This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Bankruptcy Exemption in Michigan

Michigan law allows individuals who file for bankruptcy to protect certain property from creditors using a set of exemptions codified in Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5451. This statute provides a bankruptcy-specific set of exemptions that debtors may use instead of the general creditor exemptions under § 600.6023. The exemption for a debtor’s interest in real or personal property used as a residence is capped at $30,000 under § 600.5451. Wage exemptions are governed separately by § 600.5311. Michigan law permits debtors to choose between the state exemptions and the federal exemptions listed in 11 U.S.C. § 522(b), but the state’s opt-out provision under § 522(p) limits that choice. The worked example below illustrates how the $30,000 figure applies in a typical scenario. For an estimate tailored to your own assets, use the DocketMath calculator.

Governing authority

In Michigan, the bankruptcy exemption rule is set by Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 600.5451 (bankruptcy-specific set), 600.6023 (general-creditor set), 600.5311 (wages); 11 U.S.C. § 522(b), (p). The verified packet cites Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 600.5451 (bankruptcy-specific set), 600.6023 (general-creditor set), 600.5311 (wages); 11 U.S.C. § 522(b), (p) (https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-600-5451).

Michigan bankruptcy exemption: the verified value is $30,000 under Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 600.5451 (bankruptcy-specific set), 600.6023 (general-creditor set), 600.5311 (wages); 11 U.S.C. § 522(b), (p). The verified packet cites Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 600.5451 (bankruptcy-specific set), 600.6023 (general-creditor set), 600.5311 (wages); 11 U.S.C. § 522(b), (p) (https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-600-5451).

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the bankruptcy exemption calculator to estimate your specific figure.

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.