Foreclosure help

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - With foreclosures on the rise across the country, Lafayette attorneys are training to help homeowners.  Attorneys hope to help people who are on the verge of losing their homes. 

The session, called "Back Home in Indiana--Guiding Homeowners Through Foreclosure," is part of a statewide campaign announced by Chief Justice Randall Shepard.  The program is designed to train attorneys on how to deal with foreclosure cases.

"Foreclosures have increased 50% over the last few years," said Tim Peterson.

Indiana District 4 Pro Bono Corporation Plan Administrator Tim Peterson said the foreclosure rate is still increasing.  He said Clinton and Warren Counties have some of the highest foreclosure rates in the state.

"There's a lot of people in this area that need this help. The biggest problem is that when they go into this process they know nothing about it.  They need someone to tell them what's going on, what their options are and give them some confidence that this isn't going to totally destroy them," said Peterson.

That's why the training effort began, to help people get on the road to recovery.

"It may help them find a way out of the process where they can stay in their homes," said Peterson.

Attorneys like Michael Sum said helping people through the foreclosure process is important for the entire community.

"If you get a lot of foreclosures, a lot of turn over that's generally bad for property values and generally bad for the community as a whole.  So, if we can come up with ways to keep people in their houses, keep the mortgage companies happy then that's going to benefit Lafayette overall.  As well as the residents who are living in the houses having the difficulty," said Sum.

Tim Peterson said in some cases the legal help will be free for those needing assistance.  And if you are facing foreclosure, you can contact Tim Peterson with any questions at 423-5327.