Bankruptcy Basics: Avoidance Formula.
Section 522(f)(2) employs a mathematical formula to determine whether a lien impairs an exemption and can thus be avoided. Application of this formula can result in the total or partial avoidance of a lien. When the total value of the property which the lien covers can be claimed as exempt, then any amount of liens on that property can be avoided. However, if a lien only partially impairs an exemption, only that portion of the lien may be avoided.