Mortgage Loan Modification–5 Questions and Answers

I get a lot of questions from folks concerning mortgage loan modifications.   Note that a loan modification is not a refinancing, and homeowners do not have the legal right to a modification.   In other words, your mortgage company isn’t required to offer you a loan modification.  And if you’re lucky enough to get a modification. you still have … Read More

Does My Spouse Need to File Bankruptcy With Me?

Does My Spouse Need to File Bankruptcy With Me? This is a frequent question, so here are the pros and cons. Please remember that my answer is written only for those people living in Pennsylvania. The short answer is no, your spouse does not necessarily need to file. If your spouse doesn’t want to file, then they won’t be required … Read More

Got a Lot of Debt? Here are your Four Options

The Four Options for Getting Out of Debt When I meet with new bankruptcy clients for the first time, we review all of their options with respect to handling their debts. The reason they’ve contacted a bankruptcy lawyer is because they aren’t satisfied with their first option. So exactly what is that first option? Option Number One: Make Payment Arrangements … Read More

An Update on How Long for a Mortgage Foreclosure in Pennsylvania

Back in 2010, I wrote about how long mortgage foreclosure takes in Pennsylvania. Again, here are the basics. In Pennsylvania, we have a judicial foreclosure system, which means that foreclosure cases must be filed in Court. Still, there are specific steps to follow: 1) Notice of Intention to Foreclose, which is a letter sent to the homeowner by the mortgage … Read More

“I” is for Insurance–the Bankruptcy Alphabet

In the bankruptcy alphabet world, “I” is for insurance. Specifically, I’m talking about force-placed insurance. Never heard of it? Well, it’s a huge money-maker for mortgage servicing companies and it’s a nasty way for a homeowner to lose a lot of money. It’s also one way you can get your Chapter 13 bankruptcy case dismissed. Here’s what happens: if you’re … Read More

Is your mortgage current after a Chapter 13 case?

Notice of Cure in a Chapter 13 case A lot of clients ask how they know that they’re current on their mortgages after their Chapter 13 case has been completed. It’s actually ingenious, but in our district here in Western Pennsylvania, the Chapter 13 Trustee will file a notice with our Court called a “Notice of Cure” which states that … Read More

How long does mortgage foreclosure take in Pennsylvania?

First Step for Mortgage Foreclosure If you are a Pennsylvania residence who is behind on mortgage payments, it’s important to know how mortgage foreclosure generally works and what the procedures are. If you are generally three full months behind on your mortgage payments, then your mortgage company will send you a letter entitled “Notice of Intention to Foreclose” via regular … Read More