Elizabeth is the county seat of Union County and the fourth-largest city in New Jersey. It is one of the oldest cities in the state and sits adjacent to Newark Liberty International Airport.
New Jersey uses federal bankruptcy exemptions exclusively -- one of the few states in the nation that does so. Federal exemptions under 11 U.S.C. section 522(d) apply: Homestead: $27,900. Vehicle: $4,450. Jewelry: $1,875. Tools of trade: $2,800. Wildcard: $1,475 plus up to $13,950 of unused homestead. Household goods: $700 per item, $14,875 total. Retirement accounts: fully exempt.
Exemptions determine what property you can keep in bankruptcy. See the full exemptions guide.
These organizations may offer free or low-cost assistance. Contact them directly to verify current services and eligibility requirements.
Elizabeth residents file in the District of New Jersey at 50 Walnut St, Newark, NJ 07102. The courthouse is approximately 15 minutes north of Elizabeth.
Federal exemptions apply in New Jersey: $27,900 homestead, $4,450 vehicle, $1,875 jewelry, $14,875 tools of trade, and a $1,475 plus $13,950 wildcard exemption. These amounts are per debtor and are adjusted periodically for inflation.
Filing bankruptcy does not automatically terminate your lease. In Chapter 7, you can assume (keep) or reject (terminate) the lease. If you are behind on rent, the landlord may seek relief from the automatic stay to proceed with eviction.
Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility.
Free Discharge Screener