Will I lose my retirement plan if I file for bankruptcy?
I have a retirement plan set up, but I need to file for bankruptcy. Will I lose this if I file? I am very dependent on these assets and am worried about losing them.
Answered By: Ross Smith, Attorney at Law
No. You won't lose your retirement plan, if it is properly designated as a retirement plan. That are exempt in Ohio.
Answer Applies to: Ohio
Replied: 12/27/2011
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Answer Applies to: Ohio
Replied: 12/27/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Marco Sanchez Attorney at Law
The simple answer is no. Most retirement plans are exempt from bankruptcy to a certain amount. However, you will need to see if it is a qualified plan or an individual plan, as qualified plans fall under ERISA and state regulated plans (i.e, IRA, ROTHS, Simple, etc.) will typically exempt up to several hundred of thousands of dollars in retirement funds.
Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 12/21/2011
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Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 12/21/2011
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Answered By: Bankruptcy Law office of Bill Rubendall
Retirement plans are exempt under state and federal law. You should claim it exempt in schedule C of the bankruptcy petition.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/21/2011
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Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/21/2011
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Answered By: Law Offices of Joseph A. Mannis
Absolutely not - your retirement plan is completely exempt, meaning you are allowed to keep it.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: AyerHoffman, LLP
No. IRAs, 401ks, pensions and many other retirement plans are exempt from consideration as part of the bankruptcy estate and not available to creditors. You should consult with a bankruptcy attorney to address your particular concerns and to determine if filing for bankruptcy protection is right for your situation.
Answer Applies to: Massachusetts
Replied: 12/21/2011
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Answer Applies to: Massachusetts
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: The Law Office of Darren Aronow, PC
If it is a true retirement account, then it is exempt and can not be touched in the bankruptcy.
Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Sanders Law, P.A.
No, you should not lose any retirement related accounts. If they are IRAs, 401(k)s, etc. then they are protected.
Answer Applies to: Florida
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: Florida
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Law Office of Michael Johnson
No. But you should consult with an attorney to properly protect your retirement.
Answer Applies to: Florida
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: Florida
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: J.M. Cook, P.A.
Most retirement is exempt under NC law so there shouldn't be any risk in filing. Your attorney can determine if this is a qualifying plan.
Answer Applies to: North Carolina
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: North Carolina
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Lakelaw - Loop Bankruptcy
Your retirement plan - if ERISA qualified - is fully exempt.
Answer Applies to: Illinois
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: Illinois
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Heupel Law
No, retirement is 100% protected if you file bankruptcy and you won't lose a penny.
Answer Applies to: Colorado
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: Colorado
Replied: 12/21/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Law offices of John P. Brooke
Most retirement accounts are exempt in a bankruptcy so you would not lose it if it falls under that exemption. Examples include 401K, IRA's and pensions.
Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Gregory J. Wald, Attorney at Law
In general, retirement funds are exempt (protected) in bankruptcy.
Answer Applies to: Minnesota
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: Minnesota
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Mazyar Hedayat and Associates
Retirement assets that comply with the requirements outlined in the Bankruptcy Code are exempt from execution by the Bankruptcy Trustee or creditors. If your retirement account qualifies, you will not lose it by filing.
Answer Applies to: Illinois
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: Illinois
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Carballo Law Offices
If your retirement plan is protected under federal law, such as IRAs, 401k, 457, 403b or union or government pension plans, then you will not lose anything in bankruptcy. There are private annuity plans that you may not be able to exempt so that you can lose the money in bankruptcy. You need to have a lawyer represent you and review the statements and other documents from the pension plan you have.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Bird & VanDyke, Inc.
If your retirement is a Qualified Retirement under the IRS rules and ERISA the funds in it are absloutely exempt. If your retirement is in the form of a 401 K, IRA, Union Pension etc you should be fine. Don't take a chance check with an attorney BEFORE filing.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Indianapolis Bankruptcy Law Office of Eric C. Lewis
Generally, most retirement plans are exempt from execution in bankruptcy under applicable state and federal exemptions.
Answer Applies to: Indiana
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: Indiana
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Janet A. Lawson Bankruptcy Attorney
401K accounts are 100% exempt, as are 403b, and 457 accounts.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Grace Law Offices of John F Geraghty Jr.
401 K and retirement income is exempt according to Bankrutcy Law .
Answer Applies to: Georgia
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: Georgia
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: CONSUMER PROTECTION ASSISTANCE COALITION, INC. (DE).
You will most likely not lose it.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: A Fresh Start
In Illinois, retirement accounts are 100% exempt.
Answer Applies to: Illinois
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: Illinois
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Diefer Law Group, P.C.
No. You can protect retirement plans in a bankruptcy.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: The Stockman Law Office
Your IRA and your 401k are exempt property unless you made substantial recent deposits in an attempt to defraud your creditors.
Answer Applies to: Florida
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: Florida
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: THOMAS G. GILL, P.A.
No. Qualified Retirement Plan are exempt. This means you get to keep it. Do not withdraw the funds or you will lose the exemption.
Answer Applies to: Maryland
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: Maryland
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Symmes Law Group, PLLC
No, generally retirement accounts are fully protected by using bankruptcy exemptions.
Answer Applies to: Washington
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: Washington
Replied: 12/20/2011
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
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