The federal government has placed a lien on our house for 57000. Because he was convicted of a crime and this is what they say he owes them. The debt is only my husbands debt, not mine. Can they take the entire 57000. When we sell the house or can they only take his share of it- My thought is if our profit is 60000. They should only be able to take 30,000- not the entire profit. Is this true or can they take everything? Michele

Is this true or can they take everything? MicheleHello michele:

Unfortunately, they can take everything.

excon

Yes, you are not allowed to sell the house till the debt is paid in full, ( that is how liens work)

So they will take all of the lien before you can get any.

If the offer does not pay enough to pay them in full, you would have to write a check at closing to pay it off to even be able to sell