What Are The Tennessee Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Tennessee 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 Tennessee bankruptcy attorney to find which of your assets will be protected in a bankruptcy filed in Tennessee. In general, the major Tennessee bankruptcy exemptions include:
| GENERAL TENNESSEE EXEMPTIONS |
|---|
| Real Estate (the Homestead Exemption) Up to $5,000 of equity in your homestead can be protected. ($7,500 if property jointly owned). |
| Automobiles There is no specific automobile exemption in Tennessee. |
| Other Property $4,000 in any personal property; all clothing, pictures, and books. |
| View the complete list of Tennessee 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 Tennessee a Community Property State?
No, Tennessee 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?
Alexander (R-TN) — YEA
Frist (R-TN) — YEA
Tennessee Bankruptcy Court Locations:
Historic U.S. Courthouse
31 East 11th St.
Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423)752-5163
Howard H. Baker, Jr.
United States Courthouse
800 Market St. Suite 330
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865)545-4279
United States Bankruptcy Court
James H. Quillen United States Courthouse
220 West Depot Street, Suite 218
Greeneville, Tennessee 37743-4924
(423)787-0113
United States Bankruptcy Court
Middle District of Tennessee
P.O. Box 24890
Nashville, TN 37202
200 Jefferson Ave. Suite 410
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 328-3500
111 South Highland Ave.
Room 107
Jackson, TN 38301
(731) 421-9300
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.
Tennessee Bankruptcy Attorney Locations:
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