Hudson County is directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan, including Jersey City, Hoboken, and Bayonne. Despite its proximity to New York, bankruptcy cases are filed in the District of New Jersey.
New Jersey state exemptions only (no federal option). No homestead exemption. Personal property: $1,000. Wages: 90% exempt below 250% of poverty. Retirement accounts: fully exempt. Life insurance proceeds: exempt.
Exemptions determine what property you can keep in bankruptcy. See the full exemptions guide.
Hudson County residents must file in the District of New Jersey, Newark Vicinage, at 50 Walnut St, Newark, NJ 07102 -- not in New York. Even though Jersey City and Hoboken are just across the river from Manhattan, your filing location is based on where you live.
Without a homestead exemption, any equity in your home could be at risk in Chapter 7. Given Hudson County's high property values (especially in Jersey City and Hoboken), Chapter 13 is often the better choice for homeowners. Chapter 13 lets you keep your home while repaying debts.
In Chapter 7, without a homestead exemption, your condo equity is unprotected. The trustee could potentially sell the property to pay creditors. Chapter 13 is typically the safer option -- you keep your property and repay debts over 3-5 years. Consult a qualified attorney for your specific situation.
Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility.
Free Discharge Screener