Will I Lose any Property if I File Chapter 7?

When you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may be required to turn over some of your possessions and assets. Money and property you turn over will become a part of the bankruptcy estate. The trustee can sell property and the money generated can be used to repay some of the debts that you owe to your creditors. The remaining balance of your debts will then be discharged and you will no longer have the obligation to repay any debts included in your bankruptcy. 
Because of this process, many people are concerned that they will be left with limited property and assets at the end of their bankruptcy. The reality is, however, that there are exemptions that protect much of what you own. Many people who file for bankruptcy do not lose any property at all, while others will have to turn over some possessions but will still be much better off with the debt relief that bankruptcy allows.
An experienced Melville, NY bankruptcy attorney can help you to understand the impact that Chapter 7 will have on your financial situation.  Call or contact Ronald D. Weiss, P.C. today to learn more about how a bankruptcy lawyer can help you file Chapter 7.
Your Property When You File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 
When you file for bankruptcy in New York, you may opt to use either federal exemptions or state exemptions. Exemptions keep your property safe.  While you can choose which exemptions work best for you, you are not allowed to mix and match. This means if you prefer to use New York’s exemptions, you are limited only to protecting and keeping property New York allows.
In New York, you may protect up to $10,000 worth of property listed under section 5205 of the New York Code http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/CVP/52/5205 . Exempt property include a huge number of different things including stoves in your home; sewing machines; books; domestic animals; household furniture; a television and refrigerator, a watch up to $35 in value, a wedding ring, and work tools and implements.  Most of your personal property is found on this list of exemptions, which means you can choose to keep up to $10,000 of the things that you own.
There is also a homestead exemption, which varies depending upon where in New York you live. In the counties around Manhattan including Kings, Queens, New York and the Bronx, you may keep up to $150,000 of your home equity.  In Duchess, Albany, Columbia, Orange, Saratoga and Ulster counties, you can keep up to $125,000 in home equity. Finally, in other counties of New York, you may keep up to $75,000 in home equity.  Home equity refers to the value of your home above what your remaining mortgage balance is.
Retirement accounts, including 401(K)s, IRAs and other accounts with special tax advantages are generally also considered exempt property and you may keep this money as well.
The exemptions ensure that you can start over with a fresh start after bankruptcy while still having the ability to create a life for yourself and a secure future. Speak with an experienced Melville, NY bankruptcy lawyer at Ronald D. Weiss, P.C. to get help understanding how Chapter 7 will impact your property.