§522 Bankruptcy Exemptions in District of Columbia

How 11 U.S.C. § 522 applies in District of Columbia — federal bankruptcy law, District of Columbia district data.

What §522 Bankruptcy Exemptions Does

Exemptions protect specific property from liquidation. Some states allow debtors to choose between federal and state exemption schedules; others require state schedules. The exemptions available to you depend on your state of residence during the 730 days (2 years) before filing.

Key points:

Homestead, motor vehicle, household goods, retirement accounts are typical categories
Federal exemption set (§522(d)) available only in opt-out states
State-specific dollar amounts vary dramatically (homestead: $5,000 in some states, unlimited in others)
§522(f) — lien avoidance on exempt property for judicial liens and some non-PMSIs

District of Columbia Bankruptcy Data (FJC)

3,021

Total filings

74.5%

Dismiss rate

945

Prior filers

13.8%

Prior discharge rate

Apply This to Your Case

The rules above are federal — they apply identically in every state. What varies by state is exemptions (§522), median income thresholds (means test), and case-law interpretations of ambiguous terms. For a District of Columbia-specific answer, check the screener or consult a local attorney.

What §522 Bankruptcy Exemptions Does

District of Columbia Bankruptcy Data (FJC)

Apply This to Your Case

Related District of Columbia Statutes

§522 Bankruptcy Exemptions in Other States