The best approach if you are a defendant in a foreclosure filing is to be proactive. Ignoring correspondence from the banks will only complicate the issue.
The Orange County Clerk of Courts is proud to partner with the Orange County Bar Association to provide residential foreclosure information. The Bar Association and its Legal Aid Society are two of many organizations that offer assistance to those facing foreclosure.
The foreclosure process can often be complex, involving financial and legal requirements that many homeowners are not experienced in handling. Seeking legal advice in these matters is always a good idea.
If you can afford one, consider consulting an attorney about your mortgage options. If you are unable to afford an attorney, organizations such as the Legal Aid Society offer programs for those who qualify.
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The OCBA’s role in the foreclosure process is unique. The Bar’s Foreclosure Mediation program was created by a Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Administrative Order. As such, the OCBA is the official provider of foreclosure mediation in Orange County.
The Foreclosure Mediation program was developed to bring homeowners and lenders together with a neutral, third-party mediator in an attempt to resolve the foreclosure action. Often, mediation is your best opportunity to sit across the table from your lender and try to reach an agreement.
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The Department of Housing and Urban Development is a government agency whose mission, in part, is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and affordable homes for all. HUD provides resources for avoiding foreclosure, modifying a loan and contacting an approved housing counselor.
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Making Home Affordable (MHA) is a joint project between the Departments of Treasury and Housing and Urban Development. MHA offers a range of programs, including those designed to help homeowners lower their monthly mortgage payments.
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Like the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Trade Commission provides resources to both homeowners at-risk of foreclosure and those already in foreclosure. Topics include understanding your mortgage, foreclosure alternatives and working with your lender.
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Hope Now is a national alliance of housing counselors, mortgage companies and other parties who work with distressed homeowners on strategies to help them stay in their homes. Hope Now resources include a homeowner hotline, counseling and money management tools.
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Due to the sharp rise in foreclosures during the past several years, many families have been negatively affected by displacement. If a foreclosure proceeding results in the loss of your home, regaining housing stability is a crucial step in moving on with your life.
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