- Call for a Free Consultation, Near You. Hablamos Espanol
- Call for a Free Consultation, Near You. Hablamos Espanol
-
SUFFOLK
(631)-271-3737,
QUEENS 
(718)-751-0226
-
NASSAU
(516)-307-0262,
BROOKLYN 
(347)-508-9316,
BOHEMIA 
(631)-223-4502
- Exceptional Legal Representation Throughout
- Long Island and New York, Since 1993.
-
SUFFOLK (631)-271-3737,
QUEENS (718)-751-0226
-
NASSAU (516)-307-0262,
BROOKLYN (347)-508-9316,
BOHEMIA (631)-223-4502
- Exceptional Legal Representation Throughout Long Island and New York, Since 1993.
Foreclosure Attorney in Downtown New York
Stop Foreclosure Before You Lose Everything
Hear from Our Customers
Foreclosure Defense Downtown New York
You don’t just want to delay the inevitable. You want your home back, your payments manageable, and your family secure.
That’s exactly what happens when foreclosure defense works. Your lender starts negotiating instead of steamrolling. Your mortgage gets modified to payments you can actually make. The foreclosure case gets dismissed, and you keep the keys.
We’ve seen clients go from 90-day notices to successful loan modifications. From default judgments to complete case dismissals. From losing everything to sleeping peacefully in their own bed again.
Foreclosure Lawyer Downtown New York
We have been defending foreclosures in Downtown New York since 1993. We’re not the biggest firm in the city, but we’re the one that treats your case like it’s the only one that matters.
Our team includes six veteran attorneys with combined decades of experience in New York foreclosure law. We know which judges prioritize settlement conferences and which lenders consistently file incomplete paperwork.
Downtown New York homeowners face unique challenges—higher property values mean bigger losses, and the court system moves faster here than in other parts of the state. That’s why we maintain offices throughout the area and respond to new cases within 24 hours.
Foreclosure Process Downtown New York
First, we file your Answer to the foreclosure complaint within the required timeframe. This isn’t just paperwork—it’s your formal challenge to the lender’s case and your protection against default judgment.
Next, we analyze every document in your foreclosure file. We’re looking for missing assignments, improper notarization, violations of New York’s foreclosure procedures, and any evidence the lender lacks standing to foreclose. These technical defenses often result in case dismissals.
While building your defense, we simultaneously pursue loan modification through the court’s settlement conference part. We negotiate directly with the lender’s attorney and loss mitigation department to restructure your mortgage into affordable payments.
If modification isn’t possible, we explore other options: short sales, deed in lieu arrangements, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy to cure arrears over time. Every case is different, but every client gets multiple strategies working simultaneously.
Ready to get started?
Foreclosure Attorney Consultation Downtown New York
Your foreclosure defense includes everything needed to fight back: Answer and counterclaims, discovery demands, motion practice, settlement conference representation, and emergency applications when necessary.
In Downtown New York, foreclosure cases move quickly through the court system. We attend all required conferences—settlement, status, and compliance—while aggressively pursuing loan modifications and other workout solutions with your lender.
Our defense strategies are tailored to Manhattan’s unique legal landscape. We know that New York County Supreme Court prioritizes early settlement discussions, and we use this to your advantage. We also understand that Downtown properties often have complex ownership structures or co-op/condo issues that create additional defense opportunities.
You’ll also receive emergency support when needed. If your lender schedules a foreclosure sale without proper notice or violates court orders, we can file same-day motions to stop the sale and protect your rights.
How long do I have to respond to a foreclosure lawsuit in New York?
You have 20 days to respond if you were personally served with the foreclosure summons and complaint. If you were served through alternate means (like nail and mail service), you have 30 days to respond.
This deadline is absolute. Missing it means the lender can obtain a default judgment against you, which essentially ends your ability to defend the case. Once they have a default judgment, they can proceed directly to foreclosure sale.
The “response” must be a formal Answer filed with the court and served on the lender’s attorney. Simply calling the lender or their lawyer doesn’t count as a response and won’t protect your rights.
Can I stop a foreclosure that's already been filed against me?
Yes, absolutely. Filing a foreclosure lawsuit is just the beginning of a legal process that can take 12-24 months in New York. You have multiple opportunities to stop or delay the foreclosure during this time.
The most common ways to stop foreclosure include: filing an Answer with valid defenses, pursuing a loan modification through settlement conferences, filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy to cure arrears over time, or negotiating a workout agreement directly with your lender.
Even if the case has progressed significantly, we can often file motions to reopen defaults, challenge the lender’s standing to foreclose, or identify procedural violations that require dismissal of the case.
What defenses can I raise against a foreclosure in New York?
New York law requires lenders to prove they have standing to foreclose at the time they file the lawsuit. This means they must own both your promissory note and mortgage, with a complete chain of assignments properly recorded.
Common defenses include: lack of standing to sue, defective assignment of mortgage, improper notice requirements, violations of New York’s foreclosure procedures, and predatory lending violations. We also look for robo-signing, incorrect payment calculations, and failure to comply with loss mitigation requirements.
Since 2013, New York law requires lenders to file additional documentation proving their case from the start. This has created new opportunities to challenge foreclosures based on incomplete or defective paperwork.
How much does foreclosure defense cost in Downtown New York?
Our foreclosure defense fees are designed to be affordable for homeowners already facing financial difficulties. We offer payment plans and work with you to structure fees around your budget.
The cost depends on the complexity of your case and how long the defense takes. Simple cases with straightforward loan modifications cost less than complex cases requiring extensive motion practice and trial preparation.
We provide a free initial consultation where we’ll review your foreclosure papers and give you a clear estimate of costs. Many clients find that the money saved through successful loan modifications or extended timeline far exceeds the legal fees.
Can bankruptcy stop my foreclosure in New York?
Yes, filing bankruptcy immediately stops all foreclosure proceedings through the automatic stay. This includes scheduled foreclosure sales, which are postponed indefinitely while your bankruptcy case is pending.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is particularly effective for foreclosure defense because it allows you to cure mortgage arrears over 3-5 years while making current payments. Chapter 7 can also provide temporary relief and eliminate other debts that prevent you from affording your mortgage.
The automatic stay goes into effect the moment your bankruptcy petition is filed, even if it’s an emergency filing with minimal paperwork. This gives you immediate protection and time to develop a long-term strategy for saving your home.
What happens if I ignore the foreclosure lawsuit completely?
Ignoring a foreclosure lawsuit is the worst possible strategy. The lender will obtain a default judgment against you, which means they win the case automatically without having to prove their case.
Once they have a default judgment, the foreclosure process accelerates dramatically. They can obtain an order of reference to calculate the amount owed, schedule a foreclosure sale, and ultimately sell your home—all without your input or participation.
Even if you think the foreclosure is valid and you can’t afford the payments, responding to the lawsuit gives you leverage to negotiate better terms, more time in the home, or alternative solutions like deed in lieu arrangements. Never ignore foreclosure papers, even if the situation seems hopeless.
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Other Services we provide in Downtown New York