What are the savings and checking limits in bankrupcy?

We are thinking about filing for bankruptcy, but we need access to the cash in our checking and savings accounts to pay for day to day things during the process. Is the cash in these accounts exempt from the bankruptcy estate?

Answers

Depending on the state in which you are filing for bankruptcy, you should have a cash exemption, usually somewhere between $2,500 and $5,000. The bankruptcy trustee will be watching what you spend though. If you are spending just enough to buy food and other daily things, then it shouldn't be an issue. However, if you go out and try to use up your cash buy buying exempt property during the bankruptcy proceedings, then you may get yourself into trouble.

One thing you can do is try to spend some of the non-exempt cash on property that would be exempt from the bankruptcy estate before you file for bankruptcy. But be careful, because it's a thin line between legitimate bankruptcy planning and contempt of court.

Talk to a bankruptcy lawyer to get advice regarding the strategies that can be employed to save your cash from bankruptcy while maintaining access to your bank accounts for day to day items.

Additionally, your lawyer will help you prepare for bankruptcy by utilizing all available laws to protect your property from liquidation so that you can keep as much of your property as possible (probably all of it) while still getting rid of unsecured debts such as credit cards and personal loans.

Contact A Lawyer

1 person found this useful

(1 Votes)
Please Log in to answer questions.

All Exemptions Questions & Advice

Can I Claim more than One Car Exempt?

My wife and I rely on both of our car for work, and want to keep both of them. If we file for chapter 7, will we be able to claim both of them exemp...

read more


Can I buy household appliances before I file bankruptcy?

Can I buy household appliances before I file bankruptcy? What if I buy them on credit, will that get discharged as part of the bankruptcy?

read more


Can I file bankruptcy if i have equity in my home?

Can I file bankruptcy if i have equity in my home?

read more


Can I file chapter 7 without including my house?

I have way too much credit card debt and medical debt, and I don't see any way out other than getting rid of it through bankruptcy. However, I want ...

read more


Can I keep my home and car in a chapter 7 case?

Can I keep my home and my car if I file for chapter 7 bankruptcy?

read more


Can I save my 401k and file chapter 7 bankruptcy?

I have been stuggling with unemployment and tons of credit card debt for over 8 months now. My only option left is to take money out of my 401k to r...

read more


Can a bankruptcy attorney get back a repossessed car if I file?

Last year I purchased a sports car. But the recession set in and I could not pay back the loan. The bank repossessed my car. Now I am considering ba...

read more


Can the bankruptcy trustee touch my pension fund?

Can the bankruptcy trustee touch my pension fund?

read more


Can you convert non-exempt assets into exempt assets before filing bankruptcy?

I am considering bankruptcy filing. I understand that the trustee may sell my non-exempt assets and use the sale proceeds to repay my creditors. Few...

read more


How does mortgage stripping work in bankruptcy?

I have a huge mortgage debt. I am considering bankruptcy. I have been told that I can get rid of a mortgage through lien stripping.

read more


If I Don't Need my Homestead Exemption, Can I Use it for Something Else?

  I don’t have any equity in our house, so I don’t need to use my homestead exemption. Can I apply it towards other personal property?

read more


Is my 401k Protected in Bankruptcy?

I am thinking about filing bankruptcy, but I am concerned about my retirement accounts. I have a 401k with over $75,000 that I have been building up...

read more


What Can I Do to Plan Ahead for Bankruptcy and Make Sure I Keep My Property?

I have been weighing our options regarding getting financial help, and have decided that bankruptcy is going to be our best option. I am still not s...

read more


What are the savings and checking limits in bankrupcy?

We are thinking about filing for bankruptcy, but we need access to the cash in our checking and savings accounts to pay for day to day things during...

read more


What happens to the positive equity I have in my house if I file for chapter 7 bankruptcy?

What happens to the positive equity I have in my house if I file for chapter 7 bankruptcy?

read more


What is a Wild Card Exemption in Chapter 7?

I have been looking into bankruptcy as a way of getting out from credit card debt. I am trying to workout all my available exemptions and ran across...

read more


Why Do Most People who File for Chapter 7 Keep All of their Property?

I have been reading some attorney blogs and other sites, and most claim that filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy will not cost most people any of their ...

read more


Will I Keep All of my Non-Exempt Assets in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

I have tallied up all of my personal property, and I don’t have enough exemptions available to cover my second car as well as some electronic equi...

read more


Will I lose the money in my checking and savings if I file for bankruptcy?

I am considering bankruptcy filing. I heard that once you file for bankruptcy, the trustee will take control of all your assets and liquidate them to...

read more


Will my certificate of deposit be protected if I file for chapter 7 bankruptcy?

My question is about a CD. If I file for Chapter 7, will be certificate of deposit be protected?

read more


This site does not provide legal advice and users of this site should not interpret any of the information presented here as legal advice. The information provided merely conveys general information related to commonly asked legal questions. We are not a law firm and the employees responding to questions are not acting as your legal attorney. You should ultimately consult with a Lawyer for your case.

Related Links

LA-WS4:0.7.14.100803.9563