To claim the exemption, the homeowner must make a one-time filing with the county assessor where the property is located. Buy a declared homestead form from an office-supply store, or download a form from the Registrar-Recorder's website.California homestead law drives bankruptcy exemptions even for those who no longer live in California. All homeowners automatically have a homeowner's exemption, which protects part of their equity from involuntary sales (foreclosures). A homestead exemption can benefit homeowners if one spouse in a twoincome household dies. Want to know what the homestead exemption is all about? What benefits do you get as a homeowner when you apply the homestead exemption? Complete a homestead declaration form. Sign your declaration in front of a notary. (a) A homestead is exempt from sale under this division to the extent provided in Section 704.800.
