Louisiana Bankruptcy Laws
Louisiana being an “opt out” state requires its debtors to use state exemptions. In other words, you wouldn't be allowed to use the federal bankruptcy exemptions. The married couples filing bankruptcy in Louisiana have got the right to claim double the exemption amounts.
Homestead
You're exempt up to 35,000 dollars in terms of the equity present in the home you live in as well as the land on which it sits. At the same time, the Louisiana homestead exemption is limited to 5 acres if it's located in a town or city, or else up to 200 acres if not located in a town or city.
Most importantly, spouses aren't allowed to double the homestead exemption.
Another factor remains that if such a situation arises wherein it's a direct result of a terminal or catastrophic illness, then in that case you might be exempt for the full value of the home. This would be based on the home value 1 year prior to filing bankruptcy.
Motor Vehicles
You're exempt for up to 7,500 dollars of equity in 1 motor vehicle used by you and your family. This is based on the NADA value.
You could also be exempt for up to 7,500 dollars of equity in 1 motor vehicle that's modified or fitted to assist you or a family member who has got physical disability.
Wages
75 percent of your disposable earnings or 30 times the federal minimum wage stands exempt, depending on which is greater.
Personal Property
Household goods, furnishings, clothing, appliances, family portraits, arms, military accouterments, musical instruments, poultry, fowl, dogs, cats, 1 cow, other household pets, as well as wedding or engagement rings up to 5,000 dollars in value.
The money received from the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit is exempt.
Tools of the Trade
Instruments, tools, books, 1 utility trailer, 1 firearm with a value up to 500 dollars is exempt.
Insurance Benefits
The insurance proceeds for exempt property that's damaged by a natural disaster.
Eastern District of Louisiana
New OrleansStreet Address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Hale Boggs Federal Building
500 Poydras Street, Suite B-601
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Mailing Address:
Same as Street Address.
Contact Number:
504-589-7878
Working Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Excluding Federal Holidays
Middle District of Louisiana
Baton RougeStreet Address:
US Bankruptcy Court
Middle District of Louisiana
707 Florida Street
Room 119
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801
Mailing Address:
Same as Street Address.
Contact Number:
225-346-3333
Working Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Excluding Federal Holidays
Western District of Louisiana
AlexandriaStreet Address:
US Courthouse
300 Jackson Street
Suite 116
Alexandria, Louisiana 71301-8357
Mailing Address:
Same as Street Address.
Contact Number:
318-446-1890
866-356-5221 (Toll Free)
Working Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Excluding Federal Holidays
Street Address:
US Courthouse
611 Broad Street
1st Floor
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Mailing Address:
US Courthouse
214 Jefferson Street
Suite 100
Lafayette, Louisiana 70501-7050
Contact Number:
Same as Lafayette Office.
Working Hours: Same as Lafayette Office.
MonroeStreet Address:
US Courthouse
201 Jackson Street
Monroe, Louisiana
Mailing Address:
Same as Shreveport and Alexandria.
Contact Number:
For Chapters 7, 11 and 12 call the Shreveport number.
For Chapter 13 information, call the Alexandria number.
Working Hours: Same as Shreveport and Alexandria office.
LafayetteStreet Address:
US Courthouse
214 Jefferson Street
Suite 100
Lafayette, Louisiana 70501-7050
Mailing Address:
Same as Street Address.
Contact Number:
337-262-6800
866-789-6015 (Toll Free)
Working Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Excluding Federal Holidays
Street Address:
US Courthouse
300 Fannin Street
Suite 2201
Shreveport, Louisiana 71101-3141
Mailing Address:
Same as Street Address.
Contact Number:
318-676-4267
866-721-2105 (Toll Free)
Working Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Excluding Federal Holidays
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