Helping Connecticut residents with low income solve their legal problems

Interactive Guide

Am I Judgment Proof?

Are you currently having trouble paying any of these bills? (Check any that apply.)
These bills generally CANNOT be discharged by Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If these are the only bills you have, you may not need to think about bankruptcy right now. You should always talk to a lawyer before acting.
Get more information about these kinds of debts.
Are you currently having trouble paying any of these bills? (Check any that apply.)

These bills usually can be discharged by Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you have any of these bills, you may want to look into bankruptcy.

If you are thinking of filing bankruptcy, first you should find out if your income or personal property is protected. Protected means that you don’t have money or property that a debt collector can legally take from you.

You might not need to file bankruptcy if:

  • your income is very low, and
  • you don’t have a lot of valuable things.

You may also hear the words collection proof, which is another way of saying that your income and property are protected.

Remember, bankruptcy is complicated and it’s best to speak with a lawyer.

Is my income protected?

Is your income $654 per week or less, or is it from Social Security, public benefits, or disability??
What is equity?
Do you own a house with equity less than $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for a couple?
Do you own one or two cars with a combined value of not more than $7,000?

Based on your answers, you might be protected.

If…

  • you do not own a house; or
  • you own a house but the equity in your home is less than $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for a couple; or
  • you own one or two cars having a total value of up to  $7,000;

AND

  • you take home less than $627.69 (as of this January, 2024) per week or your income is from Social Security, public benefits, disability, etc.

Then…

You might be protected (collection proof). People who are protected probably do not need to file bankruptcy. How does being protected help me? 

Remember: The laws about bankruptcy are complicated, so it's best to speak with a lawyer if you can.

Based on your answers, you may have income or belongings that a creditor could legally take from you if they sue you and win. Based on this information, you may benefit from learning about bankruptcy.

Remember: The laws about bankruptcy are complicated, so you should try to speak with a lawyer.

See the legal aid article: Are You Thinking About Bankruptcy?

How to Get Help from Legal Aid

Statewide Legal Services (SLS) gives free legal advice to low-income people with problems in Connecticut.

Toll-free: 1-800-453-3320
From Middletown and Hartford: 860-344-0380

Monday – Friday
9 am to 12 noon and 1 to 2 pm

For help with bankruptcy, debtor’s rights, or consumer protection, apply online.

Contact a Private Attorney

Most of our legal services are available only for people with very low income. If legal aid can’t help, you may want to talk to a private attorney about your legal problem. A lawyer referral service can match you up with an attorney for a small fee. Contact the lawyer referral service office in the county where you are having a legal problem. For more information: Connecticut Bar Association – Find a Lawyer.

What is CTLawHelp?

CTLawHelp.org was created by several nonprofit legal aid organizations whose shared mission is to improve the lives of Connecticut residents by providing free legal help to people with very low income.

Funded By

Statewide Legal Services
New Haven Legal Assistance
Greater Hartford Legal Aid
Connecticut Legal Services
CTProBono.org
Connecticut Fair Housing Center
The Children’s Law Center
Connecticut Legal Rights Project
Lawyers for Children America
Center for Children’s Advocacy
Connecticut Veterans Legal Center

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