{"id":369127,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:15","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/foreclosure\/foreclosure-process.html"},"modified":"2024-06-04T12:19:31","modified_gmt":"2024-06-04T17:19:31","slug":"foreclosure-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/foreclosure-process.html","title":{"rendered":"Foreclosure Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Foreclosure Process<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Welcome to the Foreclosure Process section of FindLaw’s Real Estate Law Center. The foreclosure process is slightly different in every state. But certain aspects of how foreclosures work are universal. Maybe you are facing foreclosure because of missed mortgage payments. Perhaps you need help understanding the applicable federal laws and state laws. If so, you’ve come to the right place. This section summarizes foreclosure procedures and includes tips on what you can do to stop or slow home foreclosure.<\/p>\r\n

Missed Payments Start the Legal Process<\/h2>\r\n

All types of foreclosure situations begin when a homeowner or borrower misses a mortgage payment. When you stop making payments on your home loan, your credit score may drop within a few months. Not long after, continued failure to pay your mortgage loan will start the default process.<\/p>\r\n

Your lender will send you a notice of default that says you’re behind on payments. This is a good time to call the bank to explain a temporary hardship and ask for forbearance. If your financial hardship isn’t temporary, you may also want to consider bankruptcy<\/a>. A bankruptcy filing automatically stays (or "puts on hold") a foreclosure proceeding. In some bankruptcy cases involving the discharge of all debts, a mortgage holder may:<\/p>\r\n