Virginia Bankruptcy Laws - Homestead Exemption Value

The Code of VA provides in § 34-4 - "Every householder shall be entitled, in addition to the property or estate exempt under §§ 23-38.81, 34-26, 34-27, 34-29, and 64.1-151.3, to hold exempt from creditor process arising out of a debt, real and personal property, or either, to be selected by the householder, including money and debts due the householder not exceeding $5,000 in value. In addition, upon a showing that a householder supports dependents, the householder shall be entitled to hold exempt from creditor process real and personal property, or either, selected by the householder, including money or monetary obligations or liabilities due the householder, not exceeding $500 in value for each dependent. For the purposes of this section, "dependent" means an individual who derives support primarily from the householder and who does not have assets sufficient to support himself, but in no case shall an individual be the dependent of more than one householder."

Operation of Virginia Bankruptcy Laws

Value in Virginia bankruptcy courts is determined based upon the fair market price, less amounts owed. "Fair market" is not a retail value expected by professional sellers or advertisers. Likewise, forced liquidation values are not representative of a fair market. The value of property is an estimate of an agreement reached between a willing buyer and a willing seller under current market conditions. Creditors may file objections to the calculation of equity which may be subject to disbursement.

See also, Federal Exemptions

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