Edwardsville is the county seat of Madison County, Illinois, and home to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. It is a growing community in the Metro East area of the St. Louis region.
Illinois state exemptions apply. Homestead: $15,000. Vehicle: $2,400. Personal property: $4,000. Wildcard: $2,000 plus up to $7,500 unused homestead. Wages: 85% exempt. Retirement: fully exempt. Illinois allows state exemptions only (not federal).
Exemptions determine what property you can keep in bankruptcy. See the full exemptions guide.
These organizations may offer free or low-cost assistance. Contact them directly to verify current services and eligibility requirements.
Edwardsville residents file in the Southern District of Illinois at 750 Missouri Ave, East St. Louis, IL 62201. The drive is approximately 20-25 minutes southwest.
Student status does not affect bankruptcy eligibility. However, student loans are generally not dischargeable unless you prove undue hardship (Brunner test in the 7th Circuit). Other student debts like credit cards and medical bills are fully dischargeable.
Illinois offers a $2,000 wildcard exemption plus up to $7,500 of any unused homestead exemption. If you are a renter (not using the homestead), you effectively have a $9,500 wildcard to protect any personal property. This is more generous than Missouri's wildcard.
Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility.
Free Discharge Screener