Roman Law Firm

Bankruptcy Attorney in DC, VA, and MD

Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
⚡ Filing stops most wage garnishments and lawsuits through the automatic stay

Washington D.C. Bankruptcy Attorney
Strategic Asset Protection in the Capital

Leverage the District's unique "opt-in" exemption system. From maximizing the federal "super wildcard" for renters to protecting unlimited home equity for long-term residents, we provide strategic bankruptcy guidance for federal employees, contractors, and District residents navigating insolvency.

Start Your Free Consultation Or call (202) 820-6141

The District's Unique "Opt-In" Advantage

Unlike Maryland and Virginia, Washington D.C. allows you to choose between federal and local exemptions. This strategic election defines your case—and we ensure you select the scheme that maximizes protection for your specific asset profile.

Roman Chebotarev

Roman Chebotarev

Lead Attorney, D.C. Bankruptcy Practice

The 2026 Automatic Stay

A bankruptcy filing generally pauses many garnishments, lawsuits, and other collection actions through the automatic stay. It does not decide a security-clearance outcome. Clearance holders should separately review bankruptcy and security-clearance planning before choosing a filing strategy.

The D.C. Wage Shield

D.C. prohibits garnishment unless earnings exceed 40× minimum wage[5]—currently protecting $718/week ($736/week effective July 2026).[6] Far stronger than federal or Virginia law.

Virtual 341 Meetings

The D.C. Bankruptcy Court currently conducts virtually all Section 341 Meetings[7] via Zoom. We prepare you for digital identity verification and trustee questions. (Under D.C. Local Bankruptcy Rule 9011-1, a facsimile, scan, or other electronic transmission containing a party's original signature is a "Virtual Party Signature." Wet-ink signatures are encouraged, not required. The person responsible for an electronic filing must keep evidence of another signer's original or Virtual Party Signature for three years after the bankruptcy case closes.)[8]

The Strategic Exemption Election: Federal vs. D.C.

D.C. is a "permissive" or "opt-in" jurisdiction. You must make a mutually exclusive election between federal exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d))[2] and D.C. exemptions (D.C. Code § 15-501).[1] You cannot mix protections from both schemes.

Best for Renters & Liquid Assets

Federal Exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d))

  • Super Wildcard: Renters can combine unused homestead ($15,800) + basic wildcard ($1,675) = $17,475 to protect any property.
  • Married Renters: Joint filers who rent can protect up to $34,950 in any assets—cash, cars, crypto, tax refunds.
  • Motor Vehicle: $5,025 per debtor (vs. only $2,575 under D.C. law).
  • Inflation-Adjusted: Updated April 1, 2025; valid through March 31, 2028.
No Homeownership Cash Protection Vehicle Equity
Best for Long-Term Homeowners

D.C. Exemptions (D.C. Code § 15-501)

  • Unlimited Homestead: D.C. allows exemption of your entire residence equity[1]—if you've owned it 1,215+ days.[3]
  • 1,215-Day Cap: If you acquired your residence interest within 1,215 days before filing, federal law may cap the exemption at $214,000 for cases filed from April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028.
  • Weaker Personal Property: Only $2,575 for vehicles; $850 general wildcard.
  • TBE Protection: Tenancy by the Entirety shields property from individual spouse's creditors.
Long-Term Residence Married Couples High Equity

Can Bankruptcy Work for You in Washington D.C.?

D.C.'s high median income thresholds mean many middle-income professionals qualify for Chapter 7. A single earner making $80,000—who would be forced into Chapter 13 in most states—is "below median" in the District and eligible for a full discharge. For court fees, attorney fees, and plan-payment variables, review the bankruptcy cost guide.

Liquidation

Chapter 7: The "Fresh Start"

Best suited for individuals whose income falls below D.C.'s generous median thresholds and whose assets can be fully protected under the chosen exemption scheme.

D.C. Median Income (Nov 2025)[11]

1 Person: $83,202 | 2 People: $157,259 | 4 People: $162,327

  • Average duration: 4–6 months.
  • Stops lawsuits and garnishments immediately.
  • Requires passing the "Means Test" analysis.
Chapter 7 Practice Area Details →
Reorganization

Chapter 13: The Payment Plan

A strategic choice for those who earn above the median, need to protect assets exceeding exemption limits, or want to cure mortgage arrears and stop foreclosure.

Clearance review

A feasible Chapter 13 plan and payment record may be considered as part of the full financial record. The chapter does not guarantee a favorable clearance outcome.

  • Consolidated 3–5 year payment plan.
  • May allow removal of wholly unsecured junior liens in qualifying cases.
  • Retain all property while paying off debt.
Chapter 13 Practice Area Details →
MT D.C. Chapter 7 Decision Tool

Check Your Washington D.C. Chapter 7 Eligibility

D.C. Chapter 7 eligibility turns on household size, current median-income thresholds, and the means-test analysis. This tool uses District-specific median income figures to give you a quick read before you schedule a case review.

Run the D.C. Means Test

Takes about 2 minutes. Estimate only. Useful if you are comparing Chapter 7 against Chapter 13.

What Can You Keep? 2026 Federal Exemptions in D.C.

These federal exemptions (effective April 1, 2025)[4] are often the superior choice for D.C. renters and those with significant liquid assets. The "super wildcard" mechanism provides unmatched flexibility.

Asset Category 2026 Limit (Individual) Statute
Homestead (Primary Residence) $31,575 — $63,150 joint 11 U.S.C. § 522(d)(1)
Motor Vehicle $5,025 — $10,050 joint 11 U.S.C. § 522(d)(2)
Household Goods $16,850 (Agg) / $800 per item 11 U.S.C. § 522(d)(3)
Jewelry $2,125 — $4,250 joint 11 U.S.C. § 522(d)(4)
Tools of Trade $3,175 — $6,350 joint 11 U.S.C. § 522(d)(6)
Wildcard (Basic) $1,675 — $3,350 joint 11 U.S.C. § 522(d)(5)
Wildcard (Spillover from Unused Homestead) Up to $15,800 — $31,600 joint 11 U.S.C. § 522(d)(5)
"Super Wildcard" Total (Renters) $17,475 individual / $34,950 joint Strategic Application
Personal Injury Compensation $31,575 — $63,150 joint 11 U.S.C. § 522(d)(11)(D)

*Federal exemptions adjusted April 1, 2025. Valid through March 31, 2028. D.C. exemptions may be preferable for long-term homeowners with significant equity.

§

The 1,215-Day Rule: When "Unlimited" Isn't Unlimited

D.C. Code § 15-501(a)(14)[1] nominally provides an "unlimited" homestead exemption. However, federal law (11 U.S.C. § 522(p))[3] imposes a critical restriction for newer residents.

The 2026 Cap: If you acquired your interest in the homestead within 1,215 days (~3.3 years) prior to filing, the D.C. "unlimited" exemption is capped by federal law.[3] As of the April 2025 triennial adjustment, this cap is $214,000.[4] We perform a forensic deed analysis to ensure your equity is fully protected before your petition is filed.

! Residency Timeline Diligence is Mandatory for D.C. Homeowners
§

The "Joint Debt" Trap: Why Married Couples Risk Everything

While Tenancy by the Entirety (TBE) offers "unlimited" protection for your home under D.C. common law, the Roberts & Lloyd precedent[9] creates a fatal vulnerability: If you have even a single joint credit card or co-signed loan, a Trustee may pierce your home's shield.

In the D.C. Bankruptcy Court, Trustees aggressively audit joint liabilities. We perform a pre-filing "Joint Debt Audit" to settle or restructure these obligations before they can be used to threaten your residence.

! Joint Debt Compliance is Mandatory for D.C. Homeowners
F

Security clearances and Guideline F

A defining characteristic of the D.C. bankruptcy docket is the high prevalence of federal employees and contractors holding security clearances. For this demographic, filing for bankruptcy does not automatically result in clearance loss.

Guideline F (Financial Considerations)[10] treats unresolved debt as one possible security concern. Reviewers consider the full financial record, including how the debt arose, candor, efforts to resolve it, and conduct after filing. Reporting requirements and the correct channel depend on the person's role and employer.

! Confirm the reporting route for your role
Washington DC bankruptcy resources

Review the local numbers before choosing a chapter

Use these state-specific resources to check Chapter 7 eligibility, property protection, wage-garnishment exposure, chapter choice, cost, and timing before a case strategy is selected.

Income

DC means test

Screen household income against the current Chapter 7 thresholds for this jurisdiction.

Run means test
Assets

DC exemptions

Review local property protections and the planning issues that can affect homes, vehicles, cash, and refunds.

Review exemptions
Collections

DC wage garnishment

Estimate the wage limit for ordinary consumer-debt garnishments and compare bankruptcy timing options.

Use calculator
Chapter choice

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13

Compare discharge timing, asset risk, repayment-plan issues, and when each chapter may fit.

Compare chapters
Cost planning

Bankruptcy cost

Review filing fees, course costs, attorney-fee factors, and Chapter 13 fee-review references.

Review costs
Plan feasibility

Chapter 13 payment calculator

Estimate a repayment-plan payment from arrears, priority debt, unsecured-debt targets, and trustee administration.

Estimate payment
Foreclosure timing

Stop foreclosure

Review when bankruptcy may affect a foreclosure sale and when Chapter 13 can help cure arrears.

Review foreclosure options
Federal work

Bankruptcy and security clearance

Review how bankruptcy, financial disclosures, and documentation can affect clearance-sensitive debt planning.

Review clearance planning

Common Questions for D.C. Filers

Should I choose federal or D.C. exemptions?

It depends on your asset profile. Renters and those with liquid assets typically benefit from federal exemptions (the "super wildcard" up to $17,475).[2] Long-term homeowners with substantial equity often prefer D.C.'s unlimited homestead.[1]

Will bankruptcy affect my TS/SCI security clearance?

Not automatically. Guideline F treats unresolved debt as one possible security concern.[10] Reviewers consider the full financial record, including why the debt arose, candor, steps taken to resolve it, and conduct after filing. Reporting requirements and the correct channel depend on the person's role and employer; confirm current instructions with the appropriate agency, command, security office, HR contact, recruiter, or facility security officer.

Are Section 341 Meetings in-person in D.C.?

No—they're generally virtual. The D.C. Bankruptcy Court conducts virtually all Chapter 7, 12, and 13 Section 341 Meetings via Zoom.[7] You'll need to display government ID and SSN documentation to the camera for trustee verification.

Does Tenancy by the Entirety fully protect my home?

Only if you have no joint debts. TBE shields property from individual creditors, but joint liabilities (even a single joint credit card) pierce this protection.[9] A pre-filing "Joint Debt Audit" is essential for married filers.

What happens if I own a rental property in D.C.?

Bankruptcy sales may be subject to TOPA. While trustees can sometimes sell free and clear, D.C. tenants have successfully intervened in bankruptcy cases to assert their purchase rights. This can introduce significant timelines and affect asset valuation. We help property owners navigate this intersection of D.C. housing law and federal insolvency.

The best law firm around! Great service and fast. The guidance and support we have received from the team at Roman Law Firm has been fantastic. Whenever I had questions or concerns they were always very responsive and gave me excellent advice. Roman and James are both exceptional bankruptcy attorneys. I highly recommend Roman Law Firm.
Chris Glasser
Chris Glasser
CEO at Business Key Group

Still have questions about your specific financial situation?

Not sure whether Chapter 7 is even available?

Run the D.C. means test first. It uses the District's current median-income thresholds and can help you decide whether to schedule a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 review.

Run the D.C. Means Test Calculator →

Or see the general means test overview if you're filing in MD or VA.

Schedule Your Free Evaluation

References

  1. D.C. Code § 15-501 — District of Columbia Exemptions Statute
  2. 11 U.S.C. § 522(d) — Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions
  3. 11 U.S.C. § 522(p) — Limitation on Homestead Exemption (1,215-Day Rule)
  4. 90 Fed. Reg. 8941–42 (Feb. 4, 2025) — Adjustment of Certain Dollar Amounts in the Bankruptcy Code (Apr. 1, 2025)
  5. D.C. Code § 16-572 — Wage Garnishment Limitations
  6. D.C. Minimum Wage — D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES), $17.95/hour effective July 1, 2025
  7. 11 U.S.C. § 341 — Meeting of Creditors Requirement; U.S. Trustee Program Region 4 Guidance
  8. D.C. Local Bankruptcy Rule 9011-1(d)–(e) — Virtual Party Signatures and three-year evidence retention after case closing
  9. Roberts & Lloyd, Inc. v. Zyblut, 691 A.2d 635 (D.C. 1997) — Tenancy by the Entirety Precedent
  10. 32 CFR § 147.8 (Guideline F) — Adjudicative Guidelines for Financial Considerations (Security Clearances)
  11. U.S. Trustee Program Median Income Data — Census Bureau Median Family Income (Effective Nov 1, 2025)