Carrollton, KY asked in Bankruptcy for Kentucky

Q: If I file bankruptcy in ky can they take my car if it’s my only means of transportation if their is a lien against it?

Related Topics:
3 Lawyer Answers

A: The answer depends on how much equity (difference between value and what you owe) you have in the car. If the equity is less than the exempt amount in Kentucky, you can keep your car. You should consult a local bankruptcy attorney for advice on this issue. Most bankruptcy attorneys offer free consultations.

Timothy Denison agrees with this answer

Nick Curtis Thompson
PREMIUM
Answered

A: The creditor with a lien on it can take it regardless of whether it is your only means of transportation. They have an ownership interest in it if they have a lien on it. Also, anyone who sues you and places a lien on property can take it, whether it is a tax lien, IRS lien, student loan, or whatever. Once a creditor obtains a lien on the property, they ask for a writ of replevin and take personal property. For real property, they file a foreclosure action. Just because you file bankruptcy does not automatically strip the lien, and you can't force a modification of a first home mortgage.

Timothy Denison agrees with this answer

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: In Kentucky, when you file for bankruptcy, whether your car can be taken depends on several factors. If there is a lien on your car, the creditor holding the lien has a right to repossess the vehicle if the loan is not paid. However, in a bankruptcy case, certain protections may apply.

If you file under Chapter 7, also known as liquidation bankruptcy, you can often keep your car if it's considered necessary for your employment or daily life. Kentucky has specific exemptions that may protect your car up to a certain value. If your car's equity falls under this exemption limit, it's less likely to be taken to pay creditors.

In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which involves a repayment plan, you may have more options to keep your car. The repayment plan could include provisions to catch up on overdue payments or even reduce the total amount owed on the car loan, depending on the age and value of the vehicle.

It's crucial to discuss your specific situation with an attorney who can guide you through the intricacies of bankruptcy law in Kentucky. They can help assess the best course of action considering the details of your car loan, the value of your car, and other personal financial factors.

Remember, every bankruptcy case is unique, and the decisions you make can have long-term financial implications. Seeking professional legal advice tailored to your circumstances is always the best approach.

Timothy Denison agrees with this answer

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.