Foreclosure cases are rarely set in stone. Hiring an experienced foreclosure defense attorney early in the case gives you the best chance of success. The last thing you want to do is battle for your home in court without knowing all your options. Here are a few immensely helpful things a foreclosure attorney can do for you.
Provide You with Options
A foreclosure defense attorney knows the legal landscape better than you. Their experience and judgment will save you time, help you avoid pitfalls, and maximize your chances of saving your home. Depending on your situation, your best course of action may be to avoid foreclosure via loss mitigation, modify your loan, file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, or have your foreclosure attorney represent you in court outright. An experienced foreclosure attorney in Los Angeles can help you understand the pros and cons of each option.
Represent You at Settlement Conferences
Help You Get a Loan Modification
A loan modification adjusts the terms of your loan such that you can afford the payments. While modifying a loan is free, few homeowners can convince the bank to approve a modified loan without help from an attorney. The bank must review several key pieces of information about your income before making their decision. An experienced attorney can provide and present this information in the best light to help you get approved for a new loan you can afford.
Help You Pursue Loss Mitigation
Certain loans carry loss mitigation options that give you an opportunity to stay current on your payments. Some lenders may withhold this option from you, and without an attorney you would likely have no idea that you could pursue this route. An attorney will not only let you know if loss mitigation is available to you, but also help you choose between the many different ways you can approach this option.
Raise Defenses in Court
If the bank made mistakes in foreclosing your home, an attorney can identify them and fire back. For example, the lender may have breached your loan contract or violated state foreclosure laws, or the foreclosing party may not be the rightful owner of the mortgage debt. You may unknowingly be the victim of unfair lending practices or an unlawful mortgage assignment. There are dozens of strategies and tactics an experienced attorney can use to postpone foreclosure. And if the court accepts your attorney’s argument, you may receive the option of a settlement or even have your lawsuit dismissed entirely.
Help You File for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
If all else fails, an attorney can help you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If approved, you will have three to five years to get up to date on your payments and will be able to keep your home.
Your home is an important not only for its financial value, but for the memories it holds. You don’t have to fight for it alone. The dedicated foreclosure defense attorneys at Oaktree Law can help you navigate foreclosure and help you take the best course of action in saving your home.
