Recognized Statewide and Beyond

Neil has gone to Congress repeatedly to lobby for consumer rights, appeared in the Sunday New York Times business section, and has been interviewed by the BBC on the subject of mortgage defaults. He holds a distinguished rating from Martindale-Hubbell, having received that recognition every year from 2018 through 2022. He is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, and the American Bankruptcy Institute, as well as the Connecticut Bar Association’s Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section.

Results That Matter

Our bankruptcy lawyer in Connecticut has helped countless Connecticut homeowners avoid losing their homes. We work across every phase of the foreclosure process, from initial default notices through full mediation and court proceedings. Please contact us today so we can learn more about your situation and advise further.

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“Let’s be honest. Bankruptcy and home foreclosure are unpleasant and stressful, affecting those involved very personally and deeply. However, the experience doesn’t have to be defeating, and Neil Crane and his entire staff offer a very real, manageable, (and affordable), path through the entire process. Honestly, I should be outside their office handing out free pencils with a picture of Neil’s dog and the company logo on them. I am that convinced Neil and his wonderful group of professionals are the people to trust if you are faced with these difficult issues.” — Tom Bernard

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Types of Foreclosure Cases We Handle in Connecticut

Connecticut homeowners face foreclosure for many different reasons, whether that be from a job loss, medical bills, divorce, or other life event. Our foreclosure attorneys in Connecticut represent homeowners across all of these scenarios.

• Foreclosure defense. When a lender files suit, you have the right to respond and defend. We evaluate the lender’s filings, identify procedural issues, and mount a defense that gives you time and options. Ignoring a foreclosure complaint is the most costly mistake a homeowner can make.

• Foreclosure mediation. Connecticut’s Foreclosure Mediation Program requires lenders to negotiate in good faith with represented homeowners. We’ve guided many clients through this process. It doesn’t always end in modification, but it often produces better outcomes than litigation alone.

• Loan modifications. Modifying the terms of your mortgage, whether that means a reduced interest rate, extended repayment term, or principal adjustment, can make the difference between keeping and losing your home. We know what lenders actually consider and how to build a complete, compelling modification package.

• Bankruptcy filing. Filing Chapter 13 triggers an automatic stay that halts foreclosure proceedings immediately. The repayment plan can cure mortgage arrears over three to five years while you keep the property. It’s one of the most effective tools available to homeowners who are behind but still have income.

• Chapter 7 bankruptcy. For homeowners who owe more than the property is worth and can’t sustain payments, Chapter 7 may eliminate unsecured debt and create breathing room. We assess whether your situation warrants filing for Chapter 7 or if another approach is recommended.

• Tax lien and water/sewer foreclosures. Not all foreclosures come from mortgage lenders. Municipal tax liens and utility liens can also result in foreclosure. These situations require a different approach and often move on a different timeline.

• Mortgage modification. Beyond emergency modifications, we help clients pursue longer-term restructuring of their mortgage obligations, including situations involving second mortgages, equity loans, and post-divorce modifications.

Connecticut Legal Requirements for Foreclosure

Connecticut uses a judicial foreclosure process. That means a lender cannot take your home without filing a lawsuit in the Superior Court and getting a court judgment. You have the right to be served with process and to respond. Once the lender files, Connecticut law provides several deadlines and protections worth understanding:

The Right of Redemption

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 49-19, homeowners retain the right to redeem their property by paying the full outstanding mortgage balance, plus interest and fees, up until the law day established by the court. If you miss this window, it could mean losing the home even if funds become available later.

Strict Foreclosure vs. Foreclosure by Sale

Connecticut courts can order either strict foreclosure, where the homeowner forfeits title on a set date, or foreclosure by sale, where the property is auctioned. The Connecticut Judicial Branch oversees these proceedings. In a strict foreclosure, the timeline to redeem is typically very short once the law day is set.

The Foreclosure Mediation Program

Connecticut law entitles most homeowners facing foreclosure on their primary residence to participate in mediation before a final judgment is entered. The CT Foreclosure Mediation Program has specific requirements for enrollment, and missing the deadline to request mediation can eliminate this protection.

Deficiency Judgments

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 49-14, if the foreclosure sale proceeds don’t cover the full amount owed, a lender may pursue a deficiency judgment against you for the remaining balance. Understanding this risk matters before deciding how to respond to a foreclosure action. Acting quickly when foreclosure proceedings begin is important not because of fear, but because the legal process has hard deadlines that can close off your options permanently.

Important Aspects of a Connecticut Foreclosure Case

The Automatic Stay

If you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay goes into effect immediately. This is a federal court order that halts all collection activity, including foreclosure proceedings. The stay is temporary, but it creates space for reassessment. In a Chapter 13 case, it can hold while you complete a multi-year repayment plan and cure your arrears.

Mortgage Arrears and Cure Periods

Falling behind on a mortgage doesn’t automatically mean foreclosure is inevitable. Connecticut law and federal bankruptcy provisions provide mechanisms to cure arrears over time. Whether you missed mortgage payments recently or have been behind for a year or more, the options available depend heavily on how far into the process the lender has advanced.

Deficiency After Foreclosure

Many homeowners don’t realize that losing a home to foreclosure may not end their legal exposure. Connecticut courts can enter a deficiency judgment if the property sells for less than what’s owed. This can result in wage garnishment or bank levies. Understanding what happens after foreclosure is a conversation worth having before any decisions are made.

Second Mortgages and Equity Loans

If you have a second mortgage or home equity loan, foreclosure becomes more complicated. A second mortgage can sometimes be stripped in a Chapter 13 case if the home value is less than what’s owed on the first mortgage. We analyze these situations carefully because the outcome can significantly affect what strategies make sense for your circumstances. 

Your Options When Facing Foreclosure

The options available during foreclosure depend on your income, the property value, how much you owe, and how far along the proceedings are. Some clients benefit from mediation alone, while others need bankruptcy protection, and many pursue a combination. We evaluate each case individually so that we provide guidance that is most effective considering all of the factors you are dealing with. 

Contact The Law Offices of Neil Crane

If you’re facing foreclosure in Connecticut, don’t wait to get information. The sooner we understand your situation, the more options become available to you. We offer free initial consultations so you can learn more without any obligation. We have helped Connecticut homeowners navigate foreclosure for over four decades, so we can be relied upon for grounded legal guidance and intervention. We’ll discuss further what your situation requires and realistic options moving forward. Contact us to schedule your free consultation. 

Client Review

“My experience was a very positive one. Dealing with Neil Crane and his staff was the best decision that I could have made. Neil has helped me get back on a solid financial path. My case was a tough one and the Neil Crane Law Firm was the best Law Firm I could have chose.
Thanks for all the help. Now I can put all my bad choices behind me and move forward in my life.”
Mark Linhard

Foreclosure Process Resources