COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- A change in the state law in Ohio should help people facing bankruptcy keep more of their assets -- and, in many cases, their homes.

The new law took effect Monday and allows residents to keep more of their home equity. The law change also allows residents to keep additional personal assets, such as jewelry and vehicles. Lawyers have been encouraging residents to hold off filing until the new rules took effect. They say they expect a temporary increase in filings from people who had been waiting.