Opinion ID: 1867201
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Statutory Right to a Homestead Exemption

Text: Ala.Code 1975, § 6-10-2 (Supp.1988) and § 6-10-3, are essentially a codification of Article X, § 205, of the Alabama Constitution. However, there are some material differences, such as increases in both the acreage and value of land that can be exempt, and the inclusion of mobile homes as homesteads. It is clear from the language of these statutes that they, like § 205, were intended to protect the homes of debtors and their families: § 6-10-2. Homestead exemption Amount; area. The homestead of every resident of this state, with the improvements and appurtenances, not exceeding in value $5,000 and in area 160 acres, shall be, to the extent of any interest he or she may have therein, whether a fee or less estate or whether held in common or in severalty, exempt from levy and sale under execution or other process for the collection of debts during his or her life and occupancy and, if he or she leaves surviving him or her a spouse and a minor child, or children, or either, during the life of the surviving spouse and minority of the child, or children, but the area of the homestead shall not be enlarged by reason of any encumbrance thereon or of the character of the estate or interest owned therein by him or her. When a husband and wife jointly own a homestead each is entitled to claim separately the exemption provided herein, to the same extent and value as an unmarried individual. For purposes of this section and section 6-10-38 and 6-10-40, a mobile home or similar dwelling if the principal place of residence of the individual claiming the exemption shall be deemed to be a homestead. (Emphasis added.) Actual occupancy of the property is a threshold requirement of § 6-10-2, as it is of § 205. In re Quinlan, 12 B.R. 824 (Bankr.M.D.Ala.1981); In re Brasington, 10 B.R. 76 (Bankr.M.D.Ala.1981). The nature of the required occupancy has been described as occupancy in fact and a clearly defined intention of present residence and occupancy. In re Brasington, supra, at 78 (citing Blum v. Carter, 63 Ala. 235 (1879)). There is a line of cases holding that a widow's right to a homestead interest will not be defeated by her departure from the property after her interest has vested. However, those cases recognize that the property concerned must be occupied by the husband at the time of his death. See, Cox v. McLemore, 236 Ala. 559, 183 So. 860 (1938); Bodeker v. Tutwiler, 211 Ala. 537, 100 So. 776 (1924); Johns v. Cannon, 199 Ala. 138, 74 So. 42 (1917); Gist v. Lucas, 122 Ala. 557, 25 So. 41 (1899); Norton v. Norton, 94 Ala. 481, 10 So. 436 (1892). Because neither Clyde nor Beatrice occupied the property at the time of Clyde's transfer to Gowens and because Beatrice never before his death showed any intent to return, § 6-10-2 cannot be utilized to give Beatrice an interest in the property. Also, because the property does not qualify as a homestead under § 6-10-2, the signature requirement of § 6-10-3 is not applicable and does not operate to void the conveyance by Clyde to Gowens.