Mortgage Modification in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

August 29th, 2009 by Reed Allmand

In the Chapter 13 bankruptcy case of (Smith, David B. and Susan L.; In re) the bankruptcy court denied a motion to approve/disapprove an agreement to modify a residential mortgage.

The bankruptcy case details:

“The Chapter 13 debtors asked the bank­ruptcy court to approve a modification of their home mortgage. The lender agreed to reduce the mortgage payments for three years and to add the arrearages to the principal amount of the loan. The lender joined the debtors in seeking court approval in order to be sure that the modification is acceptable under the law and with the court. The bankruptcy court denied the motion because it was not required under the Bankruptcy Code or Rules.”

Basically the bankruptcy court ruled that they did not need to approve an agreement to modify a mortgage unless it had arisen due to a dispute.  However, if the mortgage modification was presented as a settlement for a dispute the bankruptcy court would have approved/disapproved it.  It’s important to note that the bankruptcy court’s refusal to approve it does not mean that it was a “disapproval” they are simply stating that they do not need to be involved in approving/disapproving the mortgage modification because it did not arise out of a dispute.

Source: Consumer Bankruptcy News, Volume 19, Issue 18, pages 8-9

About Reed Allmand

Website

Allmand's vision is rooted in his own financially precarious childhood in Abilene "My father always had difficulty holding a job and supporting our family, so after my parents divorced when I was 12, my sister and I got jobs to help make ends meet," he recalls. "I remember what it felt like as a child to worry that our car would be repossessed or home foreclosed on."

View all posts by Reed Allmand

Subscribe

Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates.

  • Mortgage Modifications

    Great post. It is advised to receive help from a professional when it comes to modifying the terms with your lender. An attorney can significantly lower your monthly payments.

  • Kira Allen

    With the current mortgage crisis right now, it is very helpful to know that Bankruptcy can help a person deal with their mortgage issues.

  • Wes

    Sounds like it is better to go into backruptcy modification if you have a dispute to settle. for example, Countrywide/ B of A settled with CA (and other states) Attorney Generals, only to reneg on the legally binding settlement. Further, Banks have made empty promises to borrowers, such as how borrows are elgible for Principal Reduction programs, or modifications of X amount if they make 3 month payments, only to be denied later. These modification terms are not made in writing (Statute of Frauds?) and seem to convey a pattern to cause a borrower to go into default, while they are expecting a new mortgage.

    Would this be the type of dispute one could take into bankruptcy court to settle?

FAQ

Why do I need to submit a new wage order when I modify my plan

When we modify your bankruptcy plan we are changing your plan payments. This means that we have to get with your employer and change the terms and amount of your wage order. The only way we can do that is by filling out a new wage order form.  

Learn More
What happens if the stay terminates on my home?

If the bankruptcy stay terminates on your home that means that even though your in bankruptcy, your creditor can pursue all there legal remedies they can pursue if you were not in bankruptcy. This includes foreclosure, and having your house sold and evicting you from your house.

Learn More

Find Location

map
  • Dallas Bankruptcy

    5646 Milton Street, Ste. 120 Dallas, Texas 75206
  • Fort Worth Bankruptcy

    5601 Bridge Street # 300 Ft Worth, TX 76112

Meet Our Clients