Welcome to the Kazi Law Firm! We are a boutique law firm steeped in Texas tradition personifying the warmth and congeniality consistent with southern hospitality. We believe in preserving integrity and professionalism with true Texan charm, staying true to our roots, while providing essential, affordable legal services to all. Located just north of Dallas, Texas in the rapidly growing suburb of Frisco; the Kazi Law Firm concentrates on contracts drafting and review, immigration law, will & estates, real estate law, landlord, tenant, mediation, and general business law needs.
If you’re a homeowner in Texas, I’m sure you’ve come across the term “homestead” with regards to the infamous “homestead exemption” that you applied for when you purchased your primary residence. I think it’s important to examine the homestead laws in Texas in greater detail.
Homestead laws exist to help prevent people from losing their homes and other personal property in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Texas property owners are afforded certain legal protections against the seizure of their homestead in qualifying cases. These laws, which are well known to experienced real estate lawyers, protect homeowners against loss of their property from a forced sale brought about by creditors. The exceptions to this include cases of owed taxes or tax liens; mortgages or home loans in default, or as part of a divorce settlement. Homeowners seeking such protection must understand the stipulations and expulsions that apply to Texas Homestead Laws before assuming they are covered.
What Qualifies as a Homestead?
A homestead in this case consists of urban or rural property. An urban homestead may be a home or a business and is limited to a total of 10 acres, while a rural homestead can be as large as 100 acres for one person or 200 acres for a family. Personal property also includes certain, specific items deemed relevant to the running of a family, farm, or other business, worth up to $30,000 per individual or $60,000 per family.
Homestead laws pertain to permanent structures and residences on these properties but not anything of a non-permanent type such as mobile homes. A homestead can also be assumed through ownership of land if there is intent to build and establish a residence or a business. Homestead laws have certain qualifying requirements, which can be problematic if a judgment is placed on a property due to debts incurred by the owner.
Texas homestead laws can prevent a property owner from losing their home or property, which is of great significance to anyone facing such a loss. Although qualified properties are exempt from seizure due to the owner’s failure to pay debts, it must be understood that this exemption does not extend to all debts.
It is critical that an owner of a homestead property understand that while protection within the state of Texas may exist regarding debt and bankruptcy, federal laws may still apply. It is recommended that you contact an experienced real estate attorney for further clarification on homestead laws as this is a complex area of property law.
I built my law practice on the premise of being a life raft in a sea of sharks. I want to be an advocate for those that have been wronged and are too intimidated to seek help. My firm is here to explore your options, guide you through your legal journey, and give you that safe space to ask questions! There’s no such thing as a stupid question…Only the ones you don’t ask. So, my question to my clients is not “do you have any questions?” But rather “what questions do you have?”
As always, the Kazi Law Firm is standing by to help you in your time of need. Don’t hesitate to contact us today. We specialize in real estate law, landlord-tenant disputes, immigration, and wills & estate planning. Family is at the core of our practice. Just as we treat our family with respect and understanding, we treat yours. Come join the Kazi Law Firm family today!
Why swim alone in shark-infested waters when you don’t need to?
