Homestead Affidavits

• Homestead affidavits--or homestead declarations as they are better known--register primary residences with the government. Once a homestead declaration is filed, a homeowner is protected by a set amount per family. Homestead declarations are filed either in state or county offices, depending on the area, and are legally helpful. For instance, the "Declaration of Estate of Homestead" in Massachusetts allows homeowners to protect up to $500,000 of their primary residence's value.
  
  

Declarations of Domicile

• Declarations of domicile are legal forms that record a person's primary residence and are usually registered with either the state or county. Both renters and homeowners can fill out declarations of domicile. Colleges and universities often require declarations of domicile to establish residency. A declaration of domicile also can help to protect assets in case of a lawsuit.
  
  

Acquirement

• Declarations of either homestead or domicile may be obtained over the Internet for many counties and states. Most declarations need to be notarized and accompanied by both a small fee and supplemental evidence, such as driver's licenses and mortgage papers, in order to be processed.