[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/blog\/liquidating-assets-chapter-7-bankruptcy\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/blog\/liquidating-assets-chapter-7-bankruptcy\/","headline":"Do I Need to Liquidate All My Assets in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?","name":"Do I Need to Liquidate All My Assets in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?","description":"Good question. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is designed to decrease debt by liquidating assets to pay off creditors. In reality, though, you have some options and exemptions which ensure that you aren\u2019t left with nothing. Chapter 7 bankruptcy works by selling...","datePublished":"2018-11-28","dateModified":"2026-11-05","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/blog\/author\/julius\/#Person","name":"Julius Amourgis","url":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/blog\/author\/julius\/","identifier":50,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e49a6abb900684fc2323b7043eaceeb537475408ebc3a2cefbbe0ce24506d3b3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e49a6abb900684fc2323b7043eaceeb537475408ebc3a2cefbbe0ce24506d3b3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Amourgis & Associates Attorneys at Law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Logo-header-1.png","url":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Logo-header-1.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/liquidated-assets.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/liquidated-assets.jpg","height":310,"width":1903},"url":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/blog\/liquidating-assets-chapter-7-bankruptcy\/","about":["Bankruptcy Advice"],"wordCount":768,"articleBody":"Good question. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is designed to decrease debt by liquidating assets to pay off creditors. In reality, though, you have some options and exemptions which ensure that you aren\u2019t left with nothing.Chapter 7 bankruptcy works by selling \u2013 in a process known as liquidation \u2013 valuables to pay off accumulated debts. Many types of property and possessions can be liquidated in a bankruptcy case, but there are some exceptions to the rules. Find out what you can keep and what you may have to let go.Non-Exempt Assets \u2013 What Assets Do You Lose in Chapter 7?Anything not protected by federal or state exemptions is known as a non-exempt asset. Some of the assets you could lose after filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy include, properties, possessions and income which are not exempt (see below). These assets are sold to pay creditors as much of the amount owed as possible.Non-Exempt Assets Examples:Vacation homeSecond carCollectionsInherited items of valueCash, checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, or other investments.These are just a few examples. The debt that remains after liquidation is discharged \u2013 meaning that it\u2019s canceled out \u2013 once the bankruptcy requirements are met.Exempt Assets \u2013 What Assets Can You Keep in Chapter 7?Debtors who file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy are allowed, by law, to keep a limited amount of property, possessions, and income. These allowances are known as exemptions. State and federal bankruptcy exemptions protect your property from creditors and liquidation by the trustee.When filing for bankruptcy in Ohio, the debtor can keep a limited amount of property, possessions, and income. The most common is called the \u2018homestead exemption,\u2019 which allows a debtor to retain his or her primary residence. In Ohio, this currently applies up to an equity value of $136,925.Chapter 7 bankruptcy exemptions include:The main residence of the person declaring bankruptcy, up to $136,925 of equity,As much as $3,775 in value for one vehicle,As much as $12,625 of household items and furniture and jewelry,As much as $1,600 in value of jewelry,Public assistance, pension, or a portion of your regular wages.See this more detailed list of the property exemptions in Ohio bankruptcies.How Bankruptcy Exemptions Are Applied in OhioWhen you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will be required to make a list of all the property and assets you own. Then, your lawyer will indicate which items are considered exempt and which are subject to liquidation. There are four possibilities for how the asset will be handled by the bankruptcy trustee:Can Be LiquidatedMay Not be LiquidatedNon-exempt Property of ValueFully Exempt PropertyThe trustee can sell any assets not covered by an exemption and use the proceeds to pay off your creditors.If the exemption covers the full value of the home, car or other asset, you will be allowed to keep it.Partially Exempt PropertyNon-exempt Property of Little ValueAssets that have more equity value than the exempted amount, can be liquidated in order to pay creditors. You will be paid the maximum exempted amount once it\u2019s sold.If the property has no equity or if the trustee doesn\u2019t think selling it will provide enough money to be worthwhile, you can keep those assets.Secured Debts \u2013 What Are My Options in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?Home mortgages and car loans are two common types of secured debt. This means that if you fail to make payments on these types of loans, the creditor can repossess the house, car or other asset. Once you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you have three options when it comes to assets that were bought with secured loans.Let the bank take the asset. If a debtor lets the bank repossess the car or home in a bankruptcy case, the remaining part of the loan is discharged. This means that you don\u2019t have to pay back the part of the loan that was unpaid.Keep the asset by getting up-to-date on loan payments. If the house or car is completely exempt, it won\u2019t be liquidated if you get current with the loan payments.Pay off the asset. You can save a car or house, which would be considered exempt, from liquidation by simply paying the creditor the total fair market value.Also read How Does Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Affect My Tax Return?Do You Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?Not everyone struggling with debt qualifies for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Let an Ohio bankruptcy lawyer explain your options and assist you in finding the best solution for your financial situation.Contact Amourgis & Associates for advice you can trust in your time of need."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Do I Need to Liquidate All My Assets in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?","item":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/blog\/liquidating-assets-chapter-7-bankruptcy\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]