Filter by

star star star star star
11 Oct, 2012 by Mike l.
We've begun to work with Sean over last several years on landlord-tenant agreements. I appreciate that he stays current on the rapidly and ever changing laws. Sean knows how we think, and he’s a great resource to bounce around ideas. When decisions are made and projects begin, he’s very responsive. And on the occasion when further research is needed, I appreciate his ability to find the right answers for me.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
19 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
I recently moved out of my home after renting for 7 years after receiving a 60 day notice to terminate residency from the new property manager who never answered emergency calls, didn't show up for meetings, etc.. I called Mr. Hanley to see what exactly my rights were as a tenant and what to expect if i did not comply with 60 day notice. He explained to me very simply the laws and rules of tenancy and was brutally honest about what the consequences would be if an unlawful detainer was brought against me. He did this at no charge to me over the phone, wished me luck and offerred his services if I needed it.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
18 Jun, 2015 by Stevan
I've had the pleasure of working with Eric in many cases. He is a smart, knowledgable attorney who does a very good job of representing his clients. He has a very bright future in the legal profession.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
20 Jan, 2013 by Greg
Outstanding integrity, commitment, and personal service! Hands down one of the best attorneys I've ever worked with! Would recommend Eric to anyone!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
03 Dec, 2012 by Jahan
I have used legal services of Eric on several occassions. The most recent was his help in interpreting a contract. Eric is an exceptional attroney, quite responsive, and knowledgable.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
16 May, 2023 by John bui
My house recently got sold by foreclosure. My house is about $1.3 mil however it got sold $537,000. I want to find is any wrongful foreclosure. Was it letting public know the day it went out for auction or any bits? Please return my call for more informative.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
10 Oct, 2018 by Keith
I have hired Ben Levinson (Ben) for over twenty years. During that time, the cases he assisted with ranged from foreclosure issues, bankruptcy issues, real estate in many forms including eviction assistance, to concerns related to notes and loans. Scarcely a year has gone by when I have not had some issue or cause of litigation which required his assistance. His knowledge of the fields above has been quite exceptional. His sheer depth of experience has meant I not only felt comfortable with him in every way, but have recommended him to others, as well as regard him as the man "I go to" first of all. In addition, many of my colleagues in the real estate areas above also consider him the "go to man" nowadays. I doubt if there are many attorneys with his combination of experience and book knowledge combined. I have seen Ben in many different circumstances, and dealt with numerous other attorneys both as a client and adversary. Ben's years of business provides an extensive list of contacts which Ben readily offers to you if needed. This can be very useful where a case is remote from him and minimizes costs by using a local man. I can say he shows no restraint in minimizing exposure to other, cost-saving persons. Such experience also gives a client the inside information on the type of judges at hand, the best practical way to handle a case, and the strength of an opponent both in terms of the case, and his representation. This class of insight can only come from a long period in the field, and direct interaction with the actors in that field. Ben has both. As regards his knowledge of the business, I have seen first-hand his vast knowledge applied in what I know have been really exotic cases to my advantage. I have seen him run rings around other, lesser attorneys who literally lack his understanding and insight. I will add his recognition by the bench also does not harm the client where a judge has to choose between attorney BS and Levinson savoir-faire. With such observations, one would expect a fee that is high. I can state I have found Ben to be quite reasonable. I pay attorneys from $350 per hour to $1,500 per hour. Ben is in the reasonable portion of that range. Furthermore, since your payments as a client are the product of the hourly rate and number of hours, he has not to my knowledge ever added to the hours portion to enhance his bills - in fact quite the contrary. Ben has frequently undercharged for what I was expecting and also given free advice. I wish that were true of all attorneys! Ben has an office that is not large. As such, if your case is huge, an idea may be to have him lead the case, with one of the major "big-name" offices providing back-up. You will only save using this approach, I can guarantee that. I have used a similar approach on three occasions. In all interactions I have found Ben to be honest, forthright, and to the point. A valuable asset when the clock is ticking. He is accessible easily and answers his calls in a timely fashion. This may seem trite, but can be a major problem in getting cases started or questions answered. The contrast between Ben and other attorneys I am trying to deal with makes life so much more easy which is why I choose to deal with him when I can. In short, Ben is both a real professional, who knows his field, and does not inflate charges. A real find, at lease for me, in his world.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
29 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I consulted with Ben and he let me know that I don't need a bankruptcy lawyer anymore and can continue to pursue my eviction case. I appreciate his honesty and professionalism and would recommend him!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
02 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Tony is a very caring lawyer. He puts himself in his client's situation and tries to help them as much as he can. I feel that he listen to me and work with me and put all his effort into our case.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
27 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Anthony Delas was such a horrible Attorney to deal with and here is why. Besides taking 2 years rather than 6 months to go through my bankruptcy process he always kept me in the dark of what was going on and what I should expect. He would always give me a days notice for meetings or important appointments which would get in trouble at work. His emails are very hard to understand and he would always have me resend attachments because he would "lose" them. I wouldn't recommend this attorney. He was such a headache to work with and made this process even more stressful. I honestly felt like he wasn't on my side. I was already very stressed and upset that I had to go bankrupt and he made the experience even worst.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Foreclosure Lawyer Can Do for You

A foreclosure lawyer specializes in helping homeowners navigate the legal complexities of foreclosure, working to protect their rights and potentially save their homes. Foreclosure lawyers assist homeowners facing foreclosure by negotiating with lenders, filing legal defenses, and representing them in court. They also help with loan modifications, short sales, and other alternatives to foreclosure. Whether you’re behind on mortgage payments or already in foreclosure proceedings, a lawyer can help you explore your legal options and work toward a solution.

If you’re at risk of losing your home, a foreclosure lawyer can provide guidance on how to stop or delay the foreclosure process and protect your financial future.

When Should I Hire a Foreclosure Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a foreclosure lawyer in several situations where you are facing financial difficulties with your mortgage. Common reasons to hire a lawyer include:

  • Facing foreclosure proceedings: If your lender has initiated foreclosure proceedings, a lawyer can help you file a legal defense and explore options for stopping or delaying the process.
  • Loan modification: If you want to modify the terms of your mortgage to make payments more manageable, a lawyer can help you negotiate with your lender and ensure that the modification complies with legal standards.
  • Challenging the foreclosure: If you believe your lender has violated foreclosure laws or the terms of your mortgage agreement, a lawyer can help you challenge the foreclosure in court.
  • Stopping a foreclosure sale: If your home is about to be sold at a foreclosure auction, a lawyer may be able to file for a temporary restraining order or injunction to halt the sale.
  • Short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure: If you cannot afford to keep your home but want to avoid foreclosure, a lawyer can assist with arranging a short sale or a deed in lieu of foreclosure, where you voluntarily transfer ownership of the home to the lender to avoid foreclosure.
  • Filing for bankruptcy: If you’re unable to manage your mortgage debt and other financial obligations, a lawyer can advise whether filing for bankruptcy might stop foreclosure and help you restructure your debts.

Hiring a lawyer as soon as possible - especially when foreclosure is imminent - can provide you with more legal options to save your home or limit financial damages.

What Does a Foreclosure Lawyer Do?

A foreclosure lawyer provides a variety of legal services to homeowners facing foreclosure, working to protect their rights and help them avoid losing their homes. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Negotiating with lenders: A lawyer can negotiate with your lender to modify your mortgage or create a repayment plan, helping you avoid foreclosure by securing more favorable terms.
  • Filing a legal defense: If your lender is improperly foreclosing or has made errors in the foreclosure process, a lawyer can file a legal defense, challenging the foreclosure in court. Defenses may include violations of foreclosure laws, predatory lending practices, or failure to follow the terms of the mortgage.
  • Representing you in court: A lawyer can represent you in foreclosure proceedings, whether you are defending against the foreclosure, seeking more time to negotiate with the lender, or filing for bankruptcy.
  • Stopping or delaying foreclosure sales: If your home is scheduled for a foreclosure auction, a lawyer can help file a motion to stop or delay the sale, giving you time to explore other options.
  • Advising on bankruptcy: A foreclosure lawyer can assess whether filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy would be beneficial, as bankruptcy can temporarily stop foreclosure and give you time to reorganize your finances.
  • Arranging short sales or deeds in lieu of foreclosure: A lawyer can help facilitate a short sale (selling the property for less than the mortgage balance) or a deed in lieu of foreclosure (transferring the property to the lender), which may allow you to avoid the foreclosure process.

How Are Foreclosure Lawyers Paid?

Foreclosure lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rate: Many foreclosure lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
  • Flat fee: For specific legal services, such as negotiating a loan modification or filing a bankruptcy petition, some lawyers offer a flat fee. Flat fees can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the scope of the work.
  • Retainer: In more complex foreclosure cases, especially those involving ongoing negotiations with lenders or court appearances, a lawyer may require a retainer. This is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case.
  • Contingency fee (rare): In some rare cases, particularly when suing a lender for wrongful foreclosure, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win the case or settle on your behalf.

It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer upfront, especially if you are facing financial difficulties.

How Much Does a Foreclosure Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a foreclosure lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the amount of time required to resolve the issue. General cost estimates include:

  • Hourly rates: Foreclosure lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour. For example, a simple case with 10 hours of legal work at $300 per hour would cost $3,000.
  • Flat fees: For straightforward services such as filing for bankruptcy or negotiating a loan modification, flat fees typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the work.
  • Retainers: In more complex or ongoing foreclosure cases, a lawyer may require a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the length of the case and the lawyer’s experience.

In addition to legal fees, you may also need to cover additional costs, such as court filing fees or expenses related to property appraisals.

Top Questions to Ask a Foreclosure Lawyer

Before hiring a foreclosure lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the necessary experience and approach to help you. Key questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with foreclosure cases?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience handling foreclosure cases similar to yours and has successfully helped homeowners avoid foreclosure or negotiate better terms.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost of their services.
  3. What are my options for stopping foreclosure?
    Ask the lawyer to explain the different legal strategies available for stopping or delaying foreclosure, such as loan modifications, filing a legal defense, or bankruptcy.
  4. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and the chances of successfully avoiding or delaying foreclosure.
  5. How long will the process take?
    Foreclosure cases can vary in duration, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take and what factors might affect the timeline.
  6. Will I need to go to court?
    Ask whether your case is likely to settle out of court or if a trial may be necessary. If a trial is possible, ask what steps the lawyer will take to prepare.
  7. What steps can I take to protect my home?
    Ask the lawyer for advice on steps you can take to protect your home, such as making partial payments, negotiating with your lender, or exploring foreclosure alternatives.

How to Check the Credibility of a Foreclosure Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable foreclosure lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:

  • Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions against them.
  • Look for foreclosure experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in foreclosure law and have successfully handled cases similar to yours.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
  • Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on foreclosure matters.
  • Check for certifications or memberships: Look for lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) or who have specialized certifications in real estate or foreclosure law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a foreclosure lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Mortgage documents: Bring a copy of your mortgage agreement, payment history, and any correspondence you’ve received from your lender, including foreclosure notices or demand letters.
  • Financial information: Provide information about your income, expenses, and debts, as this will help the lawyer assess your financial situation and determine the best legal strategy for your case.
  • Previous communications with your lender: If you’ve already tried to negotiate with your lender, bring any emails, letters, or records of phone calls that document these communications.
  • Court documents (if applicable): If foreclosure proceedings have already begun, bring any court documents related to the case.
  • Questions about your legal options: Prepare a list of questions about the foreclosure process, your options for avoiding foreclosure, and how the lawyer plans to help you.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice for protecting your home from foreclosure.

Scroll to top