Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

Declaration of Homestead Coverage one or both married spouses?

Hello, I live in Massachusetts. I am a female and I own my home currently with my husband as Tennents by entirety and do have a mortgage. I put a homestead on the property with my first husband, we were divorced and I kept the homestead revised in my name (it was always in just my name) and I did remarry and updated my name to reflect my married name.

MY QUESTION: My husband has a creditor who is trying to put a lien to attach my house & property. Can the creditor do that even though I soley have a homestead in my name on the property and not my husband? How does that work and does it matter if the holder of the homestead act is male or female or has to be the husband? Can husband put on a homestead in his name as well or do we have to redue as husband and wife a new homestead declaration? Thank you.


Asked on 5/24/04, 11:31 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Baker Law Office of David Baker

Re: Declaration of Homestead Coverage one or both married spouses?

Only one person may record a Declaration of Homestead. If two or more people sign the homestead declaration, it is NOT invalid, but it is valid for the FIRST person to sign it. On the other hand, a homestead is for the benefit of the entire family, so your husband benefits from your homestead, too. A homestead does not prevent a creditor from getting a lien. It would only prevent the creditor from collecting any money when the home is sold or the mortgage refinanced so long as the debt arose after the homestead.

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Answered on 5/24/04, 11:48 am


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