The first thing homeowners need to do in defending a foreclosure case is to put a written response in to the summons and complaint. This written response is called an answer. This avoids what is referred to as a default in the lawsuit. A default amounts to an admission of the allegations made by the bank in their lawsuit are correct. A homeowner can assert defenses, affirmative defenses and counter lawsuits in an answer to the summons and complaint. By contesting the lawsuit the foreclosure case will move very slowly through the courts. The more time the homeowners are in their home the more likely they will be able to come up with a final resolution, whether it be a mortgage modification, a forbearance agreement or another means of keeping their family in their home.
The Answer to a Foreclosure Lawsuit
When a homeowner is served in a foreclosure lawsuit depending upon the type of service he or she receives they have either 20 days or 30 days to respond. The response must be in writing. Affirmative defenses can be alleged in the answer to protect the client and to create the legal grounds for having the case dismissed. In addition, a counter lawsuit can be brought within the confines of the answer asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit completely because of some inappropriate action by the financial institution or the failure of the financial institution to comply with some federal, state or local ordinance.
Defending The Foreclosure Case
Financial institutions are very heavily regulated, they must comply with state, local and federal laws with regard to all aspects of the lending process, the mortgage application process and the handling of a foreclosure lawsuit. Affirmative defenses such as lack of standing, redlining, violation of Truth and Lending Laws, predatory lending, “duel tracking”, failure to provide necessary documentation, failure to provide adequate notice, failure to provide proper service, fraud and issues related to loan modifications can be raised. A counter lawsuit brought against the bank can also seek financial damages from the financial institution.
The facts and circumstances of each homeowner’s situation is unique. Should you find yourself facing a foreclosure situation, the first step in defending your home, protecting your rights and keeping your family in your home is to retain a qualified experienced foreclosure lawyer.
Elliot S. Schlisel is the managing partner of Schlissel DeCorpo LLP. For more than 45 years he has been representing homeowners throughout the Metropolitan New York area. He helps homeowners obtain mortgage modifications. In addition he fights foreclosure lawsuits. He can be reached for a free consultation at 800-344-6431 or e-mailed at Elliot@sdnylaw.com.
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