Civil Judgment

Companion resource library

Exemptions quick reference.

What you generally cannot seize to satisfy a judgment. Specific dollar amounts for homestead, vehicle, and bank-account exemptions vary by state and change over time, so they aren't listed here — check your state's official court site or your State Guide for the current figures. The categories and federal rules below apply broadly.

Common exemption categories

  • Homestead exemption — many states protect some or all of the equity in a debtor's primary residence, up to a state-specific dollar limit (a few states, like Florida, have no dollar cap in many cases). Check your state's current amount.
  • Federal benefit payments (Social Security, VA, federal retirement) — under federal banking regulations, if these are direct-deposited, the bank must automatically protect the lesser of the account balance or the total federal benefit payments deposited in the preceding two months, before a levy can reach the rest. This is a federal rule, not state-specific.
  • Employer-sponsored retirement plans (401(k)s, pensions) — plans that qualify under the federal ERISA law are broadly protected from civil judgment creditors. IRAs have more limited, state-varying protection — check your state's rules.
  • Tools of the trade — most states protect some value of tools, equipment, or inventory a debtor needs to earn a living.
  • Vehicle equity — most states protect some amount of equity in one vehicle, up to a state-specific limit.
  • Wage garnishment limits — every state limits what percentage of wages can be garnished; some add extra "head of family" protections. See the state-by-state table below.

Wage garnishment limits by state

The Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act sets a nationwide floor (25% of disposable earnings, or the amount by which weekly earnings exceed 30× the federal minimum wage, whichever is less). States may be more protective of debtors; the figures below reflect the more debtor-protective standard where one applies. Always use whichever limit is more protective of the debtor.