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David and Susan, a married couple in Huntsville, Alabama, own their primary residence. David passes away, and Susan continues to live in the home as her primary residence. A creditor of David's estate attempts to force the sale of the home to satisfy a $28,000 debt. Assuming Susan qualifies for Alabama's homestead exemption as a surviving spouse, which statement best describes her protection?

Correct Answer

C) Susan retains the $30,000 married-couple homestead exemption as a surviving spouse continuing to occupy the residence

Under Code of Alabama §6-10-2 and related homestead provisions, a surviving spouse who continues to occupy the home as their primary residence retains the benefit of the homestead exemption. Alabama law extends homestead protection to surviving spouses, and the $30,000 exemption applicable to the married couple continues to protect the surviving spouse in occupation. Because the $28,000 debt is below the $30,000 exemption, the creditor cannot force a sale to satisfy this debt.

Answer Options
A
Susan has no protection because the homestead exemption terminates upon the death of one spouse
B
Susan is protected up to $15,000 as an individual, since the married-couple exemption ended at David's death
C
Susan retains the $30,000 married-couple homestead exemption as a surviving spouse continuing to occupy the residence
D
Susan is protected up to $50,000 because surviving spouses receive an enhanced exemption under Alabama law

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

homestead_exemptionsurviving_spousecreditor_protectionmarital_propertyalabama_specific

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