Illinois Bankruptcy Laws - Homestead Exemption Value

IL Code of Civ. Proc. Sec. 12‑901. Amount. Every individual is entitled to an estate of homestead to the extent in value of $7,500 of his or her interest in a farm or lot of land and buildings thereon, a condominium, or personal property, owned or rightly possessed by lease or otherwise and occupied by him or her as a residence, or in a cooperative that owns property that the individual uses as a residence. That homestead and all right in and title to that homestead is exempt from attachment, judgment, levy, or judgment sale for the payment of his or her debts or other purposes and from the laws of conveyance, descent, and legacy, except as provided in this Code or in Section 20‑6 of the Probate Act of 1975. This Section is not applicable between joint tenants or tenants in common but it is applicable as to any creditors of those persons. If 2 or more individuals own property that is exempt as a homestead, the value of the exemption of each individual may not exceed his or her proportionate share of $15,000 based upon percentage of ownership.

Operation of Illinois Bankruptcy Laws

Value in Illinois 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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