Case Name: Strohecker vs. Irvine
Court: Supreme Court of Georgia
Jurisdiction: Georgia
Decision Date: 1886-05-01
Citations: 76 Ga. 639
Docket Number: 
Parties: Strohecker vs. Irvine.
Judges: 
Reporter: Georgia Reports
Volume: 76
Pages: 639–640

Head Matter:
Strohecker vs. Irvine.
The lien of an attorney for services in successfully resisting a levy on a homestead, and obtaining it to be set apart as an exemption, is in the nature of labor done on the homestead and of purchase money thereof, and the homestead property is subject thereto.
May 1, 1886.
Attorney and Client. Homestead. Before Judge Simmons. Bibb Superior Court. October Term, 1885.
H. F. Strohecker foreclosed an attorney’s lien against E. D. Irvine for services in obtaining a homestead to be set apart and in resisting a levy thereon. Execution was issued and levied on certain personal property described in the affidavit to foreclose the lien. Irvine interposed a claim on behalf of his wife and child. The case was submitted to the presiding judgb without1' a j ury on amagreed statement of facts, to the effect that the fees for which the lien was foreclosed were for services rendered in having the homestead set apart, and in maintaining the application against a contest made upon it by creditors.
The presiding judge held that the property was not subject, and the plaintiff excepted.
Gustin & Hall, for plaintiff in error.
No appearance for defendant.

Opinion:
Blandford, Justice.
. The question here is, whether the lien of an attorney for services done and performed in defending a homestead against creditors and in preserving the same for the benefit of the beneficiaries therein is good and binding on the property so set apart ? We answer that it is. It is in the nature of labor done and purchase money thereon. Public policy demands this answer. Without some security of this sort those who are entitled to homestead exemptions might entirely fail of their rights without the benefit of the services of a lawyer; these services in procuring the land are as sacred and important as the services of the carpenter in building the house thereon, and stand upon the like footing of justice and equity.
Judgment reversed.
Contrast Collier et al., ex'rs, vs. Simpson et al., 74 Ga., 697.