Pasadena, Maryland Foreclosure Defense Lawyer

Knowledgeable Foreclosure Defense Attorney in Pasadena, MD

Nobody wants to contemplate losing their home. However, when missed mortgage payments begin to accumulate, a homeowner's worst nightmare could become reality. If you need help getting caught up on your mortgage arrears, do not wait to take action. Get in contact with a Pasadena, Maryland foreclosure defense attorney who can help you take steps to safeguard your home and halt the foreclosure proceedings.

At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we have helped many people protect their homes through customized bankruptcy solutions, as you can see in our testimonials. With over 20 years of legal experience, Attorney Donald Bell is well-equipped to represent clients in foreclosure proceedings.

What Can I Do About Impeding Foreclosure Proceedings in Pasadena?

If you know foreclosure is coming, taking early action is often for the best. Filing for bankruptcy before the foreclosure process moves too far can give you more options and more time to protect your home. Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy issues an automatic stay against creditors, which stops them from continuing collection efforts, including foreclosure activity, as soon as the case is filed. Chapter 13 can also help a homeowner bring past-due mortgage payments current over time. The protection is strongest when the case is filed before the foreclosure proceedings formally begin.

That pause can make a significant difference. Once mortgage payments have been missed for months, late fees, legal costs, and other charges can keep building. A homeowner may feel overwhelmed and assume there is no way to catch up. Chapter 13 can create breathing room and a more organized path forward.

Filing for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy as a Homeowner

Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves several required steps. Before filing, an individual debtor generally must complete credit counseling from an approved agency. Federal court guidance states that this counseling must happen before the bankruptcy case is filed, and debtor education must be completed later, before discharge.

The case begins when the homeowner files the bankruptcy petition and the required schedules, statements, and other documents with the bankruptcy court. A Chapter 13 repayment plan must also be prepared. A repayment plan usually lasts three to five years and is based on the filer's income, expenses, debts, and the amount needed to catch up on missed mortgage payments. The goal is often to keep the home while paying arrears over time in a way that satisfies creditors.

After filing, the homeowner must attend the 341 meeting, where creditors can attend and ask questions about the proposed plan. Finally, the debtor must attend a hearing in bankruptcy court before the plan goes into effect. Our attorney can answer any questions on your behalf, arguing for the feasibility of your repayment plan.

Discharging Other Debts Through Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 can do more than address mortgage arrears. It may also help a homeowner deal with other debts that make it harder to stay financially stable. Medical expenses, credit card debt, and certain other unsecured debts may be paid in part through the plan and then discharged if the debtor successfully completes the case.

The discharge of unsecured debts can reduce financial pressure and make it easier to stay current on the mortgage going forward. Chapter 13 is often useful for people who have regular income but need a structured way to manage several kinds of debt at once.

Contact a Pasadena Foreclosure Defense Attorney Today

If you are facing foreclosure, it is important to act before the process moves any further. At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we can review your circumstances and advise you on whether Chapter 13 bankruptcy may help you keep your home. Call 301-614-0535 or contact our Pasadena, MD foreclosure defense lawyer to set up a free consultation.