Does a homestead exemption prohibit creditors from siezing my property?
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Does a homestead exemption prohibit creditors from siezing my property?
This is related to a federal judgment against me. What is WA law?
Asked on August 15, 2011 Washington
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Many states in this country have laws what are called "Homestead Exemptions". Their purpose is to prevent judgment creditors from selling a person's home to satisfy an unpaid judgment.
Each state has various stated dollar figures in a home's equity that cannot be used for satisfaction of a judgment by a creditor. Some states like California have automatic "Homestead Exemptions" as to one's primary residence while other states require recording of such an exemption.
In your situation, of there is a judgment against you and you own a home that you reside in your state, and there is equity in your home, the judgment creditor cannot force the sale of the home that you live in to satisfy the judgment. The state of Washington has "Homestead Exemption" laws.
In light of the judgment against you mentioned in your question, you should consider consulting with an attorney to try and resolve it so that the judgment creditor does not make things difficult for you.
Good luck.
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