Homestead Information

What is the Homestead Act?

An estate of homestead is a type of protection for a person’s principal residence. There is an automatic homestead protection of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000) with respect to a home that does not declare a homestead exemption with the Registry of Deeds. In order for homeowners in Massachusetts to protect the value of their property up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) per residence, per family, you must file a document called a “Declaration of Homestead.” The form is filed at the Registry of Deeds in the county Registry where the property is located, referencing the deed to the property.

For more detailed information about the Homestead and forms to file, see the links below:

• Homestead Act Questions and Answers
• Ley de Patrimonio Familiar Inembargable Preguntas y Respuestas
• A Lei do Bem de Família Perguntas e Respostas

PDF Printable Forms

• Declaration of Homestead for Homes Owned by Trustee(s)
• Declaration of Homestead for Homes Owned by Natural Persons

The Declaration of Homestead may be filed in person or by mail. To file by mail, enclose the fully executed and notarized form with a check made payable to the Commonwealth of MA in the amount of $35.00 with a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Worcester Registry of Deeds, 90 Front Street, Worcester, MA 01608