MONTGOMERY, Ala. — New legislation signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey is expected to provide stronger protections for elderly and disabled Alabamians facing financial hardship and possible foreclosure during bankruptcy proceedings.
At the center of the effort is Faulkner Law alumna Vallee Connor, an attorney in Mobile whose work helped champion changes to Alabama’s homestead exemption laws aimed at protecting vulnerable homeowners.
The legislation, HB 96 sponsored by Speaker Pro Tem Chris Pringle and Senator Jabo Waggoner, increases the homestead exemption available for people aged 62 and older and for people with disabilities. It is designed to help prevent them from losing their homes through foreclosure while navigating bankruptcy – a much-needed relief for many Alabamians living on fixed incomes who are struggling financially. The new state exemption raises the homestead exemption from $18,800, which is for all individual debtors, to $56,400 for seniors and those with disabilities. It takes effect on June 1.
In Connor’s law practice, she met many senior debtors who filed for bankruptcy, and she saw a need to help protect more of the equity in their homes. Connor contacted Speaker Pro Tem Chris Pringle from Mobile and proposed the legislation. He agreed to sponsor it, and Connor worked with the Legislative Services Agency to draft the bill. Faulkner Law Dean Charles Campbell and Faulkner President Mitch Henry also assisted.
Connor’s work on the issue reflects a longstanding commitment to service that leaders at Faulkner University say is deeply connected to the mission and culture of the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law.
“This is exactly the kind of service-oriented leadership we hope to instill in our students,” said Campbell. “Our graduates are using their legal education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
Faulkner Law has a history of emphasizing advocacy and service through programs such as the Elder Law Clinic, led by John Craft, where students serve senior clients with many legal needs: wills and trusts, powers of attorney, living wills, property and financial needs, and government benefits. This clinic provides students opportunities to work directly with elderly and disabled individuals while gaining practical legal experience.
Connor’s role in advancing the legislation demonstrates the lasting impact Faulkner Law graduates can have in their communities.
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About Faulkner Law
Faulkner Law is a Christian law school in the Capital City of Alabama. Faulkner Law students have a unique advantage through the rigorous curriculum and hands-on experience that we provide. We seek students who will not only succeed academically, but who also have a desire to use their legal degree to seek justice and serve their communities – wherever that may be. Faulkner Law is a part of Faulkner University, a private, Christian liberal arts university based in Montgomery, Alabama. With a mission to provide an education anchored not only by intellect but also character and service, the Faulkner experience aims to educate the whole person. Serving both traditional and non-traditional students, the university is home to six colleges: the Alabama Christian College of Arts and Sciences, the Harris College of Business and Executive Education, the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies, the College of Education, Faulkner Law and the College of Health Sciences. In addition to its main campus in Montgomery, Faulkner operates extension campuses in Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile along with online degree programs.
For more information, visit www.law.faulkner.edu.
