9 topics covered across all 50 states and DC. Pick a topic to see your state's rules.
Wyoming bankruptcy automatic stay (11 U.S.C. § 362) immediately halts most collection actions, lawsuits, foreclosures, and wage garnishments the moment a bankruptcy is filed.
See all 51 jurisdictions →Wisconsin businesses can use Chapter 11 to reorganize debt while continuing operations. Subchapter V (small-business) streamlines for businesses with debt under ~$7.5M.
See all 51 jurisdictions →Chapter 13 ("reorganization" bankruptcy) lets Ohio debtors keep their assets and repay debts under a 3- or 5-year court-supervised plan. The state's median household income (~$104,000 for a family of 4) controls plan length.
See all 51 jurisdictions →Wisconsin bankruptcy uses EITHER state OR federal exemptions. Homestead: $75,000 ($150,000 married joint).
See all 51 jurisdictions →Nebraska consumers facing debt-collection lawsuits have powerful defenses — federal FDCPA, state consumer protection laws, statutes of limitations, and proof requirements that collectors often can't meet.
See all 51 jurisdictions →Bankruptcy is federal — but not all debts get discharged. California cases are filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Courts for the Northern. Several debt categories survive bankruptcy.
See all 51 jurisdictions →Idaho bankruptcy means test compares debtor income to median family income (currently ~$95,000 for a family of 4). Below median = automatic Chapter 7 eligibility.
See all 51 jurisdictions →Arkansas student loans CAN be discharged in bankruptcy under the "undue hardship" Brunner test, plus DOJ's 2022 guidance has made it dramatically easier. Other federal options — IDR, PSLF, forgiveness — also relevant.
See all 51 jurisdictions →Texas wage garnishment is capped at federal limits (25% of disposable income or 30× minimum wage) — and Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina ban most consumer wage garnishment entirely.
See all 51 jurisdictions →These guides are for general information only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change and outcomes depend on your specific situation — talk to a licensed attorney before acting on anything you read here.