Can I choose the federal exemptions in a Washington bankruptcy?

Yes. Unlike Arizona and California, Washington lets bankruptcy debtors choose between the Washington state exemptions and the federal exemptions in 11 U.S.C. § 522(d). You must pick one complete set — no mixing and matching.

Washington's set usually wins for homeowners because of the county-median homestead (up to $940,000 in King County for 2026). The federal set — $31,575 homestead, $5,025 vehicle, $17,475 maximum wildcard (through 3/31/2028) — can be better for renters with cash or other assets, because the federal wildcard is flexible.

In a joint case, federal amounts double, and each Washington spouse gets their own set of RCW 6.15.010 personal property exemptions. Choosing the right scheme is one of the most consequential decisions in a Washington bankruptcy — an attorney can run both scenarios for you.