{"id":286840,"date":"2021-04-14T14:54:29","date_gmt":"2021-04-14T19:54:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/bankruptcy\/bankruptcy-laws-by-state\/connecticut-bankruptcy-exemptions-and-law.html"},"modified":"2026-09-25T13:57:48","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T18:57:48","slug":"connecticut-bankruptcy-exemptions-and-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-bankruptcy-exemptions-and-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Connecticut Bankruptcy Exemptions and Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Connecticut Bankruptcy Exemptions and Law<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Connecticut<\/span> bankruptcy<\/span> exemptions<\/span> allow individuals to eliminate or restructure overwhelming debt. Filers<\/span> choose between Chapter 7 liquidation<\/span> and Chapter 13 repayment plans<\/span> depending on their household income and the federal Means Test<\/span>. Submitting a petition triggers an automatic stay<\/span> to stop collections while protecting key assets like homes and vehicles through state exemptions.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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For the most part, federal law governs bankruptcy proceedings. The bankruptcy courts<\/span> must abide by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code<\/span>. However, there are also state laws that control some aspects of your bankruptcy case<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Connecticut<\/span>, like every other state, abides by the federal bankruptcy laws<\/span>. At the same time, Connecticut<\/span> state law offers debtors who file bankruptcy<\/span> additional protections through something called \u201cbankruptcy exemptions<\/span>.\u201d<\/p>\n

These exemptions help bankruptcy filers<\/span> protect their assets, such as their home, motor vehicle<\/span>, and personal property<\/span>. The question many debtors have is: how much protection do Connecticut<\/span> bankruptcy<\/span> exemptions<\/span> provide?<\/p>\n

Here, we will explain how the bankruptcy laws<\/span> work in the State of Connecticut<\/span>, including the different types of bankruptcy<\/span>. We will also discuss the state bankruptcy exemptions<\/span> and compare them to the federal exemptions<\/span>. Finally, we will address the question of whether you can choose to claim the federal exemptions<\/span> instead of the exemptions provided under state law.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a fresh start<\/span> and think bankruptcy may be the answer, contact a local Connecticut<\/span> bankruptcy<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a>. They\u2019ll help you file your bankruptcy petition and ensure that you get all the protection possible during your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 <\/span>bankruptcy<\/span> case<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Types of Personal Bankruptcy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are two types of personal bankruptcy: Chapter 7 bankruptcy<\/span> and Chapter 13 bankruptcy<\/span>. In a Chapter 7 <\/span>bankruptcy<\/span> case<\/span><\/a>, the bankruptcy court<\/span> discharges some or all of the individual\u2019s debts. As long as the person qualifies for bankruptcy and includes their secured and unsecured debts<\/span> in their bankruptcy petition, they should walk away debt-free.<\/p>\n

In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy<\/span><\/a>, the debtor isn\u2019t looking to eliminate their debt. Instead, they are looking to restructure their debt, so their monthly payments are more manageable. A Chapter 13 also allows the individual to catch up on any delinquent accounts so they can avoid further debt collection<\/span> activity.<\/p>\n

There are several differences between a Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy<\/span><\/a>. Some of these include:<\/p>\n