{"id":286864,"date":"2021-04-14T10:35:48","date_gmt":"2021-04-14T15:35:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/bankruptcy\/bankruptcy-laws-by-state\/new-jersey-bankruptcy-exemptions-and-law.html"},"modified":"2021-04-14T14:32:53","modified_gmt":"2021-04-14T19:32:53","slug":"new-jersey-bankruptcy-exemptions-and-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/bankruptcy-laws-by-state\/new-jersey-bankruptcy-exemptions-and-law.html","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey 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\">New Jersey 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\/bridget-molitor-jd\/\">Bridget Molitor, JD<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            April 14, 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<h2><a id=\"basics\"><\/a>New Jersey Bankruptcy Law<br>\r\n<\/h2>\r\n<p>In the Garden State, a combination of federal and state laws control our everyday lives. For example, we pay income taxes to both the federal and state government. Similarly, a combination of the federal <a href=\"https:\/\/uscode.house.gov\/view.xhtml?path=\/prelim@title11&amp;edition=prelim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bankruptcy Code<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.state.nj.us\/oal\/rules\/accessp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Jersey Annotated Statutes<\/a> constitute bankruptcy&#8217;s procedural and substantive laws.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Bankruptcy 101<\/h3>\r\n<p>Bank-offered payment deferrals and grace periods are mostly marketing gimmicks. As soon as they are able to do so, creditors do not hesitate to take adverse action against distressed borrowers. These adverse actions include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Foreclosure<\/li>\r\n<li>Wage garnishment<\/li>\r\n<li>Repossession<\/li>\r\n<li>Creditor harassment<\/li>\r\n<li>Eviction<\/li>\r\n<li>Collection lawsuits<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Bankruptcy&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/what-is-bankruptcy\/benefits-of-bankruptcy.html\">automatic stay<\/a> immediately halts all these adverse actions. Typically, Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code kicks in the moment debtors file their voluntary petitions, and it stays in effect until the judge closes the case.<\/p>\r\n<p>That being said, there are a few rules to follow and loopholes to close. For example, the automatic stay only applies to creditors and other parties who receive actual notice of the filing. Many of the aforementioned adverse actions, such as foreclosure, involve auction houses, repo men, and other third parties. All these entities must receive notice. So, a bankruptcy lawyer often must do some additional legwork to satisfy this requirement.<\/p>\r\n<p>Furthermore, bankruptcy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-7\/what-is-a-chapter-7-debt-discharge-.html\">discharges<\/a> unsecured debts. Unsecured debts are obligations that involve no collateral. Examples include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Credit cards<\/li>\r\n<li>Signature loans<\/li>\r\n<li>Medical bills<\/li>\r\n<li>Revolving credit accounts<\/li>\r\n<li>Payday loans<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The line between secured and unsecured debts is sometimes a little fuzzy. HELOCs (Home Equity Lines of Credit) are a good example. Assume Marlon owes $180,000 on a house that is worth $200,000. So, he takes out a $20,000 home equity loan. If his home&#8217;s value drops to $180,000, the house&#8217;s value is not high enough to secure both loans. Therefore, a bankruptcy judge could reclassify the HELOC as an unsecured debt. If that happens, the obligation is dischargeable, and Marlon may not have to repay this loan.<\/p>\r\n<p>This strip-off is just one example of the advanced bankruptcy options which only a New Jersey bankruptcy lawyer can unlock.<\/p>\r\n<h3><a id=\"types\"><\/a>Types of Consumer Bankruptcy<\/h3>\r\n<p>There are a few options you can choose for bankruptcy depending on your family&#8217;s unique situation.<\/p>\r\n<p>As mentioned above, bankruptcy discharges unsecured debts. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-7.html\">Chapter 7 bankruptcy<\/a> eliminates them in as little as nine months. Also as discussed above, Chapter 7 stops adverse actions, even if a foreclosure sale is imminent. Furthermore, Chapter 7 protects certain property from liquidation (sale).<\/p>\r\n<p>Procedurally, most of these matters are somewhat straightforward. After debtors file their voluntary petitions, trustees review identification, and financial documents to look for signs of identity or bankruptcy fraud. If there are no red flags of fraud, most Chapter 7 judges sign discharge orders without requiring hearings.<\/p>\r\n<p>Other people stop paying home mortgages and other secured debts when money is tight. Or, they overuse payment deferrals and dig themselves into deep financial holes. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-13.html\">Chapter 13 bankruptcy<\/a> is designed for families like these.<\/p>\r\n<p>The trustee has a much bigger job in Chapter 13. In addition to spotting fraud, the trustee helps families set up a monthly repayment plan. This plan lasts thirty-six or sixty months, largely depending on the debtor&#8217;s income. Each month, you make a debt consolidation payment. When the repayment period ends, all your secured obligations are current and the judge discharges your unsecured debts. That&#8217;s the essence of a fresh financial start.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"eligible\"><\/a>Am I Eligible for Bankruptcy in New Jersey?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Financial and personal honesty aren&#8217;t the only qualifications for bankruptcy. There are a few others, and some of these requirements are unwritten.<\/p>\r\n<p>Furthermore, some qualifications apply to everyone. For example, everyone must complete two financial education classes. Other qualifications are Chapter-specific.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Chapter 7 Requirements<\/h3>\r\n<p>Written and unwritten requirements usually determine financial need. That&#8217;s what the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-7\/the-bankruptcy-means-test.html\">means test<\/a> does. Four-person households in New Jersey must earn less than $132,708 a year. As of late 2020, that&#8217;s the average income for that family size in the Garden State. This figure changes frequently. If you earn more, you might still qualify for Chapter 7, based on your actual income and expenses.<\/p>\r\n<p>As for the unwritten requirements, Chapter 7 debtors should be unable to pay their unsecured obligations. So, if your income\/expense information in Schedules I and J shows a monthly surplus, the trustee might question your financial need to file Chapter 7. Many trustees point you to other options, such as Chapter 13 or non-bankruptcy debt negotiation.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Chapter 13 Requirements<\/h3>\r\n<p>Chapter 13 petitioners must deal with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-13\/filing-for-chapter-13.html\">debt ceiling<\/a>. As of 2021, you must owe less than $1.3 million in secured debts and $400,000 in unsecured debts. Once again, these figures change every few months. Also once again, if you are over these limits, a bankruptcy lawyer can usually offer other options.<\/p>\r\n<p>Chapter 13 has the opposite unwritten requirement of a Chapter 7. To prove they can make the monthly debt consolidation payment, debtors must have disposable income. If the payment becomes a problem later, perhaps due to a permanent change of financial circumstances, a bankruptcy lawyer might be able to arrange a hardship discharge or a plan modification.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"exemptions\"><\/a>New Jersey Bankruptcy Exemptions<\/h2>\r\n<p>When Monopoly players file bankruptcy, they instantly lose all their property. Many people think a real-life bankruptcy must do the same thing. But the Monopoly rules do not include property exemptions. These exemptions prevent the trustee from seizing your property, liquidating it, and distributing the money among your creditors.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Federal Exemptions<\/h3>\r\n<p>New Jersey lets debtors decide between federal and state exemptions. Since the exemptions in federal law are so generous, most debtors in the Garden State use this slate. Some highlights include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Homestead exemption<\/b>: Federal law protects up to $25,150 of home equity. If you have paid off less than half the loan, you probably have little equity. Mortgage loans are amortized (interest first). Furthermore, a bankruptcy lawyer might use some loopholes, such as a tenancy of the entirety, to expand this exemption amount.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Motor vehicle equity<\/b>: These same principles apply to the $4,000 motor vehicle equity exemption. Unless you&#8217;ve paid off more than half the loan, you probably have little equity in the vehicle. Used cars have very low financial values, so the equity limit usually isn&#8217;t an issue. Some loopholes are available as well, mostly the as-is cash value rule.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Personal property<\/b>: This rule also applies to the $18,000 exemption which shields furniture, electronics, jewelry, tools of the trade, and other household goods. There&#8217;s a difference between the as-is cash value and fair market value. Karl&#8217;s wedding ring might have a $5,000 fair market value, but a pawn shop might give him $500 for it.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Private benefits<\/b>: Insurance payments and policy equity are exempt up to $13,400. Personal injury settlements are exempt up to $26,000. Spousal and child support receipts are completely exempt, as long as they&#8217;re reasonably necessary for support.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Public benefits<\/b>: These same protections apply to VA disability, unemployment compensation, Social Security, and other public benefits. On a related note, 401(k)s, pension plans, and other retirement accounts are exempt up to $1.3 million.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Wildcard exemption<\/b>: The federal exemptions also apply to $1,325 worth of cash in a bank account, boats, and other property which is otherwise nonexempt. You may also add up to $12,575 of the unused homestead exemption to the wildcard exemption.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Married couples who file joint bankruptcies may generally double the amounts in the federal exemptions.<\/p>\r\n<h3>State Exemptions<\/h3>\r\n<p>Another set of exemptions is listed in various New Jersey laws. Generally, they aren&#8217;t as broad as the federal exemptions, but they are appropriate in some cases. These exemptions include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Personal property ($1,000)<\/li>\r\n<li>Public pension plans, like teacher retirement plans (unlimited)<\/li>\r\n<li>Social Security, workers&#8217; compensation, and unemployment benefits (unlimited)<\/li>\r\n<li>Wildcard exemption ($1,000)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>For the most part, debtors cannot cherry-pick items in these lists. They must stick with one slate or the other one. Retirement plans are the biggest exception. IRAs and other private accounts might still be exempt under federal law.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Unwritten Exemptions<\/h3>\r\n<p>The mootness doctrine often comes up in bankruptcy cases. In general, here&#8217;s how it works. Assume Lee and Rod each claim they own an expensive car. They cannot agree, so Rod files a legal action. Before the judge hears their dispute, someone steals and dismantles the car. At that point, it doesn&#8217;t matter who owned the car, since the car is gone. The point is moot.<\/p>\r\n<p>Now assume Lee and Rod file a joint bankruptcy. They list $1,000 in a savings account, which the written exemptions do not shield. The trustee claims the money is nonexempt and demands it. But before the judge hears the dispute, Lee and Rod spend the money on living expenses. At that point, it doesn&#8217;t matter who owned the money, since the money is gone.<\/p>\r\n<p>There are other examples as well, such as the aforementioned tenancy of the entirety. If Rod files individually and Lee is a tenant, the trustee cannot touch their house. It&#8217;s illegal to seize one person&#8217;s property to pay another person&#8217;s debt.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Contact a Dedicated Attorney<\/h2>\r\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy-law\/new-jersey\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Jersey bankruptcy lawyer<\/a> stops creditor harassment, protects your property, discharges debts, and delivers a fresh start. If that sounds good, reach out to an attorney today.<\/p>\r\n<p><i><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><\/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 New Jersey Bankruptcy\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 New Jersey?\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 have a bankruptcy background and you are filing a no-asset Chapter 7, you probably don&#8217;t need a New Jersey bankruptcy lawyer. These cases are generally very straightforward, and the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uslegalforms.com\/search\/?state=nj&amp;query=bankruptcy&amp;field=anywhere\" title=\"ankruptcy forms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">forms are available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you are filing any other kind of bankruptcy and you don&#8217;t have a bankruptcy background, you probably need a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy-law\/new-jersey\/?fli=dcta\" title=\"Bankruptcy attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bankruptcy lawyer<\/a>. Pro se bankruptcies are simply too risky. As outlined above, the process is complex. Furthermore, if issues arise, and they almost inevitably do, pro se debtors are on their own against a posse of lawyers.<\/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 New Jersey?\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 filing fees, which are usually about $350, vary in different situations. A few judges allow installment payments or waive these fees if you meet certain qualifications. Professional fees vary as well, mostly depending on the type of bankruptcy. Payment plans, including post-petition payment plans, and sliding scales are almost always available for the asking.<\/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 assets are protected from creditors in New Jersey?\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>The federal exemptions protect your house, car, personal property, retirement account, Social Security benefits, and many other assets. A bankruptcy lawyer can use some legal loopholes to maximize these exemptions.<\/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 do I file for bankruptcy without a lawyer in NJ?\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>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uslegalforms.com\/search\/?state=nj&amp;query=bankruptcy&amp;field=anywhere\" title=\"Bankruptcy forms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">forms are available on the internet<\/a>. Pro se debtors must complete all the forms and physically file them at a physical courthouse location.<\/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                            How do you fill out bankruptcy forms?\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>Very carefully. Accidental mistakes often lead to bankruptcy fraud charges. If you have any doubts about how to fill out the forms, do yourself a favor and work with a New Jersey bankruptcy lawyer. Bankruptcy fraud charges are very easy to head off at the pass, but they are very difficult to defend in court.<\/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\" 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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\">New Jersey Bankruptcy 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>New Jersey&#8217;s bankruptcy courts are located in&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.njb.uscourts.gov\/court-info\/directions#newark\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Newark<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.njb.uscourts.gov\/court-info\/directions#trenton\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trenton<\/a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.njb.uscourts.gov\/court-info\/directions#camden\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Camden<\/a>. Pro se debtors must conduct most or all of their business at a physical courthouse location. These locations have limited hours and services.<\/p>\n<p>Your attorney may use the ECF (Electronic Case Filing) system to pay fees, file documents, do research, and perform other tasks.<\/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=nj&#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>Learn how bankruptcy works in New Jersey, including what property you can keep in bankruptcy, on FindLaw.com.<\/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-286864","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-bankruptcy"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286864","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=286864"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286864\/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=286864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=286864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=286864"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=286864"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=286864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}