Jersey City is the second-largest city in New Jersey, located directly across the Hudson River from Lower Manhattan. It is a major transportation hub and has experienced rapid growth and development.
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.
Jersey City residents file in the District of New Jersey at the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Building, 50 Walnut St, Newark, NJ 07102. The drive from Jersey City is approximately 20-25 minutes west via NJ Turnpike. Some hearings may also be held at the Clarkson S. Fisher Federal Building in Trenton.
New Jersey is a federal-exemptions-only state -- one of the few in the nation. This means the federal bankruptcy exemptions under 11 U.S.C. section 522(d) apply: $27,900 homestead, $4,450 vehicle, $14,875 wildcard, and other specified amounts. New Jersey does not have its own state exemption scheme for bankruptcy.
The means test accounts for actual expenses including housing costs. Jersey City's high rents and living costs can actually help you qualify for Chapter 7 by reducing your disposable income below the threshold. The IRS Local Standards for housing in Hudson County reflect the higher costs.
Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility.
Free Discharge Screener