New Jersey Bankruptcy Calculators 2026 — Complete State Guide
New Jersey residents filing bankruptcy use both federal bankruptcy law (11 U.S.C.) and New Jersey-specific exemption statutes to determine eligibility, protect assets, and structure repayment plans. This page provides a complete reference for 2026 New Jersey bankruptcy rules, including median income thresholds for the Chapter 7 means test, asset exemption amounts, and links to all state-specific calculators.
For a single person in New Jersey, the 2026 Chapter 7 income limit is $82,632/year ($6,886/month). For a family of four: $137,232/year. New Jersey's homestead exemption protects $0 in home equity (No homestead exemption). Retirement accounts are fully protected in New Jersey, as they are in every state.
New Jersey 2026 Chapter 7 Median Income Thresholds
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $82,632 | $6,886 |
| 2 people | $103,608 | $8,634 |
| 3 people | $120,120 | $10,010 |
| 4 people | $137,232 | $11,436 |
| 5 people | $147,132 | $12,261 |
New Jersey 2026 Bankruptcy Exemptions
| Asset Type | Protected Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead / Home Equity | $0 | No homestead exemption |
| Motor Vehicle | None | No vehicle exemption |
| Retirement Accounts | 100% | All qualified plans |
| Wildcard | $1,000 | Any asset |
| Personal Property | $1,000 | Household goods, clothing |
| Wages | 90% if earning less than 250% poverty level | Earned but unpaid wages |
New Jersey Bankruptcy Calculators
- New Jersey Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator
- New Jersey Exemption Calculator
- New Jersey Chapter 13 Calculator
- New Jersey Debt-to-Income Calculator
- New Jersey Credit Recovery Calculator
- Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 in New Jersey
- New Jersey Discharge Timeline Calculator
- New Jersey Non-Exempt Asset Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
How does New Jersey's homestead exemption compare to other states?
New Jersey's homestead exemption of $0 is below the national average, which means homeowners with significant equity should carefully evaluate whether their equity is protected before filing Chapter 7. Homeowners with equity near or above the exemption limit should discuss Chapter 13 as an alternative with a bankruptcy attorney.
Who qualifies for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New Jersey?
To file Chapter 7 in New Jersey, you must pass the means test (income at or below $82,632/year for a single person, or complete the disposable income calculation if above), not have had a Chapter 7 discharge within the past 8 years or a Chapter 13 discharge within the past 6 years, not have had a bankruptcy case dismissed within the past 180 days for cause (fraud, willful failure to follow court orders), and complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider within 180 days before filing.
What is the typical cost to file bankruptcy in New Jersey?
The filing fee for Chapter 7 in New Jersey is $338 (payable to the bankruptcy court) and for Chapter 13 is $313. Attorney fees vary significantly: Chapter 7 attorney fees in New Jersey typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on case complexity, geographic market, and attorney experience. Chapter 13 attorney fees are subject to local court fee guidelines and are typically $3,000 to $5,000, paid through the plan over time rather than upfront. Fee waivers are available for Chapter 7 filers with income below 150% of the federal poverty line.