I need to retire but have too much credit card debt. Can I file bankruptcy

Whether you can keep your house, car or any other assets depends on, among other things,  their values/equity, which bankruptcy chapter you file, and what exemptions you have available under applicable law to protect the value in those assets.  There is usually a way to structure your case so you can keep your assets, but it requires a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney to analyze everything properly. 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 consult with a bankruptcy attorney in your area for more details and who can obtain the necessary specifics 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.