What Are The South Dakota Bankruptcy Exemptions?
South Dakota law protects all or a portion of your property from being seized by creditors or the bankruptcy trustee in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you are generally allowed to keep all of your assets and property. Certain exceptions may apply, so it’s wise to consult with a South Dakota bankruptcy attorney to find which of your assets will be protected in a bankruptcy filed in South Dakota. In general, the major South Dakota bankruptcy exemptions include:
| GENERAL SOUTH DAKOTA EXEMPTIONS |
|---|
| Real Estate (the Homestead Exemption) 100 percent of the equity in your homestead is protected. A provision in the new bankruptcy law caps the homestead exemption at $125,000 if you have not lived in the state for at least 40 months prior to the time you file a bankruptcy petition. In some situations, the cap may be permanent. You should consult with a South Dakota bankruptcy attorney for specific information. |
| Automobiles There is no specific automobile exemption in South Dakota. |
| Other Property All family pictures; church pews and burial lots; $200 in all books; all clothing; all food and fuel; $6,000 in personal property of any kind for the debtor. |
| View the complete list of South Dakota bankruptcy exemptions |
Please remember that this page provides general information only, and is not intended to provide legal advice. The information is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified bankruptcy attorney. If you need legal assistance, consult an attorney.
Which state’s exemption laws apply in your bankruptcy?
Generally, the laws of the state in which you lived for the 730 days (2 years) prior to filing a bankruptcy petition will apply in your bankruptcy.
If you have not lived in the same state for the 2 years immediately prior to filing your bankruptcy petition, the laws of the state in which you lived for the majority of the 180-day period preceding the 2-year period will likely apply.
If application of the preceding general rules renders you ineligible for exemptions under any state’s laws, you may be allowed to choose the federal exemptions applicable in your bankruptcy.
Is South Dakota a Community Property State?
No, South Dakota is not a community property state. Because it is not a community property state, you will be responsible for your spouse’s debts only if you voluntarily assumed those debts by, for example, co-signing on a loan given to your spouse. In a non-community property state, one spouse can file for bankruptcy and be eligible to eliminate all of their unsecured debts without the involvement of the other spouse.
How did your senator vote on the new bankruptcy laws?
Following years of intense lobbying by creditors, Congress passed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA). How did your Senators vote on these largely pro-creditor provisions?
Johnson (D-SD) — YEA
Thune (R-SD) — YEA
South Dakota Bankruptcy Court Locations:
Bankruptcy Courtroom
Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, Rm. 210
225 S. Pierre St.
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 224-0560
Fourth Floor Federal District Courtroom
U.S. Post Office and Courthouse
102 4th Ave. SE
Aberdeen, SD 57401
(605) 226-7281
Bankruptcy Courtroom
U.S. Courthouse, Rm 117
400 S. Phillips Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 330-4544
Third Floor Magistrate’s Courtroom
Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
515 9th St.
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 343-6335
Note: You may not have to actually go to one of the above bankruptcy courts. Trustees often conduct your meeting at a local venue.
Although bankruptcy is federal law, the bankruptcy courts in each jurisdiction have local rules that must be followed. A local bankruptcy attorney will be familiar with the specific rules in your area.
South Dakota Bankruptcy Attorney Locations:
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