Michigan Homestead Laws

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016

Homestead laws allow homeowners and property owners in general to register a limited parcel of their property as a "homestead." A homestead is protected from creditors seeking to collect a debt. State homestead laws typically mandate a maximum amount of property (often expressed in dollar amounts) that may be claimed. Michigan homestead laws allow forty acres of rural land or an average-sized urban lot (up to $3,500 worth) to be set aside as a homestead. The homestead law does not apply, however,

To learn more about Michigan homestead laws, see the chart below. Related resources and additional information cab be found by following the links at the end of this article.

Code Section	Michigan’s homestead law is found in Michigan Complied Laws section 600.6023.
Maximum Property Value That May Be Designated “Homestead”	The value of the designed homestead cannot exceed $3,500 of real estate.
Maximum Acreage That Mat be Designated “Homestead”(Urban)	One lot and the house on that lot in a recorded plat, city, or village.
Maximum Acreage That May Be Designated “Homestead” (Rural)	Forty acres of land and the house on that homestead if the property is not in a recorded plat, city, or village.
Other Property That May Not be Seized by Creditors	Creditors are prohibited from seizing other property, including the following: Family pictures, clothing, and provisions and fuel (a six-month supply); Household goods, furniture, appliances, utensils, and books (not exceeding $1,000) in value; Cemeteries, tombs, and rights of burial kept for the debtor; A seat or pew in the debtors house or place of public worship; Up to $1,000 in trade tools; A limited quantity of livestock, poultry, and grain; Money or benefits from certain insurance or disability policies; and Under certain circumstances, individual retirement accounts, pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, or other qualified plan. There are some exceptions when the property listed above may be taken from the owner, including a divorce judgment or order for spousal support or child support.

Dealing with creditors can be stressful and overwhelming. It’s important to understand your legal rights, especially as they relate to your home. If you have additional questions, you may want to contact a Michigan real estate attorney to discuss your specific situation.

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