Co debtors & home ownership

[vaslimkat27]

My friend's husband desperately needs to file chapter 7 but the house in which they live has about 32,000 in equity and is deeded in both of their names. My friend is not filing. How do you list the house? Does the equity have to be exempted? In VA the homestead exemption is only $5,000. So can the trustee force a sell on the house or place a lien against the equity?

[JRScott]

Do they hold tenancy by the entirety according to VA law, if so their home might be exempt from debts only owed by one spouse. It is something that they'd need to consult a lawyer about to ensure they are safe.