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New Jersey Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy laws and resources vary from state to state. The following page provides information and resource links for the state of New Jersey.
If you are not looking for information regarding New Jersey, please use the links on the right to find information for your state.
- Courts - Location and Contact Information
- Bankruptcy Laws
- Approved Credit Counseling/Debtor Education Agencies
- New Jersey Attorneys
- Other Bankruptcy New Jersey Resources
New Jersey Bankruptcy Courts - Location & Contact Information
New Jersey bankruptcy courts are divided into three divisions. Generally, the debtor’s county of residence will determine which division the bankruptcy petition is filed. It may also be determined by the location of the debtor’s principal place of business or principal assets.
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
COUNTIES OF JURISDICTION:Camden Division - Atlantic, part of Burlington (townships of Cinnaminson, Delran, Edgewater Park, Evesham [Marlton], Maple Shade, Moorestown, Mt. Laurel, Palmyra, Riverside & Riverton), Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties
Newark Division - Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Union Counties
Trenton Division - Part of Burlington (see excluded townships under Camden Division), Hunterdon, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset and Warren Counties
| DIVISION | STREET ADDRESS | MAILING ADDRESS | TELEPHONE |
| Camden Division |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court 401 Market Street Camden, NJ 08101 |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court PO Box 2067 Camden, NJ 08101 |
(856) 757-5485 |
| Newark Division |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Federal Building 50 Walnut Street Newark, NJ 07102 |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court PO Box 1352 Newark, NJ 07101-1352 |
(973) 645-4764 |
| Trenton Division |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court 402 East State Street Trenton, NJ 08608 |
Same |
(609) 989-2129 |
New Jersey Bankruptcy Laws and Exemptions
New Jersey Exemptions
The U.S. Bankruptcy Code allows individual debtors to exempt certain property from creditor claims based on exemptions under either federal law or state law. Exemptions vary from state to state. Some states have adopted their own set of bankruptcy exemptions that are used in place of the federal exemptions. However, other states give debtors an option to choose between either state or federal exemptions.
New Jersey bankruptcy law allows residents to use either the federal set of exemptions or state exemptions.
Click here to view federal bankruptcy exemptions under 11 U.S.C. 522(d).
Click here for some common bankruptcy exemptions pursuant to New Jersey law.
Contact a New Jersey bankruptcy lawyer for more information regarding New Jersey bankruptcy exemptions.
New Jersey Means Test
The new bankruptcy laws enacted in 2005 also require that debtors pass a means test before filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. There are two ways to pass the means test:
1. the debtor's annual income (calculated using the average gross income for the six month period prior to filing) must be below the state median. Census Bureau statistics for state median income by family size can be found here.
2. If income exceeds the median income, individuals may still file Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on results ofForm 22A: Chapter 7 Statement of Current Monthly Income and Means-Test Calculation.
New Jersey Credit Counseling & Debtor Education Agencies
Pursuant to the new bankruptcy laws enacted in 2005, individuals who file personal bankruptcy (with limited exceptions) in New Jersey must:
1. take a credit counseling course from an approved New Jersey credit counseling provider within six months before filing bankruptcy; and
2. complete a debtor education course from an approved New Jersey debtor education agency prior to receiving a bankruptcy discharge.
New Jersey Personal Bankruptcy Attorneys
To find New Jersey bankruptcy lawyers in your area, you may want to contact your local bar association or the New Jersey State Bar Association:
New Jersey State Bar Association
New Jersey Law Center
One Constitution Square
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1520
Telephone: (732) 249-5000
Based on income, free bankruptcy advice and representation may also be obtained from the following organizations: Contact Legal Services of New Jersey for information regarding programs and services available to low income clients in New Jersey.
If you are concerned about the representation provided to you by a New Jersey bankruptcy attorney, visit the New Jersey Judiciary - Office of Attorney Ethics website for information regarding how to file a complaint.
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Resources for New Jersey Bankruptcy Laws
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey - administrative and procedural information for New Jersey bankruptcy filings
Office of the U.S. Trustee for Region 3 - oversees the administration of New Jersey personal bankruptcy cases and case trustees
New Jersey State Bar Association - information about the New Jersey bar, membership, ethics, continuing legal education, and resources for the public.
       
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