Chillum Foreclosure Defense Attorney

Dedicated Foreclosure Defense Lawyer for Homeowners in Chillum, MD

Receiving notice of foreclosure can leave you feeling panicked and dreading the future to come. However, it should not be treated as a death sentence for a homeowner. If you have fallen behind on your mortgage, filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy can potentially stop the foreclosure proceedings and help you get caught up on missed payments. Reach out to a Chillum, Maryland foreclosure defense attorney today.

At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we represent homeowners who need help protecting their home from a scheduled foreclosure sale. As a solo attorney, Donald Bell can provide you with close guidance and legal advice based on past cases he has handled.

Understanding How Foreclosure Works for Homeowners in Chillum, Maryland

Foreclosure for homeowners in Chillum, Maryland, usually unfolds over several months and involves both your lender and the local circuit court. The process often gets underway after a few missed payments. Before a lender can file a foreclosure action, Maryland law generally requires it to send you a notice of intent to foreclose. This notice explains how much you owe and gives you time to respond.

If the debt is not resolved, the lender can file the case with the Prince George's County Circuit Court. You will receive copies of the court filings, along with information about your rights. Later, you should receive notice of the sale date, and the sale is usually advertised in a local newspaper.

The home is then sold at a public auction. Even after the sale, the court must review and ratify it before it becomes final. If the sale price does not cover the full loan balance, the lender may seek a deficiency judgment for the difference.

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy for Homeowners in Debt

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy offer homeowners in debt two very different kinds of relief. Chapter 7 is designed to eliminate many debts quickly, often in a matter of months. To qualify, your income generally must fall below certain limits or pass a means test. A trustee may sell property that is not protected by an exemption, which can put homes with significant equity at risk.

Chapter 7 can remove your personal obligation to pay the mortgage, but the lien on your home remains. If you cannot bring the loan current on your own, the lender can still foreclose after the case ends.

Chapter 13 takes place over a longer timeline. Instead of selling property, you keep your assets and repay a portion of your debts over three to five years. Homeowners can use the plan to catch up on missed mortgage payments while the foreclosure is on hold. For people with steady income who want to stay in their homes, Chapter 13 is often the stronger choice. Our lawyer can walk through both chapters with you and explain how each one would affect your home.

The Process of Getting a Chapter 13 Repayment Plan Confirmed in Court

The process of getting a Chapter 13 repayment plan confirmed in court involves several steps after your case is filed. Your proposed plan is sent to all of your creditors so they can review how they will be paid. Creditors and the trustee then have an opportunity to file objections before the confirmation hearing.

Before that hearing, you will also attend a meeting of creditors and answer questions about your finances. You will need to begin making plan payments during this period, even though the plan has not yet been approved.

At the confirmation hearing, the bankruptcy judge reviews whether the plan meets legal requirements. The plan must be proposed in good faith and must be affordable based on your income. Unsecured creditors must also receive at least as much as they would in a Chapter 7 case. If problems come up, the plan can often be amended and presented again. Once confirmed, the plan sets the terms you and your creditors must follow.

Meet With Our Chillum, Maryland Foreclosure Defense Lawyer

Missed mortgage payments can quickly turn into a foreclosure sale if nothing changes. At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we help Prince George's County homeowners compare their options and pursue a Chapter 13 plan that gives them a real chance to stay in their homes. We offer free consultations for consumer cases. Call 301-614-0535 or contact our Chillum, MD foreclosure defense attorney to schedule yours.