How Bankruptcy Prevents Foreclosure

Brian V. Lee

Though most people automatically associate the word “bankruptcy” with disaster, fortunately that’s just not true. Bankruptcy can actually help prevent a debt-related catastrophe like foreclosure. And a good bankruptcy attorney will be there with you through every step of the process. Read on to learn how bankruptcy prevents foreclosure.

Foreclosure filings — default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions — were reported on 624,753 U.S. properties in 2018, down 8 percent from 2017 and down 78 percent from a peak of nearly 2.9 million in 2010 to the lowest level since 2005, as reported by Attomdata. Nonetheless, thousands of foreclosures are currently being processed in the D.C. metropolitan region.

Foreclosure usually begins after a homeowner falls behind on mortgage payments for a certain amount of time. So the goal should be to stop collection efforts and establish a repayment plan ASAP. Saving your home is about much more than preserving your financial future. Often you are protecting your entire family legacy. In most cases, you can save the roof over your head.

How bankruptcy prevents foreclosure

When you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the court issues an automatic stay which is how bankruptcy prevents foreclosure. The automatic stay prevents your creditors from attempting to collect, effective immediately. Even if your home is already scheduled for an auction, the automatic stay will immediately stop any action for at least two months. During that time, we will attempt to negotiate a repayment plan. In some cases, we may be able to eliminate second and third mortgages altogether.

If the goal is not to keep the property but to let it go, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be a better option for you. The filing of a Chapter 7 will also start the automatic stay, too. But unlike Chapter 13, the purpose of filing a Chapter 7 is threefold: stop the foreclosure sale, buy some time to stay in the property, and completely discharge your liability on the mortgage.

Every case is different, and the details of each circumstance can be complex. But an experienced foreclosure defense lawyer can explain all your options to you.

Over the last decade, Lee Legal has helped clients save their properties and get their lives back on track. We like what we do. Lee Legal approaches each case with the goal of facilitating second chances. To find out more or to schedule a free consultation, give us a call at (202) 448-5136. Reach out today and start the process of rebuilding your finances and moving on to a better future.

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Brian Lee from Lee Legal was an amazing attorney to work with. He took his time, reviewed my documents and we discussed my situation thoroughly. He explained the process and my options as well as gave his recommendation. Not only did he assist, but he ensured that I knew this...

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Brian handled a legal matter for me and he was fantastic. He kept me informed of all updates and resolved all issues that were presented. I highly recommend Brian to all seeking legal advice and services.

Barry C.
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I was very nervous and scared about going through this process. But Brian was very knowledgeable and helped me through it. I was notified about any and all updates to my case and he was very responsive when I had questions regarding any concerns I had. Although a bit nerve...

Regina L.
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I've had the pleasure of working alongside Brian V. Lee for several years, and I can say without hesitation that he is one of the most knowledgeable bankruptcy attorneys in the DMV area. Brian's command of Chapter 7, 11, and 13 practice is exceptional, and his clients in the DC...

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I wanted to share my sincere appreciation for Brian and the support he provided during a very difficult time for my grandmother. We were not wealthy, but Brian treated us with genuine kindness and respect, making sure we felt comfortable throughout the entire process. He took the...

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Still several years from Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness and saddled with significant student loan payments in proportion to my income, I came to Lee Legal to explore the bankruptcy path. Through his counsel, Brian took the fear out of the process and helped me to...

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Brian provided me with a very detailed analysis about my potential case after our first consultation. He promptly responded to all my complex questions, especially navigating student loans and some tax discussions. He is very professional and experienced at what he does, I would...

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I had the opportunity to work with Brian at a time when I was challenged by a professional setback and forced with the challenge of making some very difficult legal decisions. Additionally, I worked with him again as I was dealing with some financial issues pertaining to my...

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Brian has the amazing talent of taking complicated legal matters and distilling them down to seamless, frictionless resolutions. He is a phenomenal problem solver and a trusted advisor.

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I came to Mr. Lee in a panic when I was experiencing health problems and the walls seemed to be closing in on me. Initially, I interviewed four attorneys seeking assistance with my situation. He was one of the most thorough and thoughtful people I’ve ever met. His kindness and...

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Brian is both warm and professional. He helped me navigate a financial issue that I had not been looking forward to working on and he made the entire experience non-stressful, receiving a lot of anxiety I had around the matter. He is straight forward and a fantastic problem...

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Brian is an amazing lawyer. He was referred to me by a friend who was also pleased with his work. I found him to be affordable, efficient, understanding, and easy to talk to. He really cares for his clients and is very committed to doing his best. He is very knowledgeable and...

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This is your last stop in your searches for an attorney. After numerous research and interview with many lawyers, I decided to hire attorney Brian Lee. He is extremely knowledgeable, personable, attentive and diligent. He went above and beyond to file my ch 7 bankruptcy and get a...

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