§522 Bankruptcy Exemptions in Washington

How 11 U.S.C. § 522 applies in Washington — federal bankruptcy law, Washington 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

Washington Bankruptcy Data (FJC)

69,432

Total filings

44.5%

Dismiss rate

21,183

Prior filers

43.4%

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 Washington-specific answer, check the screener or consult a local attorney.

What §522 Bankruptcy Exemptions Does

Washington Bankruptcy Data (FJC)

Apply This to Your Case

Related Washington Statutes

§522 Bankruptcy Exemptions in Other States