Full question:
I'm about to foreclose on my house here in Las Vegas. I have an 80/20 loan. Wells Fargo (20) told me they would be seeking a judgement against me. I am still in the house, and no trial dates have been set. I have property/pole barn in Michigan, with $30k equity in it. I owe WF $54,000. Will/can the bank come after me for that land in Michigan? Do I have to claim bankruptcy in order to consider it my 'homestead'? My number one priority is holding onto that land. Tell me what I need to do to make that happen please.
- Category: Real Property
- Subcategory: Homestead
- Date:
- State: Nevada
Answer:
In Michigan, homestead exemption laws protect some property from creditors. Specifically, the exemption covers up to $3,500 in value for a homestead. However, this exemption does not apply to any mortgage on the homestead, except under specific conditions, such as if the mortgage is validly recorded and meets certain criteria.
If you and your spouse jointly own property, the homestead exemption may protect that property from creditors if only one spouse is facing a judgment. This means that if your Michigan property is held jointly, it could be exempt from execution under a judgment against only you.
Regarding bankruptcy, filing can help protect your assets from creditors. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy may allow you to keep certain exempt property while discharging most debts. However, it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose your property if creditors challenge the exemptions. The automatic stay from filing bankruptcy temporarily halts foreclosure actions, giving you time to address your financial situation.
For your specific situation, it’s advisable to consult with a bankruptcy attorney who can provide guidance based on your circumstances and help you navigate the laws to protect your Michigan property.
For more information on Michigan's homestead exemption, refer to the relevant statutes such as MCL 600.6023.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.