In Re Lawrence

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER ON TRUSTEE’S OBJECTION TO DEBTORS’ AMENDED CLAIM OF EXEMPTION

MELVIN S. HOFFMAN, Bankruptcy Judge.

This contested matter raises the question what is a residence for purposes of eligibility for the $21,625 per debtor exemption under Bankruptcy Code § 522(d)(1), (11 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.). The material facts are undisputed.

On May 12, 2011, Thomas and Linda Lawrence filed a voluntary chapter 13 bankruptcy petition to forestall a pending foreclosure of the mortgage on their home at 72 Kemp St. in Groton, Massachusetts. On June 29, 2011, the case was converted to chapter 7. On…