federal bankruptcy exemption

Homestead federal bankruptcy exemption is available for real property value up to $18,450. And the bankruptcy trustee can set aside any such transfer of your assets which may unfairly place the assets beyond creditor's reach; such a transfer is regarded as a fraudulent transfer.

There are two types of fraudulent transfer in bankruptcy law:
a. Actual fraud, which involves intent to defraud creditors
b. Constructive fraud, where assets are transferred in exchange for a very inadequate consideration.

Actual fraud is committed when-

1. Transfer of assets is done within 1 year before the date of filing of bankruptcy petition.


2. Transfer is done with the intent to defraud a creditor.

Constructive fraud is committed when-

1. The amount received from transfer of asset is less than what would be its reasonably equivalent value.


2. You are unable to pay your debts because the assets were transferred.

David

If a fraudulent transfer is proved then the trustee can recover the property or value of the property and make it part of the bankruptcy estate.

But exception to this rule is made when a purchaser of such property acted in good faith to purchase the property without notice of the outstanding rights others have to the property.

Such bona fide purchaser may be allowed to retain the property.