Bankruptcy exemptions are rules that exempt certain types and amounts of property from being sold or used to satisfy the claims of debtors in your bankruptcy case. Each state has a set of bankruptcy exemptions that you can use to protect your property while going through bankruptcy.

Federal law also provides a set of bankruptcy exemptions. Your state’s law will determine whether you can choose the federal bankruptcy exemptions, or if you must use your state’s bankruptcy exemptions. But if your state’s law allows you to choose between the two sets of bankruptcy exemptions, you must choose one or the other, and cannot choose exemptions from both your state and the federal exemptions.

In Tennessee, bankruptcy exemptions play a crucial role in protecting certain assets of individuals who file for bankruptcy. Tennessee law requires that residents use the state's bankruptcy exemptions and does not allow the use of federal bankruptcy exemptions. These exemptions include specific amounts of equity in a debtor's homestead, personal property, insurance, pensions, public benefits, tools of the trade, and wages, among others. The purpose of these exemptions is to enable individuals to retain enough property to make a fresh start after bankruptcy. It's important to note that exemption amounts are subject to change and can vary based on the specifics of each case, such as marital status and the number of dependents. Debtors in Tennessee should consult with an attorney to understand how the state's bankruptcy exemptions apply to their particular situation.