The core of defending against foreclosure is getting the right information during court proceedings. The goal here is to ask questions that neither the bank’s lawyer nor the bank itself can answer. Specifically, you want to question the real existence of the debt, who really owns it, and who has the right to collect or enforce it. The problem for many homeowners is that they don’t realize the importance of what needs to be done while the discovery window is still open. Seek help from our legal professionals or your local attorney if he is qualified early in the process so you can fully preserve your rights during discovery while you still can. Once the discovery window closes due in the court calendar you are at a big disadvantage in the proceeding especially as it relates to challenging the standing of the alleged creditor. I wrote recently about the need to not delay in responding to any foreclosure action here. It worth another look in case you missed it.
Going After Lawyers? Not the Best Strategy
Trying to penalize lawyers for bringing cases with no real backing has been a hit-or-miss affair. Yes, some lawyers have been fined big amounts, but generally, they’re protected by legal rules that grant them a lot of leeway. The real goal isn’t to punish the lawyer; it’s to go after their client, the entity claiming to own your debt.
What Kind of Sanctions Do You Want?
You want to aim for heavy-duty sanctions against the claiming party to win your case. There are court rulings that back this approach. Essentially, you must prove that the other side intentionally disregarded the court’s authority or showed bad faith.
Courts Have Discretion
Courts have a lot of freedom in deciding what kind of punishment to give for not providing the required information. But the highest level of punishment, like dismissing a case is one of the best outcomes.
Factors Considered Before Dismissal
Courts need to think about six important things before dismissing a case:
- Was the disobedience intentional or just a mistake?
- Has the attorney been punished before?
- Was the client involved in the wrongdoing?
- Did the delay harm the other party?
- Was there a reasonable excuse for not following the rules?
- Did the delay mess up court scheduling?
If there’s a lesser punishment that would work, the court may use that instead.
Final Thoughts
If a lesser punishment can fix the wrongdoing, then the case shouldn’t be dismissed. The court needs to find the right balance between how bad the offense was and how harsh the punishment should be. Ignoring these guidelines could get the case sent back for reconsideration.
I hope this simplified version helps you understand the intricacies of foreclosure defense a bit better. If you have any specific questions call our office at 844.478.6774 or submit a free case registration statement here for our opinion on how best to proceed with your unique situation. Spread the word, and let’s help more homeowners stay where they belong—in their homes!
Filed under: foreclosure | Tagged: foreclosure defense, foreclosure fraud, Lender Liability, quiet title |
Contribute to the discussion!