Legal Definitions - homestead law

Homestead law is a legal protection that exempts a homestead (a family's primary residence) from being sold to pay off debts, unless the property has been jointly mortgaged or otherwise subjected to creditors' claims by all owners, usually a husband and wife. This law is also known as homestead exemption, homestead-exemption statute, or homestead right.

For example, if a family owns a house and falls into debt, the homestead law may protect their home from being sold to pay off the debt, as long as the property has not been jointly mortgaged or subjected to creditors' claims by both spouses.

However, the protection provided by homestead law is not absolute. In some cases, federal tax claims, state taxes, claims for alimony and child support, materialmen and mechanics' liens, and purchase money mortgages and security interests may still be able to access the exempt property.

Overall, homestead law is designed to protect families from losing their primary residence due to financial difficulties, but it is important to understand its limitations and exceptions.