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
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
Not Legal Advice
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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