WHAT IS A DECLARATION OF HOMESTEAD / HOMESTEAD PROTECTION?
An Estate of Homestead is a type of protection for a person’s residence, in the form of a document called a “Declaration of Homestead.” The form is filed at the Registry of Deeds in the county where the property is located, referencing the title/deed to the property. It allows homeowners in Massachusetts to protect their property up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000)* of the value per residence, per family. *Existing homesteads will get the increased protection automatically after October 26, 2004. WHO CAN FILE A HOMESTEAD PROTECTION? The owner or owners of a home or those who rightfully possess the premises by lease or otherwise and also occupy or intend to occupy the home as a principal residence may file for a Homestead protection. A sole owner, joint tenant, tenant by the entirety or tenant in common may all be regarded as owners, provided that only one owner may acquire an estate of homestead in any such home. WHERE DO I FILE MY HOMESTEAD? All Homesteads must be filed in
