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A property owner in rural Pulaski County, Arkansas, owns a 95-acre farm as her primary residence. She has no mortgage but owes $200,000 to a judgment creditor. The farm is appraised at $600,000. The creditor seeks to force a sale of the entire farm. The owner asserts the Arkansas constitutional homestead exemption. Which of the following most accurately describes the legal outcome?

Correct Answer

D) The homestead exemption protects 80 acres of the farm; the creditor may pursue a forced sale of the remaining 15 acres

Under the Arkansas Constitution, Article 9, §§ 3–6, the rural homestead exemption protects up to 80 acres of a primary residence from creditor claims. The owner's farm is 95 acres, which exceeds the 80-acre rural limit by 15 acres. The exemption fully protects 80 acres — including the home and the land within that acreage — from the creditor's forced sale. The remaining 15 acres beyond the 80-acre limit is not protected and may be subject to the creditor's judgment lien. The creditor may seek to partition or sell the excess 15 acres but cannot force a sale of the protected 80-acre homestead.

Answer Options
A
The entire 95-acre farm is protected because it is used as a primary residence in a rural area
B
The homestead exemption protects up to $500,000 of the farm's value, so the creditor can reach the remaining $100,000 in value
C
The homestead exemption does not apply because the farm exceeds the 80-acre rural limit, leaving the entire property exposed
D
The homestead exemption protects 80 acres of the farm; the creditor may pursue a forced sale of the remaining 15 acres

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

homestead_exemptionrural_acreageexcess_acreagecreditor_protectionownership_types

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