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Does Bankruptcy Help With Foreclosure?

Posted in: Bankruptcy Law, Asset Protection

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If you have fallen behind on your mortgage payments, chances are the mortgage company will attempt to foreclose on your property. Facing foreclosure can be extremely stressful, especially if the property being foreclosed on is your primary residence. Luckily, filing for bankruptcy can help alleviate this stress. Bankruptcy will stop the foreclosure process and help you get back on your feet. In this blog, we will discuss the foreclosure process in Illinois, and how filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy helps prevent foreclosure. Contact us now at (312) 883-5422 to speak with a bankruptcy lawyer in Chicago for a free consultation.

What is the Foreclosure Process in Illinois?

In general, foreclosure is the legal process that allows a lender to sell your property if you default on your loan. The most common “default” causing a lender to foreclose on your property is failure to make the required monthly mortgage payments. This typically happens after you miss three or more payments.  

To initiate a foreclosure, the lender files a “complaint” in state court. 735 ILCS 5/15-1504. Some federal regulations restrict when a lender can file a complaint requiring them to wait until you are more than 120 days delinquent on the loan. Once a complaint is filed, the next step is to serve you with a summons to appear in court. The summons will state you have 30 days to file an answer and any affirmative defenses.

The process of foreclosing and selling property in Illinois takes time. For instance, once served with a summons, you have 90 days to reinstate your mortgage by bringing your loan completely current. This includes the total past-due amount and any costs or fees. 735 ILCS 5/15-1602. Additionally, you have a redemption period. This period lasts seven months from service of your summons or three months from the date of entry of the foreclosure judgment, whichever is later. 735 ILCS 5/15-1603.

When these dates have expired, the lender may proceed with a judicial sale. The judicial sale requires the lender to post notice of the sale and advertise said sale in a local newspaper. If the property is sold, the lender then files a motion confirming the sale and can send the order to the sheriff to evict you.  Because of the many intricacies in the foreclosure process in Illinois, it important to speak with an experienced lawyer in Chicago. At DebtPros, our bankruptcy lawyers are extremely knowledgeable on the foreclosure process and will help guide you along the way.

How Does Filing Bankruptcy Help Prevent Foreclosure?

Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy will stop the foreclosure process and allow you to repay the mortgage arrears back to the mortgage company. When you file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a proposed Chapter 13 plan is filed which lays out how you will repay your creditors back on monthly basis for 3-5 years.

For instance, to save your property from foreclosure, your Chapter 13 plan will propose to repay your mortgage arrears over a specific timeframe. To keep your property, you will also need to make direct payments to the lender in the current monthly amount.

When a bankruptcy case is filed, there is an “automatic stay” that prevents creditors from collecting on pre-bankruptcy debt. As the name suggests, this stay is imposed the second you file your bankruptcy case and is what stops the mortgage company from proceeding to foreclose on your property. As long as the property has not already been sold, the bankruptcy filing will help you keep your property. Apart from your mortgage debt, you can also include any other debt you have in the Chapter 13 case.

Contact us Today to Speak with a Bankruptcy Lawyer!

If you are facing foreclosure, or are behind on your mortgage payments, contact DebtPros today for a free consultation. During the consultation, we will carefully review your circumstances and give you the best advice on how you can save your property from being foreclosed on. We will also let you know if there are other options outside of bankruptcy that may be available to you.

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What Our Clients Say

I want to start by saying THANK YOU! John was patient, prompt, informative and easy to work with. In our time of need, he helped my parents file for bankruptcy successfully and at a great price. If you are ever in the need of any services concerning your debt and potential bankruptcy litigation, I give my word and experience that John is the BEST in the Chicagoland area.

- Eric McDowell

John was outstanding in the process of my chapter 7. Not only did he keep me abreast of every step and matter that involved my BK but he was reasonable with the price and the time I had to pay him. He sent me places that accepted my Bk when it came to getting a new car as well and his communication was an A+. There was never a time I couldn’t reach him and if he missed my call he would proceed to call back before the day over or early the next day. I recommend him to any and everyone!

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John is a great lawyer to work with. It’s easy to be honest and share things with him. It felt good to communicate with him. When I reach out to him, he is very good at answering the phone or responding when he can. I recommend his work as well. He’s very organized and gets things done. Thank you John.

- JP W

This guy made my experience so smooth I would recommend him to anyone who is thinking about filing for bankruptcy. He is very patient with his clients and Is very informative. Every question I had he answered even if I asked it twice. Highly recommend!!!!!!

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John is very patient, he’s worked with me from start to finish. Always answer my questions and never made me feel like I’m a bother. Never made me feel like I’m a number in his book. He’s very helpful and caring which is why I’d recommend him over any bankruptcy lawyer. Thanks John for all you do.

- Corey Ross

Thank you team DebtPros! The choice to file was not easy, but it was the best decision for my family. John, I appreciate your kindness, thoroughness, and professionalism. I feel like you’ve guided me through this process in a very personable way. Thank you for always being available to chat, and making the experience so efficient and understanding. I can see the silver lining toward a fresh start! Thank you again & Have a wonderful summer. Sincerely, SB.

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I am honored to provide such a financial relief feedback for this amazing blessing whose name is Atty. Wonais. There is so much I could share endlessly about his superb knowledge and service that he offered me as his client. However, I will share what I found to be essential in my financial issues that Atty. Wonais selflessly provided to me as his client; his expertise, his ability of trustworthiness was "everything" oh my goodness he is truly trusting thru the entire process.

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This office and staff was amazing. I was referred to John from my best friend and as soon as I reached out he was very prompt on getting back to me and helping. From start to finish the process was amazing stress free and straight forward. He stayed in communication no matter what time of the day. If I had a question he had the answer. His tips and tricks and knowledge helped me a lot and made me more comfortable and excited about starting over.

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John did a wonderful and seamless job with my case-he handled everything properly and was very timely in all of his communication. He is professional and reliable. I would highly recommend him to anyone who may have to deal with a bankruptcy. Five stars!

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I had a great experience with Wonais Law, LLC. John is very patient and replies right away to any questions or concerns that you have. I would recommend his services to anyone.

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If I can leave more stars I will. Wonaia Law is highly recommended. John is great with making sure I understand everything that was going on, I really appreciate how he’s always there to answer any questions I have ... My chapter 7 is just about over and I have 2nd chance with living life debt free.

- Tiffany Austin

John Wonais is responsive, professional, and cares for his clients. He is extremely experienced in civil litigation and has answered all of my questions in a way that I can understand as someone with zero experience in law. He has gone above and beyond and has always made sure to follow up with me when I’ve needed it. I truly feel that he has my best interest at heart.

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I really wanna give a big thanks to John he helped me out a lot. He walked me through everything to make sure I understand, good quality. I don’t think I could of did it without him ?

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I want to thank John for helping me win my case he was very helpful throughout the process and very professional, thanks again.

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I was very impressed on how quickly I was responded to, and how my lawyer John made everything so easy for me to understand. I have never had to hire a lawyer before, and I'm really glad that I met such a professional, and honest person. I would highly recommended.

- Angela Mata

DebtPros is a law firm that specializes in consumer bankruptcy. John has years of valuable experience and is dedicated to helping clients file for bankruptcy. John is responsive and provides a free consultation to prospective clients. I recommend this firm to anyone who is considering filing for bankruptcy.

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