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Bankruptcy in Georgia: Exemptions and Filing Guide

State-specific bankruptcy exemptions and filing information for Georgia. These exemptions determine what property you can keep when filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Data last updated: Jan 15, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Homestead exemption: $21,500 (per debtor; $43,000 for married couple).
  • Vehicle exemption: $5,000.
  • Must use state exemptions (no federal option).
  • Attorney fees: $1,200–$2,000 (Ch. 7) / $3,000–$4,500 (Ch. 13) typical.
$21,500 (per debtor; $43,000 for married couple) Homestead exemption
$5,000 Vehicle exemption
No Federal option
$338 (Chapter 7) / $313 (Chapter 13) Filing fee

Georgia Bankruptcy Exemptions

  • Homestead$21,500 (per debtor; $43,000 for married couple)
  • Vehicle$5,000
  • Personal property$5,000 household goods; $1,500 jewelry
  • Wildcard$1,200 plus $10,000 unused homestead
  • Federal exemptionsNot available

Means Test: Georgia Median Income

To qualify for Chapter 7 in Georgia, your income must be below the state median or you must pass the means test showing no disposable income for creditors.

  • 1 person$56,700
  • 2 people$70,500
  • 3 people$80,100
  • 4 people$92,800

Filing Costs

  • Court filing fee$338 (Chapter 7) / $313 (Chapter 13)
  • Typical attorney fee$1,200–$2,000 (Ch. 7) / $3,000–$4,500 (Ch. 13)
  • Court districtsNorthern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Georgia

Georgia bankruptcy court

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the homestead exemption in Georgia?

    Georgia allows up to $21,500 per debtor for a homestead exemption. Married couples filing jointly can protect up to $43,000 in home equity.

  • Does Georgia have a wildcard exemption?

    Yes. Georgia provides a $1,200 wildcard exemption plus up to $10,000 of any unused homestead exemption to protect other property.

  • Can I choose federal exemptions in Georgia?

    No. Georgia requires debtors to use the state exemption system.

  • What happens to my tax refund if I file bankruptcy in Georgia?

    A tax refund is considered property of the estate. You may be able to protect some of it using the wildcard exemption.

Legal Disclaimer: FreeNetLaw provides general legal information, not legal advice. The information on this site is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed attorney. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify information with official sources and consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.

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