EXEMPT PROPERTY. Every state, including Kansas, defines certain property as exempt from attachment. That is, when the sheriff is out trying to glom onto something for an unsecured debt, he can't take exempt property. In Kansas, exempt property includes:

The homestead, the home you live in and own (with or without mortgage).

Household goods – all your ordinary furniture, appliances, clothing, and supplies; pretty much everything in your house that you need to live an ordinary life.

One car each for debtor and spouse, up to $20,000 equity in each car.

Life insurance and retirement accounts, usually, but there are exceptions, so be sure to review this category carefully with your lawyer!

Tools of the trade up to $7500.

Jewelry up to $1000.

Public assistance, including social security, workers compensation, unemployment, and the like.

There are other exemptions, and some property may be exempt or not, depending on its use.

NON-EXEMPT PROPERTY is everything else – cash (whether in your pocket, in the bank, on its way to you in the form of a refund check, or otherwise), luxury sporting equipment, accounts receivable (money owed to you), stocks and bonds (unless held in qualified retirement accounts), the airplane in your back yard, the condo in the Swiss Alps – everything else.

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