In Re Ashley

OPINION

THOMAS L. PERKINS, Bankruptcy Judge.

A debtor’s ability to exempt certain property from the claims of creditors is one of the most important features of the fresh start that bankruptcy relief provides. Illinois debtors must use the exemptions provided by Illinois law, which, as a rule, are clear and provide fixed, limited value amounts for the various categories of ex-emptible property. The exemption for life insurance proceeds is an exception. Not only is the exemption unlimited in value, so that large amounts are often at issue, the applicable statutory provisions are so convoluted as…