term:

Homestead Exemption

homestead exemption n

: an exemption from liability that prevents creditors from obtaining satisfaction from a debtor's homestead see also declaration of homestead at declaration NOTE: The laws governing the homestead exemption vary greatly from state to state. Most states have limits on the amount for which a debtor is exempted, but a few have no limits at all. Others have limits that are dependent on the size or type of property, or the age of the property owner.

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.