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Foreclosure Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate, Foreclosure, Tax Law and Real Estate Law for North Carolina on
Q: How to terminate my dad's lifetime estate as the sole paying beneficiary in NC.

I'm a beneficiary of my dad's lifetime estate, and I've been the sole benefactor in keeping up with the estate taxes through an attorney due to delinquency and foreclosure threats from the county. My siblings, the other beneficiaries, live out of state and have not contributed... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jul 14, 2025

Who has the vested remainder interest? That remainderman should sue the other interested parties for a Sale For Partition. If you are a remainderman, then ask the Court for a return of your contributions to your share from the common fund proceeds. You might or might not get reimbursed.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Public Benefits and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Mortgage default concerns in Liberty County, Texas.

I live in Liberty County, Texas, and my mortgage with 21st Mortgage is almost three months behind. I've been paying for the last 5 years, but my checking account was hacked about a month ago. I tried to make a one-month payment, but the bank demanded two months' payment instead. I agreed,... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Jul 3, 2025

In most circumstances, the bank cannot initiate foreclosure until you are 120 days delinquent on the mortgage. Once that has occurred, the bank then has to initiate and complete foreclosure proceedings. This could take an additional 30 to 90 days depending on the circumstances. Even if your lender... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: How to handle foreclosure and delinquent home equity line of credit in Florida estate?

I am the biological daughter and inherit the property in Florida due to my father's passing. The probate process is nearly completed, but the property is facing foreclosure. My father had a home equity line of credit and it became delinquent due to probate procedures. The probate attorney... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Jul 3, 2025

Even if your lender has previously denied you, there are many alternatives to foreclosure including a repayment plan, loan modification, and forbearance, among others. As a last resort, you can explore bankruptcy, sale of the property, or deed in lieu of foreclosure. Bankruptcy is not a perfect... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Probate and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Inherited property facing foreclosure due to delinquent mortgage. What steps can I take?

I am my late father's biological daughter and I inherited his property in Florida, which is now facing foreclosure. The original mortgage and a home equity line of credit are in question. The main mortgage was in my father's name alone, while the home equity line was in the name of both... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Jul 3, 2025

Even if your lender has previously denied you, there are many alternatives to foreclosure including a repayment plan, loan modification, and forbearance, among others. As a last resort, you can explore bankruptcy, sale of the property, or deed in lieu of foreclosure. Bankruptcy is not a perfect... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Banking, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I lose my house due to line of credit payment issues?

I've been having difficulties making payments on a line of credit and have received notices regarding the potential loss of my house. I'm unsure if this line of credit is secured by my house. I've spoken to my lender about these payment difficulties. Can I lose my house over this situation?

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Jun 17, 2025

Yes, if the line of credit is secured by a security deed on the house, the lender can foreclose on your property for nonpayment on the line of credit. However, even if your lender has previously denied you, there are many alternatives to foreclosure including a repayment plan, modification, or... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Banking, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I lose my house due to line of credit payment issues?

I've been having difficulties making payments on a line of credit and have received notices regarding the potential loss of my house. I'm unsure if this line of credit is secured by my house. I've spoken to my lender about these payment difficulties. Can I lose my house over this situation?

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jun 17, 2025

If no security instrument exists, then the lender can still sue you on the debt. If the lender gets a judgment, he can file a lien and execute upon your property to satisfy it.

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Foreclosure, Public Benefits and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: How can I apply for ex-husband's retirement benefits in TX after overlooked in divorce?

I was married to my ex-husband for 24 years, and our divorce decree does not mention anything about his retirement from the Judson School District. At the time of the divorce, I was dealing with an RA diagnosis and the proceedings, during which I claimed he was abusive. He was supposed to pay house... View More

John Herbig
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answered on Jun 13, 2025

That question is a bit difficult to answer without knowing all the facts as it relates to the Final Decree, Mediation, court proceedings, and what discovery was done.

If the retirement wasn't mentioned anywhere, then you can claim that it was an undisclosed and undivided asset that...
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2 Answers | Asked in Probate, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Do we have rights to stay in deceased mother's house with reverse mortgage?

I am a senior living in my deceased mother's house, which has a reverse mortgage, along with my senior brother. She passed away 4 years ago and left no will. We've attempted to contact the lender multiple times, even sending the death certificate, but never received a payout statement or... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Jul 7, 2025

I'm sorry you're facing this stressful situation. Dealing with the aftermath of a parent’s passing, especially when a reverse mortgage is involved, can be very confusing and emotionally taxing.

In New York, when someone passes away without a will, their estate is subject to the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Real Estate Law and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Need legal help to negotiate mortgage payment to avoid foreclosure

I'm facing foreclosure on my home, and although it has been temporarily stopped, I owe $13,520 by June 30, 2025. I can only afford to pay $10,000 by that date. My home is valued at $210,000, and I owe $70,000 on the mortgage. The mortgage company will not accept anything less than the full... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Jun 11, 2025

Even if your lender has previously denied you, there are many alternatives to foreclosure including a repayment plan, modification, or forbearance. A repayment plan lets you make payments over time. A modification changes the terms of the loan to something you can afford. A forbearance stops the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Maryland on
Q: How does foreclosure affect me if I'm on the deed but not the loan?

I am on the deed to my daughter's house in Maryland, but I am not on the loan. The house is in the process of foreclosure, with a letter of intent to foreclose received on 05/25. There are no other individuals on the deed. I am concerned about whether this foreclosure could impact my credit.... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jun 5, 2025

It is possible that the lender might report a parcel you own has been foreclosed upon, which is going to be true. However if you did not sign a note or a deed of trust, then you did not borrow money from the lender and owe them nothing. If your credit report says anything about a delinquency on... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Bankruptcy, Business Law and Real Estate Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Facing foreclosure due to missed payments and denied loan modification; seeking options beyond short sale.

I experienced a loss of income in December 2024 and couldn't pay my mortgage. I initially applied for a loan modification and was approved. My uncle, who was helping me with my bills, passed away in September. Due to stress and depression, I missed work in January and February, and... View More

Dauna Kaye McPherson
Dauna Kaye McPherson
answered on Jun 3, 2025

Based on your situation, you still have several potential legal avenues to explore before foreclosure becomes final. Here's how a foreclosure defense or bankruptcy attorney may be able to help:

1. Foreclosure Defense

Even though your loan has been referred to the lender’s...
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2 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Can I get an extension for foreclosure sale date when I have the property in escrow with a buyer?

My property is scheduled for a for Social sale on June 3. But I have the property in escrow with a new buyer. Is there a way that we can get an extension until after the sale of the property?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 30, 2025

If you and the lender who is doing the foreclosure sale agree, you can obtain an extension.

If not, you would need to retain an attorney to obtain a TRO. Likely cost will be $25,000 and you need to hire an attorney today to do it by Tuesday.

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3 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Animal control took my horses during foreclosure without abuse allegations. How do I retrieve them and hold people accountable?

My house was foreclosed, and we were given ten minutes to leave the premises. Animal control took our valuable horses, claiming it was necessary because we couldn't move them ourselves, despite us having the means to do so with some additional time for arrangements. The sheriff threatened me... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on May 12, 2025

I'm sorry you had that experience and I understand how difficult it is to relocate horses on short notice.

Technically, the horses were not stolen and were likely considered abandoned just like any other personal property left on the premises. The sheriff has to post a 24-hour notice...
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3 Answers | Asked in Probate, Foreclosure, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I sue my brother for theft or wrongdoing in managing my mother's estate without a will in Michigan?

My mother passed away in September 2023, leaving no will. I believed my older brother was managing her affairs, but I recently discovered he took everything from her house and accounts. Now, a foreclosure company has contacted me about my mother's house, which is facing foreclosure. I... View More

David Soble
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David Soble
answered on May 12, 2025

You will need to support your contentions. If there was no will and he was n't appointed as a personal representative by the court, your options are limited. You would need to prove he did not have rights to the property. The best case is to become the personal representative of your... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Probate, Foreclosure, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I sue my brother for theft or wrongdoing in managing my mother's estate without a will in Michigan?

My mother passed away in September 2023, leaving no will. I believed my older brother was managing her affairs, but I recently discovered he took everything from her house and accounts. Now, a foreclosure company has contacted me about my mother's house, which is facing foreclosure. I... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on May 13, 2025

I agree with Mr Soble but I would add that CAN you sue is a very different question than SHOULD you sue.

People get confused about this a lot, and the short answer is almost always 'yes you can sue, but you probably shouldn't' SOMETIMES you cannot sue, and sometimes it is a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Foreclosure for California on
Q: Lender denied loan modification, claiming residential property as commercial in Alameda County. What should I do?

I own a property in Alameda County recorded as residential in the county records, but my lender classifies it as commercial, denying my loan modification application. I spoke with their representative, who insisted on the commercial classification despite my attempts to show the residential status... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on May 10, 2025

You should continue communicating with your lender. Even if your lender has previously denied you, there are many alternatives to foreclosure that a lawyer may help you achieve including a repayment plan, modification, or forbearance.

As a last resort, you can explore bankruptcy, sale of...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Foreclosure, Contracts, White Collar Crime and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Ex-wife forged HUD loan signature, causing foreclosure risk post-divorce. What are my legal options?

I discovered on May 2, 2025, that my ex-wife forged my signature on a HUD loan after our separation. As a result, I can't sell the home unless I come up with $26,000, and it's now going into foreclosure. I took the home in our recent divorce, unaware of the loan. I haven't reported... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 7, 2025

You can file a declaratory judgment suit seeking a declaration that you are not legally obligated to repay the HUD loan because your signature on the loan documents are a forgery and you did not know about or participate in the loan, having discovered the loan only after your recent divorce, and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Understanding Michigan eviction law after foreclosure and canceled writ.

I am a tenant in Michigan whose home went into foreclosure. The bank issued a writ of eviction, but later canceled the eviction process. I'm trying to understand the implications of this situation regarding Michigan’s eviction laws under MCL 600.5701 to 600.5750. Specifically, what does the... View More

David Soble
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David Soble
answered on May 6, 2025

If the bank or lender is the successful bidder at the sheriff sale and the redemption period expires, they can then file for an eviction against all occupants in the property. If they obtain a judgment, they can ask for a writ to be issued and must do the eviction within 56 days. Otherwise, they... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: When to file Chapter 13 to stop foreclosure after 120 days nonpayment?

I have missed 120 days of mortgage payments, and my loan modification was denied on 4/28. I have not received a formal foreclosure notice yet, and I'm considering filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy as I have no other options. How soon should I file to stop the foreclosure process? Also, I am not... View More

Michael O'Leary
Michael O'Leary
answered on May 3, 2025

While there are no immediate time pressures that would necessitate an ASAP filing, remember that each month your case does not get filed you are another month behind in your mortgage payments, which would slightly increase the "bare bones" minimum monthly Plan payment amount needed for... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: When to file Chapter 13 to stop foreclosure after 120 days nonpayment?

I have missed 120 days of mortgage payments, and my loan modification was denied on 4/28. I have not received a formal foreclosure notice yet, and I'm considering filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy as I have no other options. How soon should I file to stop the foreclosure process? Also, I am not... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on May 3, 2025

If you have not been served with a summons for foreclosure you still have some time. Before a mortgage company can sell you property in foreclosure they use start a foreclosure suit. At that point you should start a bankruptcy. But be aware that a Chapter 13 is a payment plan. Assuming you want to... View More

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