Dundalk, MD Foreclosure Defense Attorney

Experienced Foreclosure Defense Lawyer for Clients in Dundalk

The threat of foreclosure is a real danger to homeowners who have become inundated with debt. Even the most responsible spenders can feel pressure from multiple financial obligations, which can compound the hopelessness of the situation even further. With the help of a Dundalk, MD foreclosure defense attorney, however, homeowners can pursue a strategy to get caught up on mortgage arrears.

At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we provide individualized legal assistance and representation for people who need help protecting their homes from foreclosure proceedings. As an experienced bankruptcy attorney, Donald Bell has personally helped numerous clients through challenging financial situations, granting him deep insights into how to preserve generational wealth through home ownership.

Why Consider Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Foreclosure?

Homeowners in Brooklyn Park, MD who face the threat of foreclosure often need a legal strategy that goes beyond a temporary pause. Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers more than just an automatic stay against mortgage sales. It provides a structured framework to catch up on missed payments over time while preserving homeownership.

Under Chapter 13, you propose a plan to repay delinquent mortgage amounts over three to five years. During that period, the automatic stay halts all collection activity, including foreclosure, creditor phone calls, and wage garnishments. That pause gives you breathing room to address past-due balances and avoid the loss of your home.

Unlike Chapter 7, which discharges most unsecured debts but does not allow you to cure a mortgage default, Chapter 13 treats secured debts differently. You may reinstate your mortgage, maintain regular payments on the current balance, and repay arrearages in affordable installments. This tailored approach makes Chapter 13 the preferred option for homeowners who wish to remain in their residence and who have sufficient disposable income to fund a repayment plan.

Filing for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

The Chapter 13 process begins with filing a petition and a set of detailed schedules in bankruptcy court. You list all assets, liabilities, income, and monthly expenses. Attorney Donald Bell can help you complete the paperwork accurately and calculate your disposable income.

After filing, the court issues an automatic stay that stops foreclosure notices and collection efforts immediately. You then attend a meeting of creditors, where the trustee and any objecting creditors may ask questions about your financial affairs. Your attorney prepares you for this meeting and negotiates with the trustee to shape a feasible repayment plan.

Filing deadlines and document requirements are strict. Missing a deadline or filing incomplete schedules can jeopardize the entire bankruptcy case. Our firm will guide you through the process to ensure that you meet court requirements and that your petition triggers the protections you need.

What Does a Repayment Plan Need to Include?

A valid Chapter 13 plan must allocate your disposable income in priority order. First, you fund administrative expenses and priority claims, such as certain taxes and domestic support obligations. Next, you propose payments to cure mortgage arrearages over the plan term. After secured debts are addressed, any remaining funds go to unsecured creditors, such as credit card issuers and medical providers.

Repayment plans can last anywhere from three to five years. Your mortgage servicer receives monthly plan payments that include both current mortgage installments and an arrearage cure component. Confirmation of the plan binds the servicer to accept those payments and prohibits any unilateral loan modifications.

At the confirmation hearing, the bankruptcy judge reviews the plan's feasibility, compliance with legal requirements, and fairness to creditors. Our firm will present evidence of your income, budget, and proposed payments to secure approval.

Contact a Dundalk, Maryland Foreclosure Defense Lawyer

If you need help fighting foreclosure proceedings, The Law Office of Donald L. Bell is ready to assist. We offer free consultations in consumer cases, so do not hesitate to reach out. Call 301-614-0535 or contact our Dundalk foreclosure defense attorney.