Temple Hills Foreclosure Defense Lawyer

Knowledgeable Foreclosure Defense Attorney for Clients in Temple Hills

Getting notice that your home lender intends to move forward with a homeowner can come as a shock. When your funds are stretched thin, you may not have the means to catch up on your mortgage arrears while paying for other necessities at the same time. However, you may still have options. With the help of a Temple Hills, MD foreclosure defense attorney, you can take action to protect your home.

At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we have over 20 years of proven legal experience and a history of positive reviews from clients we have personally helped. As a solo practitioner, Attorney Donald Bell handles all foreclosure defense cases on a one-on-one basis, so you can take comfort knowing your case will be handled by an experienced bankruptcy lawyer.

Getting an Automatic Stay in a Temple Hills Foreclosure Case

Getting an automatic stay in a Temple Hills foreclosure case begins the moment you file a bankruptcy petition. The stay is a court order created by federal law. It generally stops your lender from holding a foreclosure sale or taking other steps to collect the debt. Most collection calls and letters must stop as well. You do not have to ask a judge to grant it, since it takes effect on its own when your case is filed.

Timing is critical when it comes to the automatic stay. If a sale is scheduled for the next day, filing before the sale can stop it. For that reason, homeowners should seek legal advice as soon as a foreclosure notice arrives.

The stay has some limits. If you had another bankruptcy case dismissed within the past year, the stay may only last 30 days unless the court extends it. A lender can also ask the court to lift the stay if you fall behind on payments during your case. Our attorney can review your filing history and take steps to keep your protection in place.

How a Foreclosure Defense Lawyer Can Help You Get Current on Your Mortgage Arrears

A foreclosure defense lawyer can help you get current on your mortgage arrears by building a plan that works with your actual budget. Many homeowners are unsure exactly how much they owe. Late fees, inspection charges, and legal costs can add up quickly and make the balance hard to track. Without an accurate number, it is difficult to plan.

Our attorney can compare your lender's figures with your payment records and look for mistakes. If the lender claims more than you owe, we can file an objection with the court. We can also communicate with your servicer about loan modification options that may lower your monthly payment.

Life can change during a multi-year plan. A job loss, illness, or new expense can make it harder to keep up with your regular dues. When that happens, our attorney can ask the court to modify the plan so you have a better chance of finishing it and staying in your home.

What Does Your Repayment Plan Need to Include?

Your repayment plan needs to include several key terms before the court will approve it. First, it must state how much you will pay each month and how long the plan will last. The length is usually three years if your income is below the Maryland median and five years if it is above.

The plan must also explain how each type of creditor will be paid. Past-due mortgage payments and other secured debts are listed separately from unsecured debts like credit cards. Priority debts, such as certain taxes and child support, generally must be paid in full. Creditors in the same category must also be treated fairly compared to one another.

Finally, the plan must show that you are committing your disposable income to the payments. This is the money left after reasonable living expenses. The plan must also be feasible, meaning your income can realistically support the payments.

Contact Our Temple Hills Foreclosure Defense Attorney Today

A pending foreclosure sale can make every day feel urgent. At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we act quickly to help protect homeowners. We offer free consultations to consumers. Call 301-614-0535 or contact our Temple Hills, MD foreclosure defense lawyer to get started.