West Friendship, MD Foreclosure Defense Lawyer

Experienced Foreclosure Defense Attorney Representing Clients in West Friendship

If your home is at risk of foreclosure, you only have a limited window of time to respond before the sale commences. No matter how overwhelming your arrearages may seem, however, you still have options to take care of your debts while retaining ownership of your property. A West Friendship, MD foreclosure defense lawyer can guide you through the steps of filing for bankruptcy, prioritizing your long-term needs.

When your home is on the line, you should entrust your bankruptcy petition to a qualified attorney. At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we have over 20 years of legal experience, so you can rely on us to provide you with clear guidance to protect your interests.

The Benefits of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers homeowners in West Friendship a powerful tool to halt creditor actions and regain financial footing. When you file Chapter 13, you immediately invoke the automatic stay—an injunction that stops foreclosure proceedings, creditor calls, wage garnishments, and even pending lawsuits. This breathing room allows you to focus on restructuring rather than racing against the sale date.

Equally important is the court-approved repayment plan. Instead of facing a lump-sum demand for arrears, you make manageable monthly payments to the Chapter 13 trustee, who then distributes funds to mortgage lenders and other creditors. Your plan can stretch over three to five years, tailored to your income and necessary living expenses. Throughout this period, you retain possession of your home, while steadily chipping away at past-due amounts under predictable terms.

How Can I File for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Filing for Chapter 13 begins with a thorough evaluation of your financial situation. Before you can start your petition, you will have to participate in a credit counseling course several months in advance, which is why early action is so important.

Once it comes time to fill out the paperwork, our attorney will review your income, debts, and property to confirm eligibility and determine whether Chapter 13 or another debt relief option best suits your needs. Next, you prepare and file a petition and schedules with the bankruptcy court.

Alongside your petition, you submit a proposed repayment plan outlining how you intend to cure mortgage arrears and pay unsecured creditors. Within 14 days of filing, the automatic stay takes effect. You then attend the meeting of creditors, where the trustee and any attending creditors can ask about your financial affairs and the feasibility of the plan.

Once the court confirms your plan—usually within three to six months—you begin making trustee payments. During the plan period, you must remain current on post-petition mortgage obligations directly with your lender, unless otherwise directed by the court. Our firm can guide you through every step, ensuring deadlines are met and paperwork is accurate.

How Chapter 13 Helps Homeowners

Chapter 13 provides several homeowner-specific benefits beyond stopping foreclosure. If you face a second mortgage or junior lien that exceeds your home's value, our attorney can move to strip off that wholly unsecured lien, reducing your secured debt load. Adjustable-rate mortgages or balloon payments can be repaid according to the plan's terms rather than immediately upon maturity.

At the plan's completion, any remaining unsecured debt is discharged, freeing you from credit card arrears, medical bills, or other qualifying liabilities. You emerge with clear title to your home and a fresh financial start.

Meet With a West Friendship, Maryland Foreclosure Defense Attorney

If you are facing foreclosure, do not wait to take legal action. At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we have the skills and legal knowledge to help homeowners facing financial difficulties. We offer free consultations in consumer cases, so reach out to us at 301-614-0535 or contact our West Friendship foreclosure defense lawyer to get started.