Cheverly, MD Foreclosure Defense Attorney
Skilled Foreclosure Defense Lawyer Representing Homeowners in Cheverly
When debts start to compound and your mortgage becomes overwhelming, you will face pressure from your lender to catch up on missed payments or risk losing your home. When faced with the possibility of foreclosure, the best thing you can do is to get in contact with an attorney who can help you protect your interests. A Cheverly, Maryland foreclosure defense attorney can advise you of how to respond and take legal action to safeguard your future.
At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we believe that home ownership is a pathway to generational wealth. We will fight to protect your home, exploring all options to avoid foreclosure proceedings while addressing your outstanding debts.
How Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Can Help Homeowners
Homeowners who face the risk of losing their home to foreclosure may find Chapter 13 bankruptcy to be a powerful tool. Chapter 13 allows a homeowner to propose a court-approved repayment plan that addresses past-due mortgage arrearages over a period of three to five years. By filing, you gain access to the automatic stay, which halts foreclosure actions and provides breathing room to catch up on missed payments.
The bankruptcy court evaluates your income, necessary living expenses, and total debt to confirm whether you can sustain the proposed plan payments. Maryland exemptions may protect a portion of your home equity from creditor claims, preserving more of what you have invested. Once the court confirms your plan, your mortgage lender must accept payments under its terms, rather than pursue a foreclosure sale.
Catching Up on Mortgage Arrears Through Chapter 13
One of the primary benefits of Chapter 13 is the ability to cure mortgage arrears while protecting your home. Rather than paying a lump sum to reinstate your loan, Chapter 13 lets you roll those past-due amounts into affordable installments within your repayment plan. This approach can reduce the stress of an immediate large payment and minimize the risk of losing your home.
During the plan term, you continue making your regular monthly mortgage payment directly to the lender or through the bankruptcy trustee, depending on the terms of your plan. Any arrears are spread out over the life of the plan. If you comply with all plan requirements, including timely mortgage payments, you maintain possession of your home and steadily reduce your debt burden.
Pursuing a Mortgage Modification With Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 can also serve as leverage to secure a mortgage modification. While the automatic stay is in effect, you have additional time to negotiate with your lender for more favorable loan terms—such as a reduced interest rate, longer repayment period, or forgiveness of a portion of the arrearage. In some cases, a lender is more willing to agree to a modification when the alternative is navigating a lengthy bankruptcy process.
Our attorney can file motions or applications on your behalf to approach the lender for modification. These requests may include seeking approval to pay modified terms through the trustee. If the lender consents, the modified mortgage terms replace the original loan conditions, and you resume regular payments under the new agreement. This dual strategy can both manage arrears and improve your long-term financial outlook.
Meet With a Cheverly, Maryland Foreclosure Defense Lawyer
At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we know that foreclosure is an urgent issue for homeowners. We offer free consultations in consumer bankruptcy cases, and we will review your financial situation to determine whether Chapter 13 is the right solution for you.
Our firm is ready to help you pursue a tailored solution to your outstanding debts and mortgage arrears. Call 301-614-0535 or contact our Cheverly, Maryland foreclosure defense attorney to discuss your case.




