Rhode Island Bankruptcy Laws

Federal filing fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income filers.

Federal filing fee for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

You must complete credit counseling from an approved agency within 180 days before filing and a debtor education course before discharge.

Chapter 7 filers must pass a means test comparing their income to Rhode Island's median income. If income exceeds the median, the filer may need to file Chapter 13 instead.

Protects up to $500,000 of equity in land and buildings the owner uses or intends to use as a principal residence. The exemption is automatic — no declaration or filing is required. Married couples cannot double the exemption.

Protects motor vehicles up to an aggregate total of $12,000 in equity.

Protects household furniture, clothing, beds and bedding, and family stores up to $9,600. Also protects working tools of the debtor's trade up to $2,000, books in use in the family up to $300, and necessary wearing apparel.

Rhode Island allows bankruptcy filers to choose either the federal exemption system or the state exemption system, but you cannot mix exemptions from both lists. Filers should compare both sets to determine which is more favorable.

Rhode Island limits wage garnishment. Earnings from personal services are partially exempt from attachment for debts, providing protection for working debtors.