Colorado is an “opt-out” state, meaning you must use Colorado-specific exemptions—but you can also benefit from certain federal exemptions for retirement, Social Security, and other protected benefits. Below is a detailed summary of state exemptions, with statutory references and amounts. Always confirm the latest figures with an attorney or official code, as laws can change or be interpreted differently by courts.
| Asset / Type of Property | Exemption Description | Statute / Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Real property, mobile or manufactured home occupied by debtor. Up to \$60,000, or\$90,000 if debtor/spouse is 60+ or disabled. | C.R.S. §§ 38-41-201, 38-41-201.6, 38-41-203, 38-41-207 | Spouse or child of deceased owner may claim if occupant. (See 38-41-204) |
| House Trailer / Coach | Used as residence up to \$3,500 | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(o)(I) | |
| Mobile Home (Residence) | Up to \$6,000. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(o)(II) | |
| Disability Benefits | Up to \$200/month; if lump sum, entire amount exempt. | C.R.S. § 10-8-114 | |
| Fraternal Benefit Society Benefits | Fully exempt. | C.R.S. § 10-14-122 | |
| Group Life Insurance / Proceeds | Fully exempt. | C.R.S. § 10-7-205 | |
| Homeowner's Insurance Proceeds | Exempt for 1 year after received, up to homestead limit. | C.R.S. § 38-41-209 | |
| Life Insurance | Generally exempt; proceeds protected if clause prevents paying beneficiary's creditors. | C.R.S. §§ 10-7-106, 13-54-102(1)(l)(B) | |
| Life Insurance - Cash Surrender Value | Up to **\$25,000** (\$50,000 if covering spouse/dependents). | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(l)(A) | For writs issued against the insured. |
| Child Support | Exempt if kept separate for child’s benefit (not commingled). | C.R.S. § 13-54-102.5 | |
| Property of Business Partnership | Exempt from individual partner’s creditors. | C.R.S. § 7-60-125 | |
| ERISA-Qualified Benefits (IRAs, etc.) | Fully exempt to extent recognized by ERISA. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(s) | |
| Firefighters | Exempt retirement / pension. | C.R.S. §§ 31-10-412, 31-30-518 | |
| Police Officers | Exempt benefits. | C.R.S. §§ 31-30-313, 31-31-616 | |
| Public Employees | Exempt retirement benefits. | C.R.S. § 24-51-212 | |
| Teachers | Exempt pension benefits. | C.R.S. § 22-64-120 | |
| Veterans’ Benefits | Exempt for veteran, spouse, or child if veteran served in war. | C.R.S. §§ 13-54-102(1)(h), 13-54-104 | |
| Burial Plot | 1 burial plot per person fully exempt. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(d) | |
| Clothing | Up to \$1,500. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(a) | |
| Food & Fuel | Up to \$600. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(f) | |
| Health Aids | Professionally prescribed for debtor or dependents. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(p) | |
| Household Goods | Furnishings, appliances, etc., up to \$3,000 total. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(e) | |
| Jewelry / Adornment | Up to \$1,000 total. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(b) | |
| Motor Vehicle | Up to \$3,000 equity if used for work; Up to \$6,000 if elderly or disabled (or to obtain medical care). | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(j)(I), (II) | |
| Personal Injury Recoveries | Fully exempt unless the debt is related to the injury. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(n) | |
| Pictures & Books | Up to \$1,500 total value. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(c) | |
| Proceeds for Damaged Exempt Property | Exempt to extent original property was exempt. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(m) | |
| Security Deposit | Fully exempt. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(r) | |
| Federal or State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) | Entire refund exempt. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(o) | |
| Aid to Blind, Aged, Disabled, AFDC | Fully exempt. | C.R.S. § 26-2-131 | |
| Crime Victims’ Compensation | Fully exempt (unless discharging debt from the crime?). | C.R.S. §§ 13-54-102(1)(q), 24-4.1-114 | |
| Unemployment Compensation | Fully exempt. | C.R.S. § 8-80-103 | |
| Veterans’ Benefits | Exempt if veteran served in war (covers spouse/child). | C.R.S. §§ 13-54-102(1)(h), 13-54-104 | |
| Workers’ Compensation | Fully exempt. | C.R.S. § 8-42-124 | |
| Farmers’ Tools, Horses, Mules, Wagons, etc. | Up to \$25,000 total (debtor or debtor + spouse). | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(g) | Same \$25k limit whether single or joint for this category. |
| Professionals’ Library / Stock in Trade, Equipment, etc. | \$3,000 for library;\$10,000 total for stock, fixtures, tools. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(i), (k) | |
| Livestock & Poultry of Farmer | Up to \$3,000. | C.R.S. § 13-54-102(1)(g) | |
| Wages / Earned but Unpaid | Minimum 75% exempt; also covers pension payments in some cases. | C.R.S. § 13-54-104 | Some exceptions for child support, etc. |
| Wildcard | None (No general wildcard under Colorado law). | -- |
The exemptions described above are based on Colorado statutes and may not reflect the most recent updates or local court interpretations. This information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.