Homestead Waiver Law and Legal Definition (2024)

A homestead waiver is a document wherein the homeowner of spouse of a homeowner gives up the statutory homestead rights under applicable state law, often required in certain contracts, such as mortgages. A bank often includes a homestead waiver in a mortgage so that they can recoup their losses up to the full loan amount in case of foreclosure, rather than having part of the property exempt from the claims of creditors under a homestead exemption.

For example, in one state, when you record a Declaration of Homestead, the equity in your home is protected up to a statutory amount. In another state, there is no statutory limit. This protection precludes seizure or forced sale of your residence by general creditor claims (unpaid medical bills, bankruptcy, charge card debts, business & personal loans, accidents, etc.).

The following is an example of a provision in a homeowner's association agreement dealing with homestead waivers:

Each Owner hereby agrees that the Association's lien on a Lot for assessments shall be superior to the homestead exemption provided by Colorado law as amended from time to time and each Owner hereby agrees that the acceptance of the deed conveying the Owner's Lot within the Property to him shall signify the Owner's waiver of the homestead right granted by said Colorado law.

Homestead Waiver Law and Legal Definition (2024)

FAQs

What is Section 704.730 of the Code of Civil Procedure? ›

Section 704.730. 704.730. (a) The amount of the homestead exemption is the greater of the following: (1) The countywide median sale price for a single-family home in the calendar year prior to the calendar year in which the judgment debtor claims the exemption, not to exceed six hundred thousand dollars ($600,000).

What is required for a declaration of homestead to take effect? ›

You can file a declared homestead by taking these steps: Buy a declared homestead form from an office-supply store, or download a form from the Registrar-Recorder's website. Fill out the form. Sign the form and have it notarized.

What is the definition of a homestead? ›

A homestead is a house and surrounding land owned by a family — often, it includes a farmhouse. Most people have homes, but not everyone has a homestead: that means your family owns more than a house. The homestead often consists of a farmhouse and land devoted to crops or animals.

What is the essential purpose of Texas homestead laws? ›

State homestead protection laws help prevent people from becoming homeless in the event of a foreclosure or change in economic circ*mstances. In Texas, every family and every single adult person is entitled to a homestead exempt from seizure passed on the claims of creditors, except for a pre-existing mortgage or lien.

What is Section 564 of the Code of Civil Procedure? ›

(a) A receiver may be appointed, in the manner provided in this chapter, by the court in which an action or proceeding is pending in any case in which the court is empowered by law to appoint a receiver.

What is Section 493.010 of the Code of Civil Procedure? ›

As used in this chapter, “general assignment for the benefit of creditors” means an assignment which satisfies all of the following requirements: (a) The assignment is an assignment of all the defendant's assets that are transferable and not exempt fromenforcement of a money judgment.

What were the three requirements of the Homestead Act? ›

The new law established a three-fold homestead acquisition process: file an application, improve the land, and file for deed of title. Any U.S. citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S. Government could file an application and lay claim to 160 acres of surveyed Government land.

What are at least 2 requirements to participate in the Homestead Act? ›

The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed anyone over 21 years of age or the head of a household to apply for free federal land with two simple stipulations: Be a citizen of the United States or legally declare their intent to become one. Did not fight against the United States or aid enemies of the United States.

What was required in order to receive 160 acres of land under the Homestead Act? ›

The Homestead Act, enacted during the Civil War in 1862, provided that any adult citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S. government could claim 160 acres of surveyed government land. Claimants were required to live on and “improve” their plot by cultivating the land.

What were the terms of the Homestead Act? ›

The 1862 Homestead Act accelerated settlement of U.S. western territory by allowing any American, including freed slaves, to put in a claim for up to 160 free acres of federal land.

Is homestead a good thing? ›

Depending on the state in which you live, the homestead exemption can reduce your property tax bill and protect you from creditors hoping to force a sale of your home. This is good news: Property tax bills are high in many parts of the country. An exemption might make it easier for you to afford homeownership.

Can you still homestead in the US? ›

The Homestead Act was repealed in the 48 contiguous states in 1976 and in Alaska 10 years later. But you can still find towns offering free land to would-be residents who want to relocate on a shoestring budget and can meet homebuilding and other requirements.

What is the new homestead law in Texas? ›

As part of an $18 billion property tax relief package, Texas homeowners will see their homestead exemption on their property tax bill increase from $40,000 to $100,000 of their home's assessed value. If you have an existing homestead, the changes will automatically apply.

What is the legal definition of homestead in Texas? ›

What is homestead property in Texas? The short answer is it's usually the borrower's primary residence. To establish homestead a borrower needs both an intent to claim the property as homestead and some overt act (most frequently physical/actual occupation of the property).

Can you waive homestead rights in Texas? ›

Can a property owner waive his homestead rights? No, the courts have consistently held that one cannot waive their constitutionally guaranteed rights. If, however, the homestead is in excess of that allowed by law, the owner may designate that portion of the property which is homestead.

What is the 704 homestead exemption in California? ›

In System 1 (also known as § 704 exemptions), you can exempt real or personal property you reside in at the time of filing for bankruptcy, including a mobile home, boat, stock cooperative, community apartment, planned development, or condominium, up to $600,000 - 704.730.

What is Section 340.6 of the Civil Procedure Code? ›

(a) An action against an attorney for a wrongful act or omission, other than for actual fraud, arising in the performance of professional services shall be commenced within one year after the plaintiff discovers, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the facts constituting the wrongful act ...

What is the homestead exemption in California? ›

The Homeowners' Exemption, which allows a $7,000 exemption from property taxation, is authorized by Article XIII, section 3, subdivision (k) of the California Constitution and implemented by Revenue and Taxation Code section 218. The exemption reduces a dwelling's assessed value on a qualified residence.

What is Section 2030.300 of the Civil Procedure Code? ›

(a) On receipt of a response to interrogatories, the propounding party may move for an order compelling a further response if the propounding party deems that any of the following apply: (1) An answer to a particular interrogatory is evasive or incomplete.

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