State Economy
Alabama has worked diligently to diversify their economy to better survive future economic slowdowns. The state has invested heavily in automobile manufacturing, aerospace, banking, health care and education. Alabama also continues to see significant employment in mineral extraction and steel production.
Bankruptcy Court Locations in Alabama:
Northern District of Alabama:
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
P.O. Box 2775
Decatur, Alabama 35602
Middle District of Alabama
US Bankruptcy Court
Middle District of Alabama
George W. Andrews Federal Building
701 Avenue A (map (link is external))
Opelika, AL 36801
Southern District of Alabama
US Bankruptcy Court
Southern District of Alabama
102 Church Street
Selma, AL 36701
Alabama State Exemptions:
Here is a list of commonly used Alabama exemptions:
- Homestead. Up to $15,500 in equity and up to 160 acres of real estate and the residence upon it, including a house, mobile home, or similar dwelling place. (Ala. Code 6-10-2)
- Personal Property. Burial plot or church pew for use by you or your family (Ala. Code 6-10-5); clothing, family portraits, pictures, and books for use by you or your family (Ala. Code 6-10-6); life insurance proceeds (Ala. Code 6-10-8).
- Motor vehicle. Alabama doesn’t have a motor vehicle exemption, but you can use the wildcard exemption to protect vehicle equity (see below).
- Retirement accounts and benefits. IRAs, Roth IRAs, and retirement accounts qualified under the Internal Revenue Code (Ala. Code 19-3B-508); State Employees’ Retirement Systems accounts and benefits (Ala. Code 36-27-28); Teachers’ Retirement System accounts and benefits (Ala. Code 16-25-23).
- Public benefits: earned income tax credit. (Ala. Code 38-4-8; 38-5-5; In re James 406 F.3d 1340 (11th Cir. 2005))
- Wages and income: 75% of wages or 30 times the federal minimum wage. (Ala. Code 6-10-7, 5-9-15)
- Tools of the trade. Uniforms and arms of military personnel. (Ala. Code 31-2-78)
- Wildcard. Up to $7,750 of any personal property, except for wages. (Ala. Code 6-10-6; 6-10-126)