Washington law
Bankruptcy Laws in Washington.
Washington offers one of the most generous homestead exemptions in the nation — the greater of $125,000 or the county median home sale price (e.g., ~$986,000 in King County). The state also provides a $15,000 vehicle exemption and $10,000 wildcard. Washington does not allow federal bankruptcy exemptions. Must have resided in WA for 730 days (2 years) to use state exemptions.
Last verified: 2026-02-25
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State law
Filing Requirements
Annual median: 1 person $52,996; 2 persons $63,409; 3 persons $72,286; 4 persons $84,970. Must have resided in WA for 730 days (2 years) before filing to use WA exemptions.
State law
Key Washington Statutes
Protects the greater of $125,000 or the county median sale price of a single-family home in the preceding year. Examples (2025): King County ~$986,300; Snohomish ~$781,700; Pierce ~$567,800. Updated annually. Dramatically increased by SB 5408 (2021).
Protects up to $15,000 in equity in one motor vehicle per filer. Joint filers can each exempt one vehicle.
Up to $10,000 in any personal property (bankruptcy only, not judgment creditors). Cash/bank accounts limited to $2,000 for consumer debts, $2,500 for student loan filers.
Exempt from garnishment: the greatest of 35x federal minimum hourly wage or 75% of disposable earnings. Consumer debt: greater of 80% of disposable earnings or 35x state minimum wage.
State law
Official Sources
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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 Washington.
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