Ala. Code § 6-10-33
When, on a contest of a claim of exemption to personal property, the issue is whether or not the claim is excessive and such issue is found in favor of the plaintiff, it must also be ascertained by the finding of the court or the verdict of the jury, as the case may be, how much and what portion of the property is exempt, describing the same with its value, approximating in value as nearly as practicable $3,000, and the residue of the property shall be sold, and out of the proceeds of sale there shall be paid to the defendant an amount which, when added to the value of the property found to be exempt, will make the exemption equal to $3,000, and the balance shall be applied to the payment of the costs and satisfaction of the process.
Ala. Code § 6-10-33 (1975)