A debtor in bankruptcy is permitted to eliminate or avoid certain liens against property that impair or prevent the debtor from enjoying a full exemption in that property.   Most liens that result as a judgment against the property may be avoided if the property is worth less than the total of all liens.  A debtor must file an adversary proceeding to avoid the lien and serve notice of the lawsuit upon the affected creditor.  Also see a discussion of lien avoidance powers given to a trustee.