Wednesday, 25 November 2020

As Fear of Foreclosure Increases in Florida, Here are Ways to Stop It

The Household Pulse Survey, which has been conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, shows that seven percent of households in Florida are behind on their mortgage and rent payments. The Census Bureau has been taking the survey at various times during the pandemic since it first broke out nine months ago. Of that seven percent, over half of respondents, 51.2 percent, say that they fear eviction or foreclosure, which is the worst percentage in the entire country.

The survey has a margin of error of 13 percent. That means the actual percentage could be as low as 38 percent or as high as 64 percent. Either way, it is a large increase from the 32 percent that said they feared eviction or foreclosure in the previous survey.

Clearly, many households in Florida are in trouble. Fortunately, there are still options for homeowners, and ways to possibly stop a foreclosure.

Federal Moratorium on Foreclosures

It was in April when Governor DeSantis issued a statewide moratorium on foreclosures and evictions. In early October when DeSantis allowed that order to expire, it meant that thousands of Florida homeowners faced the real fear of losing their homes. For homeowners with federally-backed mortgages, however, there is still hope.

In late August, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) extended the federal moratorium on Enterprise-backed mortgages. This moratorium applies only to single-family mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, otherwise known as the Enterprises. The moratorium was originally set to expire on August 31, 2020. Now, the moratorium has been extended until December 31, 2020, and it may even be extended again in the future.

While the federal moratorium will protect over 28 million homeowners around the country, including many here in Florida, it will not protect everyone. Homeowners without a federally-backed mortgage that are in fear of foreclosure should understand there are still ways to stop it.

Unclean Hands

Florida is a judicial foreclosure state, which means to foreclose on the property, lenders must file a lawsuit. The case will then go to trial, which is heard by a judge without a jury. At the trial, you can raise a number of defenses that can stop the foreclosure. One of the defenses available is that the lender has “unclean hands.”

Florida case law Federal Savings and Loan v. Robert Smith shows that when a lender has unclean hands, the judge must deny the foreclosure action. To prove that a lender has unclean hands, you must prove that the lender engaged in an illegal or fraudulent transaction, or an unconscionable or oppressive act. For example, if the servicer did not allow you to repay your mortgage payments, that could be considered tortious interference, which can prove unclean hands. You must also prove that the act caused you harm.

Proving unclean hands is sometimes challenging, and proof is required if you are making such a claim. A foreclosure defense lawyer will understand the necessary evidence to collect that can prove unclean hands.

Lack of Notice of Default

In Florida, lenders are required to provide homeowners with a notice of default, and the action required by the homeowner to correct it. Usually, the requirement is found in the 22nd paragraph of the mortgage agreement. The lender must typically send the notice of default at least 30 days prior to starting foreclosure proceedings. The notice must also state the action required by the homeowner to stop the foreclosure.

Borrowers can raise the defense that the notice of default was never received. When they do, the lender then has the burden of proof of showing that they sent the appropriate notice.

Failure to Fill All Conditions Precedent

In a mortgage contract, each side has obligations to the other. The borrower has an obligation to pay mortgage payments on time to the lender, but the lender also has several conditions to meet. Failing to provide homeowners with the notice of default is just one of these conditions, but there may be others, as well. When lenders do not meet all of their conditions, it can serve as a defense to a foreclosure action.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

No one ever wants to face bankruptcy, but it can offer a real solution to a foreclosure action. If you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may still lose your home. The bankruptcy trustee will sell some of your assets to help repay the lenders you still owe. Although a portion of your home’s equity may be exempt, you may still lose your home.

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy, on the other hand, may allow you to keep your home. In this type of bankruptcy, the debts you have incurred are restructured into a payment plan that is more manageable for you. Usually, the plan extends for three to five years, during which time you repay your debts. If you are struggling with other types of debt, such as credit cards or auto loans, you can also restructure these during a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Although you are not required to work with a bankruptcy lawyer, it is important that you do. The bankruptcy process is not always a quick one, and even a small mistake could forfeit your right to file bankruptcy. A lawyer will ensure no mistakes are made, and that the repayment plan is as affordable as possible.

Our Florida Foreclosure Defense Lawyers Know How to Stop the Process

Floridians have been hit hard during the pandemic and it is the new reality that more homeowners are facing foreclosure than in recent years. If you are in fear of losing your home, our Fort Lauderdale foreclosure defense lawyers can advise on your case.

At Loan Lawyers, we can determine if your lender has taken the appropriate actions and when they have not, will use that defense to help you save your home. We will also advise on other foreclosure defenses that may apply to your case. Call us today at (954) 807-1361 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

Loan Lawyers has helped over 5,000 South Florida homeowners and consumers with their debt problems, we have saved over 2,000 homes from foreclosure, eliminated more than $100,000,000 in mortgage principal and consumer debt, and have recovered over $10,000,000 on behalf of our clients due to bank, loan servicer, and debt collector violations. Contact us for a free consultation to see how we may be able to help you.

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Tuesday, 24 November 2020

How to Budget for the Holidays

The holidays are upon us and while they may look very different during the pandemic, people still want to find ways to celebrate with their loved ones. Budgeting for the holidays is never easy, but just like everything else in 2020, it brings unique challenges during the pandemic. A survey conducted by WalletHub shows that residents of Fort Lauderdale, FL should not spend more than $1,199, and even that figure seems out of reach for many. Below are some tips that can help you budget for the holidays, and come away from them without breaking the bank.

Understand Your Spending Limit

If you do not know how much you can reasonably afford to spend on holiday gifts, you will not know that you have gone over that limit until it is too late. While WalletHub is recommending that Fort Lauderdale residents do not spend more than just under $1,200, many people this year will not be able to budget even that amount. Determine the expenses you will have to pay during the holidays, including your mortgage, rent, and other expenses, and how much you have leftover to spend. Keep that number in mind when you are buying presents, and do not go over it.

Create Categories

People are often surprised at just how many gifts they purchase over the holiday season. It is natural that people would first think of their friends and loved ones that they want to buy for, but there are likely others, as well. You may want to purchase a small gift for a teacher, a newspaper carrier, or someone else that you want to acknowledge.

Think about everyone in your life that you want to purchase gifts for, and then separate them into categories with spending limits for each category, or for each person. Remember, the total number you are left with should not exceed your spending limit, but breaking that limit down can help you understand how much you have to spend on certain people or items.

Shop Early

Usually, people are advised to shop early for the holidays in order to avoid long lines. While those may not even be a possibility in some areas this year, it is perhaps even more important to shop early. Many people will use online shopping services these holidays, and delivery systems will become overwhelmed as they try to get packages delivered. To avoid rush delivery fees that will increase your holiday budget, shop early so your gifts arrive on time without any additional expenses.

Do Not Buy for Yourself

Most shoppers will purchase something for themselves while they are hunting for the perfect gift for others. This is easy to do regardless of whether you are in a mall and see something unexpected, or if you are searching for the right gift online. Just over half of consumers spend approximately $200 on themselves while shopping for other people. Know what you are looking for before going online and keep your purchases to that item only and resist the temptation to buy yourself that little something you may want.

Secret Santa

Secret Santa is always a great way to help a lot of people save money at the same time. If you have a large group of family members or friends, agree to choose a secret Santa, so that each person only buys for one other. When just focusing on purchasing one gift, it is easier to put real thought behind it, and you may even be able to spend a little more on that one gift. Still, you can take this idea up another level if everyone agrees to a spending limit.

Use Coupons

Using coupons may sound like an outdated idea, but shopping online makes it easier than ever. Websites such as Groupon, Hip2Save, and RetailMeNot all offer discount codes you can enter into online shopping sites and save money easily. Apps can also make it easy to learn when new discounts are available and get even more savings.

Remember it Is the Thought that Counts

It is easy to get wrapped up in the idea of purchasing our loved ones something extravagant that they would never buy for themselves. This is a mistake every year though and this particular year, smaller and more thoughtful gifts are likely going to be even more appreciated. Something as simple as a small gift card for groceries, or a batch of homemade brownies may be all that is needed to make someone’s day, and you will save your budget at the same time.

Do Not Use Credit Cards

Unfortunately, the big-spending on holiday gifts does not end once you leave a store or website. January is always a difficult time for people, as this is when the credit card bills start coming in and people have to face their holiday debt head-on. To avoid the downward spiral of debt that credit cards can lead to, and the impending judgments and wage garnishments that come with them, simply do not use your credit cards.

Before shopping, check the categories within your budget and withdraw enough cash to pay for the ones you are about to purchase. Using only that cash will ensure you do not go over your budget. If you are shopping online, try to use a debit card instead of a credit card, so you can use only what is in your bank account and not rack up immense debt.

Call a Florida Debt Defense Lawyer if a Collector Takes Action

Budgeting is important during the holidays, but many will still find themselves struggling with debt afterward. If you are suffering from debt and a debt collector has threatened to take legal action, call our Fort Lauderdale debt defense lawyers today. At Loan Lawyers, we know the actions debt collectors are allowed to take, what they are prohibited from doing, and the defenses to debt-collection lawsuits. Call us today at (954) 807-1361 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced debt defense attorneys.

Loan Lawyers has helped over 5,000 South Florida homeowners and consumers with their debt problems, we have saved over 2,000 homes from foreclosure, eliminated more than $100,000,000 in mortgage principal and consumer debt, and have recovered over $10,000,000 on behalf of our clients due to bank, loan servicer, and debt collector violations. Contact us for a free consultation and find out more about our money-back guarantee on credit card debt buyer lawsuits, and how we may be able to help you.

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Friday, 20 November 2020

How to Get Out of Debt During a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has put over 30 million Americans out of work, and many of those individuals were already struggling with debt before the pandemic hit. Debt can sometimes actually be a good thing, as it allows people to purchase homes, vehicles, and other necessities of life. However, when you incur too much debt, debt can become debilitating and that is not good for anyone. If you are trying to get out of debt during the pandemic, below are some tips that can help.

Identify Your Most Important Bills

Unfortunately, there are some bills you simply cannot get rid of. One of these is your mortgage. If you stop paying your mortgage, you may face foreclosure and end up being evicted from your home. The state government has already lifted the moratorium on foreclosures, so this continues to be one of the most important bills to pay. Also, make sure you continue to pay your utilities so you can continue to have service to your home, and do your best to keep up with any auto and insurance payments you may have. These, as well as any other expenses that are a priority for you, are must-pays and if you do not make the payments, you could find yourself worse off.

Consider the “Leaky Faucets” of Your Budget

You may have expenses that are quite obvious to you, such as your mortgage and utilities. While these are important expenses that should be among your priorities, there are likely some expenses you have not yet recognized. Perhaps that is a subscription that you are no longer using, or the coffee you are purchasing from that expensive cafe once or twice a day. Consider all of the items you pay for on a daily basis and then eliminate the ones that are not absolute necessities.

Create a Budget

Budgets are boring, but they are also very necessary. Using a full quarter of the year, track what you are spending and what you are spending it on. Once you have a full budget in place, it is easy to see how you are spending money, and what you can scale back on. Also, make sure to include within your budget your credit card bills, and the minimum payments you are expected to make every month. When finished, your budget will give you a snapshot of how much money you will have at the end of the month to spend on extras. As long as you do not go over that amount, it will help you get out of debt even faster.

Understand the Types of Debt Repayment

Any debt repayment expert you speak to will likely have advice on how to repay your debt. Generally speaking though, there are typically two main methods:

  • The first is the debt avalanche method, which the majority of debt repayment experts recommend. When paying debt using this approach, you focus on the debt with the highest interest rate first. You continue to pay the minimum balance on all other debts, so you do not face wage garnishment or other penalties for not repaying debt, but your priority remains on the highest interest debt. Pay off as much of that as you can, including going above and beyond the minimum payment. Once that debt is repaid, you then focus on the debt with the second-highest interest rate and continue on from there.
  • The second method of debt repayment is the snowball approach. Contrary to the avalanche method, when using the snowball approach you focus on the debt with the lowest interest rate while still continuing to make minimum payments on all other debt. While the snowball method will not help you save money in interest, as the avalanche approach will, it can provide you with the momentum necessary to stay motivated to keep paying off your other debts.

Both methods work and are very effective if you can stick to them. You just have to decide which one will work best for you.

Use Money Management Apps

You may have gotten used to thinking that your cell phone does nothing but cost you money. However, there are ways in which your phone can help save you money, too. Certain apps can help you with money management, such as GoodBudget, Unsplurge, and Mint. Certain credit card companies also have apps that can help you track all of your spendings without a charge, which can help with your budget.

Another way apps can help you save money so you can pay off your debt is to download apps that offer discounts, coupons, and money-saving tips. Whether these savings are available right in your community or online, you can use the money you save to pay down your debt.

Call Your Creditors

Your creditors might be the last people you want to talk to, particularly when you owe them a significant amount of money. Still, it is important that you do, especially when the amount you have is substantial. Many borrowers are surprised to learn that their creditors are very willing to work with them, and many have shown to be very forgiving during the pandemic.

Thanks to the CARES Act, many creditors are required to provide you with options such as a reduction in interest rates and payments, and you may even be able to make partial payments or get an extension on a payment. In addition to learning about these options, speaking to your creditors will also give you a better idea of what debt you should focus on first.

Call a Debt Defense Lawyer in Florida for Help

Sometimes, borrowers take all the necessary steps to reign in their debt, but it is just not enough. Soon, they find that they are facing legal action from creditors. If you are facing a lawsuit over your debt, our Fort Lauderdale debt defense lawyers can help. At Loan Lawyers, we know the defenses to these lawsuits and we will use them to give you the best chance of a positive outcome with your case. Call us today at (954) 807-1361 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Loan Lawyers has helped over 5,000 South Florida homeowners and consumers with their debt problems, we have saved over 2,000 homes from foreclosure, eliminated more than $100,000,000 in mortgage principal and consumer debt, and have recovered over $10,000,000 on behalf of our clients due to bank, loan servicer, and debt collector violations.

Contact us for a free consultation and find out more about our money-back guarantee on credit card debt buyer lawsuits, and how we may be able to help you.

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Wednesday, 18 November 2020

8 Bankruptcy Myths Exposed

No one ever wants to file bankruptcy but, in some cases, it can provide real relief from crushing debt. One of the reasons people are sometimes so hesitant to file is because they believe the many myths surrounding bankruptcy. Here we break down those myths and expose the truth behind them so that anyone considering filing for bankruptcy will know the realities behind the process and how it can help.

1. People Who File Bankruptcy Are Financially Irresponsible

It is easy to think that people have to file bankruptcy simply because they spent too much and do not know how to properly manage their money. The truth of the matter is, though, that the three main reasons for bankruptcy are job loss, divorce, and severe illness. These are things that are not in a person’s control and that have nothing to do with a person being financially irresponsible.

2. Married Couples Must File Together

Contrary to what many people think, married couples do not always have to file bankruptcy together, although there are times when it makes sense that they do. When married couples file bankruptcy together, an assumption is made that both people are liable for the debt. It is common though, for one spouse to have incurred a great amount of debt while the same is not true for their partner. When that is the case, the couple does not have to file bankruptcy together. On the other hand, when the couple has incurred debt together and they are both liable for it, it does make sense for the couple to file together.

3. Bankruptcy Will Ruin Your Credit Forever

There is no doubt that bankruptcy will affect your credit at least temporarily. After filing bankruptcy, it will stay on your credit record for seven to 10 years, although most of the time it is the lesser of those two time periods. It is imperative to understand that bankruptcy will never remain on your credit report permanently. Even though bankruptcy will remain on your credit record for years, there are still things you can do to improve it. For example, in the months following bankruptcy, you can apply for secured credit cards that can help improve your credit score, even though the bankruptcy may still show.

4.You Should Make Large Purchases Before Filing

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows the court to discharge certain debt, which means borrowers are not responsible for repaying it. Due to this, many people think that they should make large purchases, or several small purchases, right before they file. Unfortunately, the banks will likely consider this fraud and any debt incurred through fraud will not be discharged as part of the bankruptcy process. Never go on a shopping spree prior to filing bankruptcy, as it will only hurt you during your bankruptcy case.

5. All Debt Is Discharged in Bankruptcy

It is true that bankruptcy can be looked at as a clean slate, but that does not necessarily mean it will not still have black marks on it. Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy will discharge most unsecured debts, including credit card charges, utility bills, and personal loans. However, not all debt will be discharged during the bankruptcy process.

If you file for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, on the other hand, you may not have much of your debt discharged at all. Instead, your debts will be restructured during the bankruptcy process so it is easier for you to pay them back.

6. A Person Will Lose Everything in Bankruptcy

It is true that when filing bankruptcy, a person does stand to lose certain assets. The bankruptcy trustee will seize these assets and liquidate them in order to pay at least a portion of the debt back to creditors. Still, filing bankruptcy does not mean you will lose absolutely everything.

Bankruptcy allows for some exemptions, which are as follows:

  • Homestead exemption: A home is fully exempt from bankruptcy proceedings unless you have paid the mortgage in full within the past 1,215 days. When that is the case, the exemption is limited to approximately $160,000 of equity.
  • Automobile exemption: The automobile exemption allows for up to $1,000 of equity to remain exempt.
  • Personal property: Tangible and intangible property including bank accounts, cell phones, jewelry, and more have an exemption limit of $1,000. If you do not own your home, the exemption limit can be as high as $5,000.
  • Retirement accounts: Retirement accounts have a very high exemption level of up to $1,000,000.

In addition to these exemptions, wages are exempt if you are considered the head of your household.

7. You Will Not Lose Anything in Bankruptcy

Just as some people think they will lose everything in bankruptcy, others think they can file bankruptcy and not lose anything. Unfortunately, that is not true. Again, to pay creditors in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the trustee will attempt to liquidate certain assets. Due to this, you will likely lose at least some of your assets after you file bankruptcy. On the other hand, if you file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you likely will not lose anything in bankruptcy because your debts are restructured so that you can pay at least a portion of them back, if not all of them.

8. You Do Not Need a Florida Bankruptcy Lawyer to File for Bankruptcy

Technically speaking, you are not required to work with a Fort Lauderdale bankruptcy lawyer when filing for bankruptcy. However, it is always recommended that you do. Without proper representation, you may file for the wrong type of bankruptcy, incorrectly cite proper exemptions, or be unable to defend against an action that seeks to deny the discharge of your debts.

If you are struggling with debt and need relief, our skilled attorneys at Loan Lawyers can help. We have helped thousands of people successfully file for bankruptcy and can advise on the best type of bankruptcy for your case. If you are denied a discharge, we will also defend against it and always give you the best chance of success. Call us today at (954) 807-1361 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Loan Lawyers has helped over 5,000 South Florida homeowners and consumers with their debt problems, we have saved over 2,000 homes from foreclosure, eliminated more than $100,000,000 in mortgage principal and consumer debt, and have recovered over $10,000,000 on behalf of our clients due to bank, loan servicer, and debt collector violations.  Contact us for a free consultation to see how we may be able to help you.

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Monday, 16 November 2020

Can Cavalry SPV I, LLC or Any Other Debt Collector Contact Me for a Past Due Debt?

Have you received an email from Cavalry SPV I, LLC or any other Cavalry related company stating that you are collections with their company?  Have they emailed someone else you know disclosing that you are collections with them?  If so, please contact Loan Lawyers right away for your free case evaluation.  Cavalry SPV I, LLC or another Cavalry related company may have violated the law in sending that email to you.  They may have also violated the law by sending emails to others about you.

The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers who are behind on debts and prohibits Cavalry SPV I, LLC and all other debt collectors from disclosing to third parties that you have any sort of debt.  At Loan Lawyers, LLC we sue Cavalry and other debt collectors for violating the FDCPA.  If Cavalry or any other debt collector has informed third parties that you have a debt, we may be able to sue them for you in state pf federal court for violating the FDCPA.  When we take these cases, they are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no attorney’s fees or costs in the event we do not obtain a recovery for you.  Just because you may have a past due debt does not mean that you do not have rights.  If those have been violated, you can sue Cavalry or any other debt collector for violating those rights.  The fact that you are past due on a debt does not change that fact.

If we file a lawsuit on your behalf for an FDCPA violation, you may end up with compensation for damages and your attorney’s fees paid, plus the debt may be wiped out and removed from your credit report.  Call Loan Lawyers today for your free case evaluation if you have been contacted by Cavalry SPV I, LLC or any other debt collector regarding a past due debt.

Call us now at 1-888.FIGHT-13 to speak with one of our attorneys.

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Friday, 13 November 2020

Increase in Commercial Mortgage Delinquencies and How We Can Help

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the news headlines have placed a focus on the increase of foreclosure actions throughout Florida and the rest of the country. While the stories have largely focused on residential foreclosures, commercial properties have also fallen into mortgage delinquencies at an increasing rate. Unlike residential homeowners, owners of commercial properties have not received the same kind of assistance to help them avoid foreclosure. This makes it even more important for commercial property owners to understand their options, and how a commercial foreclosure lawyer can help.

The News on Commercial Foreclosures

It was in early September when the Mortgage Bankers Association released two reports surrounding the increase of commercial mortgage delinquencies. While the number of delinquencies is not at the height it was at the beginning of the pandemic, it is still at a level much higher than it was before the pandemic began.

Certain types of properties, namely lodging and retail properties, have been hit particularly hard. This is likely because, throughout the pandemic, people have been sheltering in place at home. Even when the shelter-in-place orders were lifted in places like Florida, people still feared the virus, causing them to continue staying at home and go out as little as possible.

The most troubling statistics from the report are as follows:

  • 6 percent of mortgage balances pertaining to commercial and multi-family properties were current at the end of August. While that seems like a positive number, it was a slight drop from July, when 93.8 percent of these mortgages were current, and the 93.7 percent of current mortgages in June.
  • In August, the amount of commercial loans on lodging in default was at 23.4 percent, which was a slight increase from the 26.2 percent of delinquent mortgages on these properties in July.
  • Retail properties saw an increase in delinquencies in August, rising to 15 percent from the 13.9 percent in July and 14.7 percent in June.
  • Mortgages that were current on industrial properties dropped slightly in August to 96.7 percent, from the 98.3 percent in July.
  • More commercial mortgage-backed securities also saw an increase in delinquencies in August, dropping to 12.6 percent from 12 percent in July, but increasing slightly from the 12.9 percent in June.

Even with the statistics showing that delinquencies rose on commercial properties throughout the summer, fewer property owners are trying to find help. The reports also showed:

  • Only 0.7 percent of property owners asked about relief pertaining to their commercial mortgages in August. That was a significant drop from 0.9 percent in July, 1.6 percent in June, and a significant percentage of six percent in May. In April, 12.8 percent of commercial property owners asked for relief.
  • Formal requests for adjustments to loan balances also fell to 0.4 percent in August, a drop of 0.7 percent in July, 1.3 percent in June, 4.1 percent in May, and seven percent in April.
  • Servicers also made modifications on loan balances, or offered forbearances at a lower rate than they did at the beginning of the pandemic. In August, servicers offered adjustments or forbearance on 1.4 percent of loans, a change from 1.6 percent in July, 1.3 percent in June, 1.9 percent in May, and the lowest of all months, 1.1 percent in April.

It is deeply concerning that at a time when commercial property owners are facing an increase in mortgage delinquencies, fewer of them are asking for help and even fewer lenders and servicers are offering much-needed assistance.

Commercial Foreclosure Defenses Are Available

Like residential properties, you likely have many options available if you fear your commercial property will soon fall into foreclosure. If your commercial mortgage is currently underwater, it is important to speak to your lender as soon as possible, as waiting to contact them could limit the number of options available. The options you may have are outlined below.

  • Refinancing: If your lender is willing to negotiate with you, it may be possible to refinance your mortgage. Commercial mortgages vastly differ from residential mortgages. A variable interest rate may be the reason you are struggling, or the loan may have matured and a balloon payment is now due. When you can no longer afford your mortgage, your lender may be willing to refinance the debt.
  • Bankruptcy: Many commercial property owners think that when they file for bankruptcy, they will lose the property. Fortunately, that is not always the case. Filing bankruptcy may place a stay on any foreclosure proceedings you are facing. Additionally, bankruptcy can also help you restructure the debt associated with your business, making it easier for you to make your mortgage payments on time and bring a defaulted loan into good standing.
  • A personal guarantee: It is not uncommon for a business to fall into financial difficulty that is only temporary, particularly during a pandemic. If this is the case, a personal guarantee that uses your own personal property or financial accounts as collateral can also help save you from foreclosure.

In addition to these options, there are also several defenses available to commercial foreclosure. The lender may have missing, falsified, or incorrect documentation, or other bank errors may have occurred that make a foreclosure action invalid. Sometimes, lenders will also act unfairly or fraudulently and that can also provide a defense to foreclosure. These defenses typically require skilled negotiation, so it is always important to speak to a foreclosure defense lawyer any time a commercial mortgage falls into default.

Call Our Foreclosure Defense Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale Today

If the pandemic has caused your commercial mortgage to fall into default, it is important to understand that you are not alone and that help is available. At Loan Lawyers, our Fort Lauderdale, FL foreclosure defense attorneys can explain the options available, and the one that is right for your case. Call us today at (954) 807-1361 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to receive the sound legal advice you need.

Loan Lawyers has helped over 5,000 South Florida homeowners and consumers with their debt problems, we have saved over 2,000 homes from foreclosure, eliminated more than $100,000,000 in mortgage principal and consumer debt, and have recovered over $10,000,000 on behalf of our clients due to bank, loan servicer, and debt collector violations. Contact us for a free consultation to see how we may be able to help you.

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Wednesday, 11 November 2020

Why You Should Never Ignore a Foreclosure Lawsuit

Going through the foreclosure process is something that everyone hopes they’ll never have to face. The prospect of losing your home can significantly disrupt your life and dramatically impact your future and the future of those who depend on you.

In the face of such hardship, it can be tempting to ignore a foreclosure lawsuit because facing it seems overwhelming.

However, ignoring a foreclosure lawsuit won’t make it go away. If anything, ignoring it minimizes your ability to do anything about it and leaves you with fewer options. Homeowners facing foreclosure shouldn’t panic. Instead, they should speak to a qualified and experienced foreclosure defense attorney.

The foreclosure defense, debt defense, and bankruptcy lawyers at Loan Lawyers have been fighting for Florida families for more than a decade. During that time, we’ve helped thousands of clients keep their homes, reduce their debts by hundreds of thousands of dollars, and stave off bankruptcy.

No matter how bad your financial situation may seem, we can provide the legal guidance you’re looking for and give you the best possible chance of saving your home. To learn more about how we can help distressed homeowners, call us or visit our contact page.

Here are just a few reasons to speak to a Florida foreclosure defense attorney if you’re sued for foreclosure.

You Can Get a Default Judgment

A foreclosure lawsuit is actually the second step in the Florida foreclosure process. Before you can be sued for foreclosure by your lender, they’re required to send you a notice of default.

In many cases, lenders will send out these notices once your mortgage payments are 30, 60, and 90 days past due. Once these notices have been sent, your lender can file a lawsuit to advance the foreclosure process. Should your lender fail to give you the required notices, you can use that as a defense to stall the foreclosure process.

If you ignore a foreclosure lawsuit after you’ve received a notice of default, though, you give up any chance to contest the lawsuit.

There are two components to any foreclosure suit:

  • The complaint, which outlines the lender’s case against you
  • The summons, which details your responsibility to respond to the lawsuit.

If you do not respond, the judge overseeing the foreclosure case will assume the Complaint’s facts are correct and will issue a judgment that you are in default on your mortgage. A default judgment fast-tracks your foreclosure case and leaves you with fewer options to potentially save your home.

You only have 20 days from the date that you are served with the lawsuit to respond to your lender, so it’s essential to speak with a foreclosure defense lawyer as soon as you can.

You Can Lose Defenses If a Loan Modification Is Denied

Even after your lender has filed a foreclosure suit against you, you still own your home until the foreclosure process is complete, and the bank sells the property in a foreclosure sale. Therefore, it’s in your interest to keep working with your lender to see if you can get a loan modification. You can even apply for a loan modification multiple times, depending on who your lender is and your loan conditions.

However, even if your lender refuses to grant you a loan modification, you still have legal options if you’re sued for foreclosure. For example, if your lender does not follow the correct judicial procedures for obtaining a foreclosure judgment, you may be able to buy yourself more time or have the case thrown out entirely. But these defenses are invalid if you do not respond to the foreclosure lawsuit within the 20-day window. If you wait too long or ignore the lawsuit, the judge in your case will side with your lender and fast-track your foreclosure, as we’ve previously discussed.

Giving Up the Right to Discovery

In a civil suit, discovery is the phase of the case where both sides are allowed to look at what evidence the other party has and will be using as part of their case. This may not sound that important, but the discovery process is crucial if you want the best possible shot at keeping your home.

During discovery, your lender must provide whatever evidence they have showing that they own your mortgage, that you’ve fallen behind on your payments, and that they’ve followed the correct procedures to obtain a foreclosure judgment.

This process offers knowledgeable foreclosure defense attorneys an opportunity to poke holes in their evidence and argument. If you and your lawyer can undermine your lender’s legal argument, you may be able to buy more time to sort out your finances or possibly have the case against you dismissed.

If you ignore the foreclosure lawsuit, you give up the right to see what evidence your lender has against you. This will likely result in a default judgment against you and your home being foreclosed upon.

Contact an Experienced Foreclosure Defense Attorney at Loan Lawyers

As you can see, the foreclosure process in Florida is complicated, and the stakes are high. To give yourself the best possible chance at keeping your home, contact the compassionate and dedicated attorneys at Loan Lawyers today.

Foreclosure, bankruptcy, and debt relief are the core areas of our practice, giving us more knowledge and experience than most other Florida law firms. Our foreclosure defense lawyers know the ins and outs of Florida foreclosures. We can provide high-quality legal defense for those facing the loss of their homes. We’re proud of our many success stories during our time in practice, and we’ll do whatever we can to prevent you and your family from losing your home. To get started, call our office today to schedule your free initial consultation, or you can visit our contact page.

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The Pandemic Is Bad for the Country, but Good for Debt Collectors

Americans have been living with the pandemic for approximately eight months now, and the country has been devastated by it. Over 200,000 people have died after contracting the virus, businesses have had to shutter their doors, and people have fallen into an immense amount of debt. The news is grim for citizens but for debt collectors, times are good. While the pandemic may have temporarily slowed calls from debt collectors, they are now becoming aggressive once again. If you are being harassed by debt collectors or are facing legal action, a Florida debt defense lawyer can help.

Profits for Debt Collectors Soar

Encore Capital, the biggest buyer of debt in the country, announced in August that they had doubled its prior record for earnings in a single quarter. That surprised many Americans, as the CARES Act provided hundreds of billions of dollars worth in stimulus checks and unemployment insurance to residents in the country. Foreclosure, evictions, and student loan payments were also deferred or temporarily stopped.

Unfortunately, the CARES Act had one big oversight: it did not protect borrowers from older credit card debt, which is what Encore Capital focuses on. Additionally, the pandemic forced millions of households to cut their spending. As some of that income became available, more households used it to pay back debt collectors. After Encore’s biggest quarter, experts predicted the company would make more than $200 million in profits and stockholders would earn 40 percent more than the previous year. Portfolio Recovery, another one of the country’s biggest debt collectors, is projected to have the same type of growth.

It is interesting to note that Encore has been sued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for breaking the terms of a consent agreement in 2015. The company was charged with using false statements to pressure consumers and filing lawsuits at a remarkable pace use robe-signed court documents, which is against the law. Even that lawsuit did not deter investors from making record projections for the company.

Court Closures and the Pandemic

If there was any negative news for debt collectors during the pandemic, particularly in the early days of it, it was the fact that local courts across the country temporarily shuttered. Debt collectors could no longer file the lawsuits necessary to recover their debt, which is one of their main sources of revenue.

That worry is now over for debt collectors. In Indiana, Encore filed over 1,000 lawsuits against debtors in August alone, and more than 2,000 lawsuits were filed by the company in Atlanta. Other debt collectors have been taking the same types of legal actions, with Portfolio Recovery filing more than 3,000 lawsuits in Chicago throughout the month of July. These are just two of the biggest stories surrounding the lawsuits debt collectors have filed.

The companies have said in different statements that they try to avoid suing and it is only a last resort used. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily true and debt collectors are typically overzealous when attempting to collect on unpaid debt. While an executive from Encore stated that they have tried to help consumers during this extremely difficult time and have temporarily stopped seeking seizures of bank accounts, they continue on with wage garnishments.

Courts have started opening. Courts reopening have clearly allowed debt collectors to file an increasing amount of lawsuits, but the fact that the courts were closed for several months on end also makes it more difficult for consumers, and even their attorneys.

The pandemic has caused confusion all around the country, including in the court system. During the time their doors were shuttered, the backlog of the courts only continued to pile up. Even when a case can be heard in a courtroom, there is not a clear path to proceed as there once was. Some court proceedings are being heard virtually, while others are not. Capacity sizes are also changing, which is affecting how many cases can be heard over a certain period of time, and other defendants are asking to call in their arguments, particularly if they have a pre-existing condition that places them at greater risk for complications if they contract the virus.

The only clear answer in courtrooms these days is that there is no clear answer. That, combined with the significant amount of debt collection lawsuits being filed, is only adding to the confusion.

Populations Disproportionately Affected

The fact that certain populations have been disproportionately affected during the pandemic has made headlines since the health crisis began. It turns out that this holds true for debt collection lawsuits as well.

Workers that earn an income under $40,000 annually are disproportionately affected by debt-collection lawsuits, as are African American communities. Even worse, lawsuits against these groups typically result in judgments at higher rates, meaning these individuals often have their wages garnished or face a seizure of their bank account. Coupled with a pandemic that is already affecting these communities at disproportionate rates, it is clear to see the severity of the struggle these individuals are dealing with.

Studies in previous years have shown that workers have approximately four million dollars worth of wages garnished every year. In Florida, debt collectors can garnish up to 25 percent of a person’s disposable income, or the amount by which a person’s disposable income is greater than 30 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is less. During the time of the pandemic, when either of these amounts can greatly help debtors, a garnishment of this size can be devastating.

Are Debt Collectors Calling? Our Debt Defense Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale Can Help

The pandemic is causing difficult times for everyone, and debt collectors are not making it any better. If you are being harassed by a debt collector or are facing legal action, our debt defense attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, FL are here to help. At Loan Lawyers, we will prepare a solid defense for your case and give you the best chance of success. Call us today at (954) 807-1361 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation so you can learn more about your options.

Loan Lawyers has helped over 5,000 South Florida homeowners and consumers with their debt problems, we have saved over 2,000 homes from foreclosure, eliminated more than $100,000,000 in mortgage principal and consumer debt, and have recovered over $10,000,000 on behalf of our clients due to bank, loan servicer, and debt collector violations. Contact us for a free consultation and find out more about our money-back guarantee on credit card debt buyer lawsuits, and how we may be able to help you.

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Friday, 6 November 2020

Zombie Foreclosures Hurt Everyone

Zombie closures are up around the country, and that includes in the Sarasota-Manatee region and the rest of southern Florida. Zombie foreclosures occur when homeowners suspect the bank will foreclose on their home, or they have already received a foreclosure notice. Fearing the worst, homeowners sometimes simply pack up their stuff and vacate the property, thinking that will allow them to move on with their lives and avoid the foreclosure case altogether. Unfortunately, that is not usually the case and instead, the homeowner faces additional consequences. Additionally, zombie foreclosures also hurt the lender and the surrounding neighborhood.

Zombie Foreclosures Hurt Homeowners

It seems logical that once a homeowner has moved out of a property facing foreclosure, there are no further consequences to the property owner. The bank will simply foreclose and the process may, in fact, be even smoother because the homeowner is not fighting the action. It is then often too late when the homeowner realizes that the negative impacts of the foreclosure did not stop when they left the property.

Just as the title to the property would remain in the homeowner’s name if they left the home for a significant period of time and were not facing foreclosure, the same remains true when a lender has already taken foreclosure action. The title will remain in the homeowner’s name until the foreclosure process is over – this means that the property owner will carry all of the same responsibilities. If the lender decides not to proceed with the foreclosure action, the property owner could have all the same obligations indefinitely.

One of the ramifications a person may face in a zombie foreclosure is that they are still responsible for paying property taxes. A tax collector may find the homeowner at their new location and try to collect on the back taxes the person still owes. If the homeowner lived in a property governed by a homeowners’ association (HOA), the property owner is still also liable for any fees or assessments they owe. The HOA may file a lawsuit in an attempt to recover those unpaid fees.

Properties that have been abandoned by the homeowner will also quickly fall into disrepair. When that is the case, the local government may also locate the homeowner and send them a bill for necessary repairs, trash removal, graffiti removal, and yard maintenance.

A story in Dunedin, Florida several years ago made headlines throughout the state when the homeowner was slapped with more than $100,000 in fines for stagnant water in a swimming pool and overgrown vegetation on the property while her name was still on the title.

These stories are not uncommon and they clearly show that even if you walk away from your home because you are facing foreclosure, you are not necessarily freeing yourself from liability. If you do not pay these fines, the city may also take legal action in an attempt to garnish your wages or otherwise recover the fees owed.

Lastly, a zombie foreclosure will hurt your credit score. Many people understand that a foreclosure on their credit report will negatively impact their credit score. However, when you incur additional fines from the city and municipality for unpaid property taxes, these will further hurt your credit score.

Zombie Foreclosures Hurt Neighborhoods

Abandoned properties are never good for neighborhoods. Vacant properties are highly susceptible to become a location for criminal acts, vandalism, squatters, and more. Of course, abandoned properties also become overrun with vegetation and otherwise fall into disrepair, which is why a municipality is so likely to issue fines when this occurs. However, properties that are in disrepair or the location for crimes are also very bad for the surrounding neighborhood.

Properties that are not properly maintained and managed cause the resale value of the surrounding properties to also drop. Anyone in that neighborhood that then wants to sell their home will not receive as much in profits from the sale. Also, unmaintained properties simply become unsightly. For those living in very close vicinity to the abandoned property, it can also result in them being unable to fully enjoy their home. They may not want to spend time in their yard because they are forced to look at the unmaintained property, and wildlife such as feral cats or even mice and rats may move in, and quickly spread out to surrounding properties.

Clearly, zombie foreclosures do not only hurt the homeowners that were facing foreclosure but all homeowners around them, too.

Zombie Foreclosures Hurt Lenders

It is common for homeowners facing foreclosure to not worry too much about the lenders to which they owe money. In fact, it is very easy to see the lender as an enemy. However, zombie foreclosures also hurt banks and other financial institutions, which is not good for the economy as a whole or taxpayers.

When property owners vacate their homes, the bank then must maintain the property, particularly if they want to sell it in the future. The lender then has to ensure the property is in good condition, and that it is properly maintained to attract buyers, all of which is very expensive. While many people do not see this as a concern because banks are a big business, it impacts everyone.

During the Great Recession of 2008, the United States government bailed out the banks, spending approximately $700 billion to do it. The money the government uses for this type of bailout is taxpayer money and so, it hurts everyone. Regardless of whether people think bailouts work or not, the fact of the matter is that they do occur and when that is the case, they hurt everyone.

Our Florida Foreclosure Defense Lawyers Can Help You Avoid a Zombie Foreclosure

It is true that zombie foreclosures hurt everyone. Even more unfortunate is the fact that many people think they have taken the right steps only to learn later their property is a zombie foreclosure and they still have certain obligations tied to the property.

At Loan Lawyers, our experienced Fort Lauderdale, FL foreclosure defense lawyers will not allow this to happen. We know how to defend against foreclosures to help you stay in your home and avoid the negative ramifications of a foreclosure, zombie or otherwise. Call us today at (954) 807-1361 or contact us online to learn more about your options.

Loan Lawyers has helped over 5,000 South Florida homeowners and consumers with their debt problems, we have saved over 2,000 homes from foreclosure, eliminated more than $100,000,000 in mortgage principal and consumer debt, and have recovered over $10,000,000 on behalf of our clients due to bank, loan servicer, and debt collector violations.

Contact us for a free consultation to see how we may be able to help you.

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Thursday, 5 November 2020

What to Do If You Are Struggling to Pay Your Mortgage

If you’re having problems paying your mortgage, help is within your reach.

Take heart knowing you’re not the only one scrambling to meet debt payments on the home you own – especially during the COVID-19 era. The percentage of homeowners at least one payment delinquent jumped 4 percentage points in the second quarter of 2020, when the economic impact was just beginning, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The problem could not be more apparent, said Marina Walsh, vice president of industry analysis in MBA’s research and economics department. “The nearly 4 percentage point jump in the delinquency rate was the biggest quarterly rise in the history of MBA’s survey,” dating to 1979.

If you have a government-backed mortgage, you may find a safe harbor in the federal CARES Act, signed into law on March 27. It stands for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. You may get some relief at the state level as well. Be aware, however, of the pitfalls. Read on.

Applying for such accommodations is not for the timid. Your credit is at stake. Ultimately your ownership of your home is at stake as well.

Call Loan Lawyers, a Foreclosure Defense, Debt Defense and Bankruptcy Law Firm. We serve Fort Lauderdale, South Florida and beyond. We’ve helped 5,000 families get out of debt and look forward to helping you, whether your mortgage is privately held or backed by the federal government.

Loan Modification

If you’ve missed payments and are trying without success to catch up, you may not have the funds to pay the full amount you owe. In this instance, a loan modification agreement may be a workable option. While it is possible to achieve a modification directly with your mortgage servicer, you may get more favorable terms through the experienced Loan Modifications Attorneys at Loan Lawyers.

A loan modification is an agreement between you and the mortgage company to change the original terms of the mortgage. This includes the payment amount, length of the loan, and interest rate. The purpose is to prevent foreclosure and keep you in your house by lowering the payments so you can afford them – without having to come up with the total amount you’re behind.

A modification may be an option if:

  • You are ineligible to refinance due to delinquent payments in the past 24 months.
  • You are facing a long-term hardship that impacts your ability to pay.
  • You are several months behind on your mortgage payments or likely to fall behind soon.
  • You have the ability to begin making modified payments.

Repayment Plan

Say you’ve gone through the process and achieved a loan modification, then fall behind again. Can you get a second modification?

Yes, according to Lutheran Social Services, a nonprofit service. Statistically, you’re less likely to get a second loan modification if you’ve had a first. It is possible though. In fact, the majority of homeowners currently applying for modifications have already had some kind of work-out option and some do get approved.

As long as you want to keep the home and have the stability and income to afford reasonable payments, there is no reason to not apply. You may find the process less difficult since you’re been through it before.

Forbearance

Spurred by the CARES Act, many mortgage companies are offering to help – but it typically comes in the form of a forbearance, not payment forgiveness. Forbearance is when the mortgage company allows you to temporarily halt making payments, typically to help borrowers in time of economic crisis.

The benefit to you is not having to make a payment for a few months. Sounds too good to be true? It is. As soon as the forbearance period is over, the bank typically wants all missed payments in full immediately, or they’ll start foreclosure proceedings.

Short Sale

A short sale, or pre-foreclosure sale, is when the bank agrees to allow your house to be sold for less than what you owe. The “short” in short sale refers to the payoff being less than what is owed, not how long it takes to complete the process. In fact, short sales can be quite lengthy, averaging 3-9 months to complete, sometimes longer.

Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure

Most people want to avoid foreclosure if possible. This plan lets you avoid the foreclosure process by signing over the deed to the home to your servicer. The home will then belong to the servicer.

The primary disadvantage to you as the homeowner is the loss of your home, any income it may generate and your investment in it. It is also taxable.

Bankruptcy as an Option to Stop Foreclosure

If you’ve exhausted all other options, filing for bankruptcy may delay foreclosure in the state of Florida. Filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 creates an automatic stay, which means that creditors may not continue trying to collect what you owe. This could delay the sale of your home for three or four months.

In that time period, it may be possible for you to gather the funds to satisfy the loan. On the other hand, the lender could file a motion to lift the stay.

Another option is to file for Chapter 13, which prompts consumers to pay off debts through a repayment plan that spans years. This could enable someone to keep his or her home.

Our Experienced Attorneys at Loan Lawyers Can Help

Bankruptcy and foreclosure proceedings are typically complex and should be handled by a qualified professional like Loan Lawyers. Act now, before filing deadlines have passed, adding unnecessary complications. Learn how the CARES Act may ease your situation as it relates to the pandemic.

Loan Lawyers is a Foreclosure Defense, Debt Defense and Bankruptcy Law Firm. It’s our mission and our passion to help save your home, eliminate debt and restore your peace of mind. It all starts with a phone call. Reach out to us now.

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Wednesday, 4 November 2020

Is it Illegal for Debt Collectors to Text You?

People know that when they owe any amount of debt, a debt collector may call them. While these phone calls are not usually welcome, they are, if nothing else, at least expected. However, technology today has changed, and debt collectors have more options for contacting debtors. The question these types of options often raise is whether or not it is illegal for debt collectors to text individuals.

So, if a debt collector has tried to collect on debt by text, are they breaking the law? The answer is not yet clear. Advanced technology has created a number of gray areas in the law, and texts regarding debt collection fall into that category.

Laws Regarding Texts Collecting on Debt

Debt collectors have many laws they must follow. Both the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA) outline the rules debt collectors must follow when they are trying to recover a debt.

Under these laws, debt collectors must indicate that they are a debt collector any time they communicate with a person. This rule holds true even when the debt collector is communicating with a third party. Debt collectors must also state that they are trying to collect on a debt any time they send any form of communication. However, it is unlawful for debt collectors to discuss the nature of the debt with a third party.

For example, a debt collector may send a text to someone saying that they are from ABC Debt Collection Corporation and that they are trying to recover a debt from a debtor. If they know they are sending the text to the borrower themselves, they may also discuss the nature of the debt, such as when it was incurred and the amount. If the debt collector is texting a third party, on the other hand, they only have to state that they are texting on behalf of ABC Debt Collection Corporation and that they are trying to recover a debt from a certain person. They cannot provide any information other than this, such as the type or amount of the debt.

These laws are fairly straightforward when debt collectors are calling people over the phone, or sending them communication through the mail. When it comes to texting people, there are a number of unique issues that are raised that could indicate the debt collector is breaking the law.

Issues Raised when Texting Over Debt Collection

Attempting to collect on a debt becomes very tricky when it does via text messaging.

Text messages are typically very short, with some carriers placing a limit of 160 characters, while some provide a much larger limit of 1600 characters. Still, others set limits at 70 characters. In some instances, this could make it impossible for a debt collector to identify themselves, the company they work for, and other information with such limits on the number of characters.

The other challenge that comes with texting debtors to collect on a debt is that there really is no way to ensure the text is being sent to the right person. People change cell phones quite frequently and, when they do, they sometimes change their number as well. If a debt collector sends a text message to the wrong person, they have inadvertently broken the law because they have wrongfully notified a third party about the debt.

Even when a debt collector is certain that they have the right phone number, many people also share cell phones with family members or even roommates. When this is the case and a debt collector says too much about a debt, they may again inadvertently tell a third party about the debt and break the law.

Sending text messages regarding a debt is clearly fraught with issues. The issue is not widespread in Florida just yet and hopefully, it never becomes an issue. A California debt collection company was fined $1 million for violating the FDCPA after sending text messages regarding a debt to a customer. That news story may just be enough to deter other debt collection companies from making similar moves.

Laws on Debt Collection Communication

Although there may not be any specific law governing debt collection and text messages, there are other very clear laws that dictate how and when debt collectors may contact you. These laws are firm and hold true regardless of whether a debt collector is calling you on the phone or via text message.

The law on debt collection communication states:

  • Debt collectors can only attempt to contact you between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. in your own local time zone, even if they are calling from outside of that zone.
  • Debt collectors must inform you that they are a debt collector.
  • Debt collectors cannot reveal certain aspects of your debt to any other third party, with the exception of your attorney and your spouse.
  • They cannot contact you repeatedly with the intention to harass you or annoy you into paying the debt.
  • If a debt collector knows you have an attorney, they are only allowed to contact your lawyer. They are not allowed to contact you directly.
  • Debt collectors cannot use profane or abusive language, threaten you, or claim they will take legal action when they have no intention of doing so.
  • If you send a debt collector a letter stating that you want them to stop contacting you, they must comply with your request. A letter will not prevent debt collectors from taking legal action.

One of the best ways to stop debt collectors from contacting you is to hire a debt defense lawyer.

Our Florida Debt Defense Lawyers Can Help with Your Case

If debt collectors have called you repeatedly, spoken to a third party about your debt, or taken any other illegal actions, our Fort Lauderdale, FL debt defense lawyers are here to help. At Loan Lawyers, we know when debt collectors have violated the law, and we will hold them accountable when they do. Call us today at (954) 807-1361 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation so we can advise you of your options.

Loan Lawyers has helped over 5,000 South Florida homeowners and consumers with their debt problems, we have saved over 2,000 homes from foreclosure, eliminated more than $100,000,000 in mortgage principal and consumer debt, and have recovered over $10,000,000 on behalf of our clients due to bank, loan servicer, and debt collector violations.

Contact us for a free legal consultation and find out more about our money-back guarantee on credit card debt buyer lawsuits, and how we may be able to help you.

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