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Colorado Bankruptcy Laws

Colorado does not allow federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use state exemptions only. Colorado offers a generous $250,000 homestead exemption ($350,000 for elderly/disabled), a $15,500 vehicle exemption, and no wildcard exemption. Colorado has a strong wage garnishment protection at 80% of disposable earnings.

Last verified: 2026-02-25

Filing Requirements

Means Test Median Income (2025–2026)

Approximate annual median: 1 person $50,242; 2 persons $65,701; 3 persons $71,138; 4 persons $83,330. Households below the median qualify for Chapter 7 without the full means test calculation.

Key Colorado Statutes

Homestead ExemptionC.R.S. § 38-41-201

Protects up to $250,000 of equity in the debtor's primary residence. Increased to $350,000 for debtors age 60+, disabled, or those with a dependent spouse who qualifies. If the home was acquired within 1,215 days (~40 months) before filing, federal law caps the exemption at $214,000.

Motor Vehicle ExemptionC.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(j)

Protects up to $15,500 in aggregate motor vehicle equity. Increased to $25,500 for elderly or disabled debtors.

Personal Property ExemptionsC.R.S. § 13-54-102

Household goods: $6,000. Clothing: $2,000 per person. Jewelry/watches: $2,500 per person. Firearms/hunting/fishing equipment: $1,000. Colorado does not have a wildcard exemption.

Wage Garnishment RestrictionsC.R.S. § 13-54-104

Up to 80% of disposable earnings are exempt from garnishment (or 75%, whichever is greater for the debtor). This is more protective than the federal 75% standard.

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.

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