the following: 

  • Retirement accounts
  • Furniture, household goods, and everyday clothing
  • A car with minimal equity
  • Tools required for the filer’s job

What is a “No Asset” Bankruptcy Case? 

If you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy and have no non-exempt assets, you will file a “no asset” bankruptcy case. In a no asset bankruptcy case, there are no assets available for the bankruptcy trustee to sell, so creditors won’t receive any payments due to the bankruptcy. Your bankruptcy attorney can review your case and determine which bankruptcy exemptions apply to your assets. 

If you are one of the many struggling Americans looking for solutions and have questions about how bankruptcy could affect your life, work, or assets, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Ken Rannick. Most bankruptcy offices in the Chattanooga area don’t have a single Consumer Bankruptcy Specialist on staff. Our office is the only one with two. You are in good hands with Kenneth C. Rannick P.C.

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