California Exemptions Summary:
Homestead
$339,196 to $678,391 depending on the county, and the median sale price for a home in prior calendar year.
Vehicle Exemption
Motor vehicles to $7,500, or $7,500 in auto insurance for loss or damages for 90 days (husband and wife may not double)
Personal Property
Jewelry, heirlooms & art to $9,525 total (husband and wife may not double)Health aids
Building materials to repair or improve home to $3,825 (husband and wife may not double)
Tools, implements, materials, instruments, uniforms, books, furnishings, & equipment to $9,525 total ($19,050 total if used by both spouses in same occupation); amount of exemption for commercial motor vehicle not to exceed $4,850 ($9,700 if used by debtor and spouse in same trade)
Deposit accounts to $1,826 (as of July 2021 MBSAC for family of 4)
Wild Card
None (use federal non-bankruptcy wage exemption)
Deposit Accounts to amount "necessary for the support of the judgment debtor, as well as the judgment debtor’s spouse and dependents"(CCP 704.225.) Using this exemption, a family living paycheck to paycheck could likely exempt an entire account balance; however, courts have yet to weigh in on the new law. A debtor must assert this exemption for it to apply.