{"id":286855,"date":"2021-04-22T14:46:52","date_gmt":"2021-04-22T19:46:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/bankruptcy\/bankruptcy-laws-by-state\/massachusetts-bankruptcy-exemptions-and-law.html"},"modified":"2021-04-22T14:52:36","modified_gmt":"2021-04-22T19:52:36","slug":"massachusetts-bankruptcy-exemptions-and-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/bankruptcy-laws-by-state\/massachusetts-bankruptcy-exemptions-and-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Bankruptcy Exemptions and Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Massachusetts Bankruptcy Exemptions and Law<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">Bret Thurman, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/joseph-fawbush-esq\/\">Joseph Fawbush, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            April 22, 2021\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<blockquote>If you owe more money than you can pay, or at least more than you can pay right away, a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/before-you-file\/attorney-intake-questionnaire--hiring-a-bankruptcy-attorney.html\">bankruptcy lawyer<\/a>&nbsp;can help you claim the fresh start the Bankruptcy Code guarantees. People who get this fresh start usually keep most or sometimes even all of their property. Keep reading to learn more.<\/blockquote>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Basics\"><\/a>Massachusetts Bankruptcy Law<br>\r\n<\/h2>\r\n<p>The Bankruptcy Act which Justice McReynolds referred to was the precursor to the modern Bankruptcy Code. Today, <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/us\/title-11-bankruptcy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Title 11 of the U.S. Code<\/a> sets out many substantive and procedural bankruptcy laws and rules. The Bankruptcy Code also allows states to make some modifications, mostly regarding property exemptions. In the Bay State, these laws are scattered in various parts of the <a href=\"https:\/\/malegislature.gov\/Laws\/GeneralLaws\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Massachusetts Annotated Laws<\/a>, mostly Chapters 115, 188, 175, 188, and 235. More on that below.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Bankruptcy 101<\/h3>\r\n<p>Two of the most important principles in a consumer bankruptcy are honesty and misfortune. Honest debtors do not hide income, grossly exaggerate deductions, or borrow money without intending to repay it. Misfortune usually involves financial turbulence, like serious illness or business downturn, which is often mostly beyond the debtor&#8217;s control.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>The Automatic Stay<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b><\/b>However, most creditors do not care how honest or unfortunate you were. They want their money, and they want it all now. Bankruptcy&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/what-is-bankruptcy\/the-automatic-stay-stopping-creditors-with-bankruptcy.html\" target=\"_self\">automatic stay<\/a>, another key bankruptcy pillar, protects you from aggressive creditors. Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code prohibits adverse creditor actions like:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Foreclosure<\/li>\r\n<li>Lien placement<\/li>\r\n<li>Repossession<\/li>\r\n<li>Wage garnishment<\/li>\r\n<li>Eviction<\/li>\r\n<li>Utility shutoff<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>In fact, the automatic stay technically prohibits creditors from communicating with debtors, whether the communication is threatening or not. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, many banks stop sending statements. Many creditors also suspend ACH and other auto-pay arrangements. You must still pay these bills if they are for secured property such as a car you want to retain, or if they for accounts such as a utility service you want to keep.<\/p>\r\n<p>Banks tread so carefully because the penalties for violating the automatic stay are quite stiff. Furthermore, it&#8217;s almost impossible for creditors to bypass the automatic stay.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>Discharging Debt<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-7\/debt-discharge-and-property.html\">Debt discharge<\/a> is the third leg of the stool. Bankruptcy eliminates most unsecured consumer obligations, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Medical bills<\/li>\r\n<li>Signature loans<\/li>\r\n<li>Credit cards<\/li>\r\n<li>Payday loans<\/li>\r\n<li>Revolving credit accounts<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>A bankruptcy discharge eliminates the legal obligation to pay a debt. But it does not eliminate the debt itself. An example can help explain this somewhat tricky legal concept:<\/p>\r\n<p>Assume Patrick owes tuition to State U, so the university is withholding Patrick&#8217;s transcript. School tuition is a dischargeable unsecured debt. However, a bankruptcy judge cannot eliminate the debt&#8217;s collateral consequences. So, State U may continue to withhold Patrick&#8217;s transcript. His lawyer must resolve this matter separately.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Consumer Bankruptcy Options<\/h3>\r\n<p>Most bankruptcy debtors want the same thing: Freedom from financial turbulence. However, different debtors suffer different effects. So, there are different kinds of bankruptcy.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you are behind on house payments, for example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-13.html\">Chapter 13 bankruptcy<\/a> might offer a way out. This model gives distressed debtors up to five years to erase past-due mortgage payments and other delinquent secured debts.<\/p>\r\n<p>A monthly debt consolidation payment, which the bankruptcy trustee helps you arrange, is at the core of a Chapter 13. Debtors have up to sixty months to make income-based payments that take care of allowed claims. \u201cAllowed claims&quot; usually include delinquent secured debt, some delinquent unsecured debt, and administrative expenses.<\/p>\r\n<p>Generally, the automatic stay remains in effect until the judge closes the bankruptcy. So, as long as you keep making debt consolidation payments, creditors cannot successfully object to the repayment plan. If the payments become a problem, perhaps because of changed financial circumstances, a lawyer can normally convert the case to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or obtain an instant hardship discharge.<\/p>\r\n<p>If Patrick struggles with high medical bills, which is a common problem in bankruptcy, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-7.html\">Chapter 7<\/a> might be a better alternative. These debtors quickly get fresh financial starts.<\/p>\r\n<p>These bankruptcies are not as complex. After debtors file their petitions and schedules, a trustee reviews the paperwork for possible fraud. The trustee also verifies the debtor&#8217;s identity. So, you must normally produce relevant documents, such as a Social Security card and recent bank statements.<\/p>\r\n<p>Assuming the trustee has no serious questions at the meeting of creditors, most Chapter 7 judges sign discharge orders without requiring hearings.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Eligibility\"><\/a>Am I Eligible for Bankruptcy in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Basic qualifications for bankruptcy include a pre-filing credit counseling class and a post-filing credit management class. The credit counseling class is important and mandatory. But, it cannot substitute for a Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyer&#8217;s advice.<\/p>\r\n<p>The credit management class is important as well. Responsibly using credit is the best way to raise your credit score.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Chapter-Specific Eligibility Requirements<\/h3>\r\n<p>If you file <b>Chapter 13<\/b>, you must be under a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-13\/who-can-file-for-chapter-13-bankruptcy.html\">debt ceiling<\/a>. These petitioners cannot have more than $1.3 million in secured debts and $400,000 in unsecured obligations.<\/p>\r\n<p>These numbers sound huge, but they are not. They include current and past-due obligations. Furthermore, many credit cards have very high limits. So, if you have maxed out several cards, you might be close to the ceiling.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>Chapter 7 debtors<\/b> must deal with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-7\/the-bankruptcy-means-test.html\">means test<\/a>. Your annual income must be at or below average for that state. In Massachusetts, as of November 1, 2020, that amount was $140,309 for a family of four. That&#8217;s the highest figure in the country. So, many households in the Bay State qualify for Chapter 7.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you do not think you meet the qualifications, there may still be options. If you are on the borderline, a bankruptcy lawyer can usually offer suggestions and information about your options. Non-bankruptcy debt relief options are usually available as well. Sometimes, the threat of filing bankruptcy can be as effective as actually filing.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Unwritten Requirements<\/h3>\r\n<p>Bankruptcy&#8217;s informal eligibility rules, which vary in different courts, usually involve Schedules I and J, the monthly income\/expense bankruptcy schedules.<\/p>\r\n<p>Generally, Chapter 7 debtors should be slightly in the red every month, at least on paper. If that&#8217;s the case, they have an easier time convincing the trustee that they need relief from their creditors.<\/p>\r\n<p>Trustees usually impose the opposite requirement on Chapter 13 filers. These debtors must have enough disposable monthly income to fund a debt consolidation payment. This payment&#8217;s size varies, but it&#8217;s usually about as big as a rent or mortgage payment.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Exemptions\"><\/a>Massachusetts Bankruptcy Exemptions<\/h2>\r\n<p>Debtors in the Bay State may choose between state and federal exemptions. They must choose one or the other; they cannot cherry-pick items from each list. There are informal exemptions as well. A bankruptcy lawyer can help you to maximize these complex rules to your advantage.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Exemption Options<\/h3>\r\n<p>Massachusetts law contains some very generous property exemptions (protections). If a formal or informal protection applies, neither the trustee nor a creditor can touch it, even if the automatic stay is bypassed. Some major state exemptions include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Homestead exemption:<\/b> This exemption protects up to $125,000 of home equity. If you record a homestead declaration, the exemption climbs to $500,000. These amounts apply to the amount of equity in your home. Mortgage loans are amortized (meaning you pay interest first). So, unless you have made more than about half the payments, you probably have very little equity in your home.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Motor vehicle exemption:<\/b> These same fiscal rules apply to the $7,500 motor vehicle exemption ($15,000 if you are disabled and older than 60). If you have a new car, you probably have almost no equity in it. Used vehicles have almost no financial value. So, the equity amount can be irrelevant in these situations and you can often keep your car.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Personal property:<\/b> Up to $20,000 in electronics, jewelry, furniture, and other household goods are exempt under Massachusetts law. This figure refers to the items&#8217; as-is cash value. This is important, as you might have paid $1,500 for a laptop, but its garage sale value might only be about $150.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Current wages:<\/b> State law protects 85% of your current wages. This exemption helps debtors continue to pay bills after they file bankruptcy. Without this protection, filing bankruptcy would force many debtors further into the hole. Massachusetts debtors may also exempt up to $2,500 a month in some kinds of rental income.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Retirement accounts:<\/b> Unless there is a child support or other Family Support Obligation (FSO) lien, most retirement accounts are 100 percent exempt. So are most 529 college savings plans. Social Security benefits and other government benefits are exempt as well.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Wildcard exemption:<\/b> These property exemptions cover most assets. If you have luxury items, like a boat or cabin you want to keep, Massachusetts&#8217; wildcard exemption, which is as much as $6,000, may protect it.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The federal exemptions have basically the same categories, but the amounts are often slightly different, as follows:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Home equity ($25,150)<\/li>\r\n<li>Motor vehicle ($4,000)<\/li>\r\n<li>Personal property ($15,000)<\/li>\r\n<li>Life insurance dividends or equity ($13,400)<\/li>\r\n<li>Retirement accounts ($1.3 million)<\/li>\r\n<li>FSOs (100 percent exempt)<\/li>\r\n<li>Wildcard (up to $13,900).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>A bankruptcy lawyer can evaluate your case and recommend an appropriate slate of exemptions.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Exemption Loopholes<\/h3>\r\n<p>A tenancy of the entirety protects all the equity in your home, regardless of its value. This is best explained through an example:<\/p>\r\n<p>Assume Cherry and Bob jointly own their home. If Cherry files bankruptcy, creditors cannot seize the house, even if it is above the equity limit. It&#8217;s illegal to seize one person&#8217;s property to pay another person&#8217;s debts.<\/p>\r\n<p>The best interests of creditors rule also protects your assets:<\/p>\r\n<p>Assume Johnny owns a fifth-wheel camper. The formal exemptions do not shield it. According to the trustee&#8217;s calculations, the camper is worth about $1,000, it needs about $500 in repairs, and sales expenses, mostly storage costs, would be another $500.<\/p>\r\n<p>A seizure and sale under these facts would net little or nothing for creditors. As a result, such actions would not be in their best interests.<\/p>\r\n<p><i style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><b>Note: <\/b>State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><br>\r\n<\/p>\r\n\n<section class=\"fl-faq\">\n    <div\n            class=\"fl-accordion fl-faq-container fl-container\"\n            id=\"faq\"\n            data-testid=\"fl-accordion\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"fl-faq-heading-row fl-flex\">\n            <ul\n                    class=\"fl-faq-buttons fl-flex fl-flex-row fl-items-center fl-no-spacing\"\n                    aria-label=\"View all Frequently Asked Questions\"\n            >\n                <li class=\"fl-faq-buttons-item\">\n                    <button\n                            id=\"button-show-faq\"\n                            data-testid=\"button-show-faq\"\n                            class=\"fl-accordion-filter-button fl-accordion-filter-button-show\"\n                            type=\"button\"\n                            data-focus-other-button=\"true\"\n                            aria-current=\"true\"\n                            aria-disabled=\"true\"\n                            disabled=\"\"\n                    >\n                        Show All\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/li>\n                <li><span aria-hidden=\"true\">|<\/span><\/li>\n                <li class=\"fl-faq-buttons-item\">\n                    <button\n                            id=\"button-hide-faq\"\n                            data-testid=\"button-hide-faq\"\n                            class=\"fl-accordion-filter-button fl-accordion-filter-button-hide\"\n                            type=\"button\"\n                            data-focus-other-button=\"true\"\n                            aria-current=\"true\"\n                            aria-disabled=\"true\"\n                            disabled=\"\"\n                    >\n                        Hide All\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"fl-faq-questions\">\n            <h3\n                    class=\"fl-faq-title fl-no-margin\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-faq-title\"\n            >\n                Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Bankruptcies\n            <\/h3>\n                            <div\n                        class=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n                        id=\"section-1-faq\"\n                        aria-labelledby=\"button-1-faq\"\n                        data-testid=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n                >\n                    <h4\n                            class=\"fl-accordion-header fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-between fl-no-margin\"\n                            data-testid=\"fl-faq-question-header-1\"\n                    >\n                        <button\n                                id=\"button-1-faq\"\n                                aria-expanded=\"true\"\n                                aria-controls=\"content-1-faq\"\n                                class=\"fl-accordion-button fl-accordion-button-h4 fl-flex fl-flex-auto fl-justify-between is-opened fl-text-underline\"\n                                type=\"button\"\n                        >\n                            How do I start bankruptcy in Massachusetts?\n                            <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                <i\n                                        class=\"fa fa-angle-down small\"\n                                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/span>\n                        <\/button>\n                    <\/h4>\n                    <div\n                            class=\"fl-accordion-content active\"\n                            data-testid=\"fl-faq-question-content-1\"\n                            id=\"content-1-faq\"\n                            role=\"region\"\n                            aria-labelledby=\"button-1-faq\"\n                    >\n                        <p>If you are filing a no-asset Chapter 7, a DIY bankruptcy might be a good idea. These filers cannot usually pay professional fees. They only pay filing fees and other court costs. Most bankruptcy&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uslegalforms.com\/search\/?state=ma&amp;query=bankruptcy&amp;field=anywhere\" title=\"Bankruptcy Forms - Massachusetts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">forms are available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you have assets and want to keep them in a Chapter 7, however, you probably need a bankruptcy lawyer. An attorney quickly and accurately completes all the complex forms. Furthermore, only a lawyer can give you legal advice and represent you at the confirmation hearing and other court hearings. The additional investment can pay off.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div\n                        class=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n                        id=\"section-2-faq\"\n                        aria-labelledby=\"button-2-faq\"\n                        data-testid=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n                >\n                    <h4\n                            class=\"fl-accordion-header fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-between fl-no-margin\"\n                            data-testid=\"fl-faq-question-header-2\"\n                    >\n                        <button\n                                id=\"button-2-faq\"\n                                aria-expanded=\"true\"\n                                aria-controls=\"content-2-faq\"\n                                class=\"fl-accordion-button fl-accordion-button-h4 fl-flex fl-flex-auto fl-justify-between is-opened fl-text-underline\"\n                                type=\"button\"\n                        >\n                            How much does bankruptcy cost in Massachusetts?\n                            <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                <i\n                                        class=\"fa fa-angle-down small\"\n                                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/span>\n                        <\/button>\n                    <\/h4>\n                    <div\n                            class=\"fl-accordion-content active\"\n                            data-testid=\"fl-faq-question-content-2\"\n                            id=\"content-2-faq\"\n                            role=\"region\"\n                            aria-labelledby=\"button-2-faq\"\n                    >\n                        <p>Bankruptcy&#8217;s filing fees vary, mostly according to the type of case. The fees are usually about $350. Payment plans and fee waivers are sometimes available. The professional fees vary as well, again mostly depending on the type of case. Payment plans, including post-petition payment plans, and sliding scales are almost always available.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div\n                        class=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n                        id=\"section-3-faq\"\n                        aria-labelledby=\"button-3-faq\"\n                        data-testid=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n                >\n                    <h4\n                            class=\"fl-accordion-header fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-between fl-no-margin\"\n                            data-testid=\"fl-faq-question-header-3\"\n                    >\n                        <button\n                                id=\"button-3-faq\"\n                                aria-expanded=\"true\"\n                                aria-controls=\"content-3-faq\"\n                                class=\"fl-accordion-button fl-accordion-button-h4 fl-flex fl-flex-auto fl-justify-between is-opened fl-text-underline\"\n                                type=\"button\"\n                        >\n                            What do you lose if you declare bankruptcy?\n                            <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                <i\n                                        class=\"fa fa-angle-down small\"\n                                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/span>\n                        <\/button>\n                    <\/h4>\n                    <div\n                            class=\"fl-accordion-content active\"\n                            data-testid=\"fl-faq-question-content-3\"\n                            id=\"content-3-faq\"\n                            role=\"region\"\n                            aria-labelledby=\"button-3-faq\"\n                    >\n                        <p>It is possible to not lose any property in a Massachusetts bankruptcy. State law offers broad protection to filers. Your bankruptcy lawyer can navigate complex bankruptcy exemption laws to protect as much of your property as possible.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div\n                        class=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n                        id=\"section-4-faq\"\n                        aria-labelledby=\"button-4-faq\"\n                        data-testid=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n                >\n                    <h4\n                            class=\"fl-accordion-header fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-between fl-no-margin\"\n                            data-testid=\"fl-faq-question-header-4\"\n                    >\n                        <button\n                                id=\"button-4-faq\"\n                                aria-expanded=\"true\"\n                                aria-controls=\"content-4-faq\"\n                                class=\"fl-accordion-button fl-accordion-button-h4 fl-flex fl-flex-auto fl-justify-between is-opened fl-text-underline\"\n                                type=\"button\"\n                        >\n                            How much debt do you have to have to declare bankruptcy?\n                            <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                <i\n                                        class=\"fa fa-angle-down small\"\n                                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/span>\n                        <\/button>\n                    <\/h4>\n                    <div\n                            class=\"fl-accordion-content active\"\n                            data-testid=\"fl-faq-question-content-4\"\n                            id=\"content-4-faq\"\n                            role=\"region\"\n                            aria-labelledby=\"button-4-faq\"\n                    >\n                        <p>There is no set amount. However, as a rule of thumb, if you are more than one house payment or other secured debt payment behind, you should consider Chapter 13. Banks can legally foreclose after one missed payment. Also as a rule of thumb, if you spend more than 10 percent of your income on credit cards and other unsecured debts, you should consider Chapter 7. More than 10 percent is more debt than you can realistically pay off.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div\n                        class=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n                        id=\"section-5-faq\"\n                        aria-labelledby=\"button-5-faq\"\n                        data-testid=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n                >\n                    <h4\n                            class=\"fl-accordion-header fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-between fl-no-margin\"\n                            data-testid=\"fl-faq-question-header-5\"\n                    >\n                        <button\n                                id=\"button-5-faq\"\n                                aria-expanded=\"true\"\n                                aria-controls=\"content-5-faq\"\n                                class=\"fl-accordion-button fl-accordion-button-h4 fl-flex fl-flex-auto fl-justify-between is-opened fl-text-underline\"\n                                type=\"button\"\n                        >\n                            What debt is not covered by bankruptcy?\n                            <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                <i\n                                        class=\"fa fa-angle-down small\"\n                                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/span>\n                        <\/button>\n                    <\/h4>\n                    <div\n                            class=\"fl-accordion-content active\"\n                            data-testid=\"fl-faq-question-content-5\"\n                            id=\"content-5-faq\"\n                            role=\"region\"\n                            aria-labelledby=\"button-5-faq\"\n                    >\n                        <p>Bankruptcy does not cover fraudulent debts. It also does not discharge child support, criminal fines, or spousal support. Some obligations, like back taxes and student loans, are only dischargeable in certain narrow situations.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        \n                        \n\n<div class=\"generalCardContainer\">\n            \n<div\n    class=\"fl-image-card fl-image-card--no-max-width fl-image-card--no-min-height fl-card-with-children fl-latl-card fl-image-card-title-on-image fl-flex fl-flex-column\"\n>\n                    <span class=\"\"\n        >\n\n            <div class=\"fl-image-card-image-wrapper fl-image-card-image-wrapper-default\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\n                     src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1747061756\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/content-original-images-BankruptcyCourt\/content-original-images-BankruptcyCourt.jpg?_i=AA\"\n                     alt=\"\"\n                ><\/img>\n                                                    <div class=\"fl-image-card-title\">\n                        <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right small fl-mr5\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                        <h3\n                            class=\"fl-no-margin fl-h3-landing\"\n                            data-testid=\"fl-image-card-title\"\n                        >\n                            <span class=\"fl-image-card-title-link\">Massachusetts Bankrutpcy Courts<\/span>\n                        <\/h3>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                <\/span>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-image-card-content fl-flex-basis-100\">\n                    <h2>Where To File<\/h2>\n<p>There are three federal bankruptcy courts in the Bay State:&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.mab.uscourts.gov\/mab\/directions-boston-bankruptcy-court\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Boston<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.mab.uscourts.gov\/mab\/directions-worcester-bankruptcy-court\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Worcester<\/a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.mab.uscourts.gov\/mab\/directions-us-bankruptcy-court-located-springfield\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Springfield<\/a>. DIY filers must conduct most or all bankruptcy-related business at one of these three physical locations. A lawyer has access to the ECF (Electronic Case Filing) system. So, for most purposes, the bankruptcy court is on your attorney&#8217;s laptop.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <div\n            class=\"fl-latl-card-footer fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-center\"\n        >\n                    <a class=\"fl-latl-card-footer-link fl-text-lg-medium fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-center\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uslegalforms.com\/search\/?state=ma&#038;query=bankruptcy&#038;field=anywhere\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\n                <span>Bankruptcy Forms<\/span>\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you file bankruptcy in the Bay State, you get protection from your creditors and a fresh start. You also get to keep most or all of your property.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":286821,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2727],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-286855","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-bankruptcy"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286855","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=286855"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286855\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286821"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=286855"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=286855"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=286855"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=286855"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=286855"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}