Assuming that no lien has yet been filed on your home, then the MA homestead law should protect your home for up to $500,000 of value (i.e. if the home is worth more than $500,000, some of the equity in it may be at risk) once you filed for the homestead exemption. It will not protect your income/wages from garnishment, your personal vehicle(s), or money in bank/brokerage/etc. accounts.