There may be special consideration when senior citizens file bankruptcy proceedings. For the most part, pensions and/or retirement funds that are being drawn by senior citizens constitute exempt income, which means that those funds cannot be taken by the bankruptcy trustee in order to pay down the creditor's debts. Senior citizens also may be concerned about protecting assets that they have had for long periods of time, such as primary houses or family heirlooms. As it is possible to legally convert assets from non-exempt to exempt status, an experienced bankruptcy attorney may be able to advise senior citizens how to best protect such assets. Plus, a bankruptcy attorney can help senior citizens choose the most appropriate form of bankruptcy relief for them.