Fulton Foreclosure Defense Attorney

Skilled Foreclosure Defense Lawyer Represent in Fulton, Maryland

Oftentimes, hard-working people can end up buried in debts due to circumstances outside of their control, making it difficult to stay current on a mortgage. These financial issues can compound quickly until you are threatened with foreclosure by your home lender. To protect your home, reach out to a Fulton, Maryland foreclosure defense attorney for legal assistance.

If you are looking for an experienced attorney to help with your foreclosure case, Attorney Donald Bell is here to provide you with superb advocacy and legal advice. At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we have helped numerous clients with consumer bankruptcy cases, and many have praised our effective counsel in testimonials.

What Type of Bankruptcy Is Best for Avoiding Foreclosure?

Homeowners in Fulton, Maryland, facing missed mortgage payments and rising unsecured debts often wonder whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the better choice. Chapter 7 may provide a quick discharge of unsecured obligations, but it can put a home at risk if nonexempt equity exists. In contrast, Chapter 13 offers wage earners the opportunity to reorganize both secured and unsecured debts under a court-approved repayment plan, preserving the roof over their heads.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is tailored to individuals with reliable income who need to catch up on past-due debts. It allows debtors to stretch arrearages over three to five years, combining them with regular mortgage payments into one manageable monthly obligation.

By choosing Chapter 13, Fulton homeowners can invoke the automatic stay—which halts foreclosure actions immediately—while they develop a structured path back to financial stability. As long as plan payments remain current, creditors cannot resume foreclosure or initiate new collection efforts. Completing the plan generally leads to the discharge of remaining unsecured debts, enabling families to move forward with their home intact.

How Can I File for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Filing for Chapter 13 in Fulton begins with mandatory credit counseling from an approved agency within 180 days before submitting a petition. Debtors must gather financial documentation including recent pay stubs, tax returns, loan statements, and expense records to paint a full picture of their obligations and resources. With those materials in hand, the homeowner prepares a Chapter 13 petition and proposed repayment plan for filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland.

Once the petition and plan are filed, the court issues an automatic stay that stops foreclosure sales, garnishments, and creditor communications. A Chapter 13 trustee is then assigned to review the plan's feasibility and collect monthly payments from the debtor to distribute among creditors.

After plan confirmation, debtors must make timely payments to the trustee while maintaining ongoing mortgage obligations directly with the lender. Staying current on both plan and mortgage payments is essential to preserving the automatic stay's protection throughout the three- to five-year term.

Making a Repayment Plan

Developing an effective Chapter 13 repayment plan starts with a detailed budget that accounts for living expenses, necessary reserves, and all secured and unsecured debts. Mortgage arrears are folded into the plan as secured claims, while other debts like credit card bills, medical bills, or personal loans are classified according to priority.

Fulton homeowners may negotiate terms within their plan, such as interest rate reductions on mortgage arrears or the elimination of late fees, if the lender agrees. Adjustments for changing circumstances can be made through plan modifications, subject to court approval.

Consistent communication with one's attorney and the trustee ensures any necessary modifications are handled promptly, safeguarding both the debtor's interests and the automatic stay. Upon completing all payments on schedule, the court issues a discharge of eligible unsecured debts, allowing the family to emerge from Chapter 13 with a stronger financial footing and their home preserved.

Meet With a Fulton, MD Foreclosure Defense Lawyer

Do you need assistance protecting your home from aggressive creditor actions? If so, reach out to The Law Office of Donald L. Bell today. Attorney Donald Bell can provide you with straightforward guidance and strong representation to help you address your mortgage arrearages with a tailored bankruptcy solution.

We offer free consultations in consumer cases. Contact our Fulton foreclosure defense attorney or call 301-614-0535.