Stories of Justice: Joseph Avoids Foreclosure

Stories of Justice: Joseph Avoids Foreclosure

Background

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Joseph* was laid off from the university where he was employed. As a result of this sudden loss in income, Joseph fell behind in both his home-owners association dues and his mortgage payments. Because he was delinquent in his HOA maintenance payments, the association’s attorneys initiated a foreclosure action against him.

Legal Assistance

Joseph sought assistance from Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) with the pending foreclosure action taken against him. Because Joseph was unable to bring his account current, he was at imminent risk of losing his home through a foreclosure sale.

Prior to contacting CCLA, Joseph had prepared and filed a pro se answer to the complaint with the court. CCLA opened a file for Joseph and began collecting and reviewing the documents in the case. CCLA contacted Joseph’s mortgage lender to discuss retention options and the association’s attorneys to negotiate a settlement for the delinquent amount owed. Once CCLA confirmed the amount needed to bring Joseph’s account current, it referred him to Jewish Family Services, a non-profit organization that provided him with the funds needed to bring his mortgage loan current and reinstate his account with the association.

Why it Matters

When Joseph’s account with the association was paid and the pending foreclosure action against him was dismissed. This gave Joseph a chance to find a job without having to deal with the prospect of homelessness. Joseph is now able to pay his monthly mortgage and association maintenance fees. Thanks to the assistance provided by CCLA, Joseph was able to avoid foreclosure and is safe in his home.