Facing Foreclosure?
The consequences of going through a foreclosure can be severe. Not only will you lose your home, but you might also have to pay a deficiency judgment and your credit score will take a major hit. If you’re behind in your mortgage payments, consider talking to a foreclosure attorney.

Whether you think you want to fight the foreclosure in court, work out a loan modification, or exit the property gracefully through a short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure, speaking to an experienced lawyer is crucial to understanding your rights and options.

An experienced foreclosure lawyer will be able to explain your state’s foreclosure laws, provide details about different ways to avoid foreclosure, and let you know whether your state offers special protections to homeowners, like the opportunity to take part in mediation. As the foreclosure moves forward, you’ll want representation you’re confident in.

Looking for a Lawyer?
At Lawyers.com, you’ll find a user-friendly search tool that allows you to tailor results by area of law and geography. You can also search for attorneys by name. Attorney profiles prominently display contact information, list topics of expertise, and show ratings—by both clients and other legal professionals.

Ready to Meet With a Lawyer?
Before hiring a lawyer or law firm, make sure to speak directly—preferably in person—to the attorney who will be primarily responsible for handling your case. Consider bringing to the conversation a list of questions and any documentation related to your case. Remember that you don’t need to hire the first lawyer you consult and that, first and foremost, you want a lawyer you trust.

What to Ask a Lawyer
When gathering your thoughts and documents, think about what you’ll want to ask the lawyer. Consider including on your list questions about:

• the lawyer’s experience representing homeowners in foreclosure
• whether you have any defenses to the foreclosure
• whether you’re likely to qualify for certain foreclosure alternatives, like a loan modification, short sale, or deed in lieu of foreclosure
• what course of action the attorney recommends, like fighting the foreclosure in court, trying to work out an alternative to foreclosure, or filing for bankruptcy
• whether the attorney’s fee includes handling both the foreclosure case in court and negotiating a foreclosure alternative
• whether you could be on the hook for a deficiency judgment, and
• how long a foreclosure will take in your case.