Case Name: In re HOPKINS
Court: United States District Court for the District of Vermont
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 1900-08-21
Citations: 103 F. 781
Docket Number: 
Parties: In re HOPKINS.
Judges: 
Reporter: Federal Reporter
Volume: 103
Pages: 781–782

Head Matter:
In re HOPKINS.
(District Court, D. Vermont.
August 21, 1900.)
Bankruptcy — Homestead Exemption.
It is the duty of a trustee to set out the bankrupt’s homestead; and where it is subject to debts, so as to render a sale necessary, the cost of converting it into money should be borne by the trustee, and the entire proceeds above the amount of such debts paid to the bankrupt.
In Bankruptcy. Review of order made by referee.
Geo. H. Dale, for petitioner.
J. D. Bates, for bankrupt.

Opinion:
WHEELER, District Judge.
This is a review of the proceedings of the referee in ordering the sale of the homestead which is subject to a prior debt of $223.84, and understood to be inseparable. The bankrupt should have, if he has not had, the privilege of retaining the homestead on payment to the trustee of that sum. It is the duty of the trustee to set out the homestead. The sale and setting out the right in money are a part of the proceedings for that purpose, which it is the duty of the trustee, and not of the bankrupt, to pay for. The homestead right extends to all there is besides the value of $223.84, and that right is not chargeable with converting the trustee's right into money. Therefore the avails of the sale, after deducting that sum, should be paid over to the bankrupt. Order modified accordingly, and then affirmed.