{"id":286855,"date":"2021-04-22T14:46:52","date_gmt":"2021-04-22T19:46:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/bankruptcy\/bankruptcy-laws-by-state\/massachusetts-bankruptcy-exemptions-and-law.html"},"modified":"2026-09-25T09:19:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T14:19:57","slug":"massachusetts-bankruptcy-exemptions-and-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-bankruptcy-exemptions-and-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Bankruptcy Exemptions and Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Massachusetts 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

Massachusetts<\/span> bankruptcy exemptions<\/span> allow individuals and businesses in Massachusetts<\/span> to eliminate or reorganize overwhelming debt under federal law<\/span>. Debtors usually file Chapter 7 liquidation<\/span> to eliminate debt or Chapter 13 reorganization<\/span> to restructure payments over time. Filing activates an automatic stay<\/span> that halts collection activities, such as foreclosures<\/span> and wage garnishments<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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All bankruptcy cases<\/span> are governed by federal law<\/span>. While every state has its own bankruptcy laws<\/span>, it\u2019s the U.S. Bankruptcy Code<\/span><\/a> that governs what you can and cannot do in your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The good news is that state and federal bankruptcy laws<\/span> offer exemptions that help debtors protect their assets<\/a>. As long as you know what bankruptcy exemptions are available, you may be able to prevent the trustee from selling your home, motor vehicle<\/span>, and personal property<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Here, we\u2019ll briefly explain Massachusetts<\/span> bankruptcy law<\/span>, including the state’s bankruptcy exemptions. We will also discuss the requirements for filing a Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 case<\/span> and explain how a Massachusetts<\/span> bankruptcy lawyer<\/span><\/a> can help with your case.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re facing overwhelming debt and don\u2019t know where to turn, filing bankruptcy<\/span><\/a> may be the answer. An experienced\u00a0bankruptcy lawyer<\/span><\/a>\u00a0can help you get the fresh start<\/span> you need. They\u2019ll also ensure you comply with the Bankruptcy Code<\/span> and take advantage of the available bankruptcy exemptions.<\/p>\n

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

There are two types of personal bankruptcy<\/a>: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.<\/p>\n