home in NJ joint with wife.I retired and rent in FL. can I file single chapter7 without affecting spouse and home in NJ. have no joint unsecured debts

Whether you have to give up any assets in a Chapter 7 case depends on the value of the assets and the exemptions you have available under applicable law.  Exemptions are "protections" for value you have in certain assets such that they are "exempt" from collections.  Every state has different exemptions amounts available. Exemption laws are based on the state where you resided for the 2 years prior to filing your bankruptcy case or, if you lived in more than 1 state during that period, in the state where you resided for the greater part of the 180 days prior to that 2 year period.  You need to have a consultation with an experienced bankruptcy attorney in your area to get a more thorough evaluation of your situation. Mark Markus has been practicing exclusively bankruptcy law in California since 1991.  He is a Certified Specialist in Bankruptcy Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization,  AV-Rated by martindale.com, and A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau.