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Practice Of Real EstateState SpecificHARD

Olivia owns a home in Salem, Massachusetts worth $650,000 with no mortgage. She recorded a Declaration of Homestead five years ago. She then files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Under Massachusetts law, which statement most accurately describes the homestead protection available to Olivia in the bankruptcy proceeding, assuming she elects Massachusetts state exemptions?

Correct Answer

B) Olivia can protect up to $500,000 in equity under her declared homestead; the remaining $150,000 may be available to the bankruptcy trustee

Under MGL Chapter 188, the declared homestead protects up to $500,000 in equity. Massachusetts is an opt-out state for federal bankruptcy exemptions, meaning debtors in Massachusetts must use Massachusetts state exemptions rather than the federal bankruptcy exemptions. Olivia's declared homestead protects $500,000 of her $650,000 in equity. The remaining $150,000 in equity above the $500,000 cap may be available to the bankruptcy trustee for distribution to creditors.

Answer Options
A
Olivia's entire $650,000 in equity is protected because she has no mortgage and a valid declared homestead
B
Olivia can protect up to $500,000 in equity under her declared homestead; the remaining $150,000 may be available to the bankruptcy trustee
C
Olivia has no homestead protection in bankruptcy because federal bankruptcy law supersedes Massachusetts homestead law
D
Olivia can protect up to $125,000 in equity because bankruptcy proceedings are limited to the automatic homestead amount

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

homesteaddeclared_homesteadmgl_chapter_188bankruptcychapter_7state_exemptionsopt_out_state

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