Home protected by homestead

[andrew1968]

What is the name of your state?Massachusetts
I currently owe 26,000 in unsecured credit card debt.Payments are behind 60-90 days.I am still with the original creditors.I filed for homestead just last Friday after the debt was occured.It is my understanding in Mass that all debts accrued before the homestead was filed are not protected by the homstead.My main question is that if the original creditors sell my debt to a collection agency,is that considered debt accrued after the homestead?Whereas they sold it.I just want to save my house.I have been out of work since January
due to a workplace injury.I am know back 20hrs week,but still cannot afford to pay them as my mortgage payment is the one I most concerned with and so far have never been late,and dont plan to be.Credit card debt built up due to being out and workers comp not paying enough.
Any advice anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.Thanks for your time

[Ladynred]

My main question is that if the original creditors sell my debt to a collection agency,is that considered debt accrued after the homestead?

Not at all. You accrued the debt long before now. The homestead only protects your HOME in the event of a lawsuit or bankruptcy, or at least, it protects a certain amount of EQUITY in your home.

You're only 60-90 days behind. No creditor is going to sue you at this point, you have time to get caught up before the accounts get charged off. Once your account gets 3-4 months behind, you should be eligible for a hardship program thru the creditors.. so ASK them about this type of program. Most only last 6-12 months and if you slip up in paying while on the program they will boot you off of it.