Public-domain · open source
OpenJurist

59 Mich. 380

Karn v. Nielson

Michigan Supreme Court

Decided January 27, 1886

Michigan Supreme Court · decided 1886-01-27

<p>Homestead — Temporary absence, with purpose of re-occupying, will not subject it to levy and sale on execution.</p> <p>Temporary absence from a dwelling-house, built on a parcel of land within the statutory limits as to acreage and value, and occupied as a homestead for a time, will not subject the property to levy and sale on execution, it appearing that the owners, though not actually living on the premises for a considerable time, left some household goods in the house during their absence, which was rendered necessary by poverty, but that they always regarded the land as their homestead, and honestly purposed returning and occupying it as such.</p>

Cited by 2 later decisions — most recently February 1921

2 state decisions

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decree reversed and one entered for complainants · Decided 1886-01-27

View the full empirical analysis of this case →

Campbell, C. J.

¶1The bill in this case was filed to prevent the sale, on execution, of a 20-acre homestead, worth considerably less than $1,500. The only, question is one of fact, whether it was within the character of a homestead by claim and occupancy.

¶2The complainants testify that their house was built and occupied with that intent, and that, while they have not actually lived in it for a considerable period, they have left some household property there, and have only gone elsewhere from poverty and necessity, and have always regarded it as their homestead.

¶3There is some conflict in the testimony, and there is no dispute about their occupying, at the time of levy, other land not their own. But, upon the whole case, we do not doubt their purpose of returning, or their honesty in making the claim.

¶4We think the decree dismissing the bill should be reversed, arid a decree entered for complainants, with costs of both .courts.

Morse and Sherwood, JJ., concurred; Champlin, J., did not sit.
/59/mich/380 · .json · Public domain