817-494-3344
NO OFFICE APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

request a free consultation 

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Questions

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy- No Asset Case

Chapter 7


The majority of Chapter 7 bankruptcies filed in the United States are no-asset cases. When a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is considered a no-asset case it simply means that the debtor does not own any nonexempt assets that can be sold to pay creditors. A typical Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case would be a small family with a house, two cars, and some various personal property like TVs, Couches, etc. Because Texas has great protections for Debtors, the vast majority of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy cases are considered "No Asset" cases. 

How Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Work?
When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, all of your assets become property of the bankruptcy estate. An impartial trustee is appointed to administer your case, sell any nonexempt assets, and distribute the proceeds to your creditors. He will review the schedules and statements you have filed. He will also question you at the 341 Meeting. 

However, just because you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy does not mean that the trustee is going to sell all of your property. Each state (and the federal system) has a set of exemptions that allows you to protect a certain amount of property in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you can exempt an asset, you can keep it. Texas has many protections for those seeking bankruptcy who have few assets. 

What Is a Chapter 7 No-Asset Bankruptcy Case?
If you can exempt all of your property, the Chapter 7 trustee cannot sell any of your assets to pay your creditors. This is referred to as a Chapter 7 no-asset bankruptcy. Most Chapter 7 bankruptcies are no-asset cases. If all of your assets are exempt, the trustee will typically file a no-asset report in your case and your creditors will not receive anything through the bankruptcy. This will be determined after you 341 Hearing. 

The idea behind exemptions is that you need a certain amount of property to sustain yourself and make a fresh start after bankruptcy. How much property you can protect in Chapter 7 bankruptcy depends on your state’s exemption laws and the value of your assets. Exemption amounts vary significantly from state to state. 

 
www.nacba.org
 

Subscribe to our Newsletter

* indicates required