Homestead Seminar Next Week

Next Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 10:15 a.m., we will conduct a Homestead Seminar at the Billerica Senior Center, 25 Concord Road in Billerica. The event is free and open to the public. I begin with a brief explanation of the Declaration of Homestead, its history and what it does and does not protect. Following the presentation is a quick question and answer session. Assistant Register Tony Accardi and I then provide a blank Homestead form to anyone who is interested in filing one. To do that, all you need is a driver’s license or other government issued ID (so we can notarize your signature) or $35 for the filing fee (in cash or check). We will bring the completed Homesteads back to the registry where they will be recorded and mailed back to you.

The Declaration of Homestead is an inexpensive but very effective way to protect your home from creditors. Many people have already filed them but far more have not. Outside of the office, when people learn what position I hold, more often than not they will mention something about Homesteads. Most often, it’s to say “I always intended to record one but never got around to it.” Of course, the problem with a Homestead is that, because it only protects against debts that come into existence after the Homestead has been recorded, when you do need it, it’s too late to get it.

Blank homestead forms with instructions for filing by mail are available on our website and we always have the forms (and free Notary Service) here at the Registry. But if you belong to an organization or group that includes homeowners and you’d like to hold a Homestead Seminar, just give me a call (Dick Howe at 978/322-9000) or send me an email and we can arrange something. The Seminar is always free to the organizers and the attendees, and you’d be providing your membership with a valuable service.