Due to language contained in the recently passed Affordable Homes Act, all declared estates of homestead filed and recorded with the registry of deeds in the county where the land lies will now provide protection of up to One Million Dollars ($1,000,000). This is double the prior exemption amount established in 2011. Individuals or couples with declarations of homestead on record prior to the new law DO NOT need to refile, as the new exemption amount will apply to all homesteads filed prior to its enactment.