California, property lien on Homestead Property?

I've not been able to pay the minimum payments on my credit cards in a year. The debt collectors are calling to tell me that they are going to put a lien on my home to sue for payment is this possible in the state of CALIFORNIA?

Paid for Sister-in-laws Ca. Divorce 2 yrs ago. And many mortgage payments to help the family in the last 5 yrs. Lending over 20K. Just found out that she re-financed the home with her ex-husband! They took out 25K to fix and repair damage to the home done by their adult children. Now once repairs...

Our small HOA has one member who has not paid dues for nearly a year. It appears that he (the owner of the property) ia actually living elsewhere, perhaps out of state, and His son occupies the property. We have reason to believe that our notices are not reaching the owner... The son trashes...

OK, no answer on the first Q yet...but does anyone know about the Homestead Exemption? I see sites that post cases where people have used that while in bankrupcy court to avoid a lien on their property. I'm not in BK court, this is small claims for an old debt 5K. I'm in New Hampshire, thanks