California: homestead exemptions
How much home equity you can protect in bankruptcy in each state, and whether you can use the federal exemption list instead.
From a statute-cited table| State homestead exemption | $300,000 to $600,000, based on county median home price |
|---|---|
| Law | Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 704.730 |
| Can you use the federal exemptions? | No - state exemptions only |
| Federal amounts | Federal homestead $31,575; wildcard $1,675 plus up to $15,800 of unused homestead (cases filed through Mar. 31, 2028) |
California has two state exemption systems; filers choose one.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in California.
Also for California: Divorce rules by state in California · Workers' comp deadlines in California · Small estate limits in California · Small claims limits in California · DUI penalties in California
How we checked this
Homestead amounts come from a 2026 law-firm chart that cites each statute. The list of states allowing the federal exemptions was compared across two 2026 sources. Federal law can cap a homestead bought within 1,215 days of filing, and you must usually have lived in the state 730 days to use its exemptions. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site From a statute-cited table one detailed source Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.