This is the 2025 edition of the code. This is the current edition. Browse all editions.

§ 64.2-311 Homestead allowance

A. In addition to any other right or allowance under this article, a surviving spouse of a decedent who was domiciled in the Commonwealth is entitled to a homestead allowance of $25,000. If there is no surviving spouse, each minor child of the decedent is entitled to a homestead allowance amounting to $25,000, divided by the number of minor children.

B. The homestead allowance has priority over all claims against the estate, except the family allowance and the right to exempt property.

C. The homestead allowance is in lieu of any share passing to the surviving spouse or minor children by the decedent’s will or by intestate succession; provided, however, if the amount passing to the surviving spouse and minor children by the decedent’s will or by intestate succession is less than $25,000, then the surviving spouse or minor children are entitled to a homestead allowance in an amount that when added to the property passing to the surviving spouse and minor children by the decedent’s will or by intestate succession, equals the sum of $25,000.

D. If the surviving spouse claims and receives an elective share of the decedent’s estate under §§ 64.2-302 through 64.2-307, the surviving spouse shall not have the benefit of any homestead allowance. If the surviving spouse claims and receives an elective share of the decedent’s estate under Article 1.1 (§ 64.2-308.1 et seq.), the homestead allowance shall be in addition to any benefit or share passing to the surviving spouse by way of elective share.

History

This law was first created in 1981. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 580 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1981 “Acts” aren’t available online. It has been modified 7 times. Those modifications are cataloged by “The Acts of Assembly,” a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly’s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1990, chapter 831; in 2001, chapter 368; in 2012, chapter 614; in 2014, chapter 532; in 2016, chapters 187 and 269; in 2017, chapters 32 and 82; in 2025, chapter 148.

1981, c. 580, § 64.1-151.3; 1990, c. 831; 2001, c. 368; 2012, c. 614; 2014, c. 532; 2016, cc. 187, 269; 2017, cc. 32, 82; 2025, c. 148.

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