The Massachusetts Bar Association has created the Joint
Foreclosure Legislation Task Force, which strives to improve both
the state's foreclosure law and borrowers' access to assistance in
the foreclosure process.
A collaboration among bar associations, legal services, real
estate attorneys and bankers' associations, the task force plans to
draft a legislative proposal to modernize foreclosure law in
Massachusetts and ensure a fair and efficient foreclosure
process.
"The development of this task force comes at a critical time, when
many Massachusetts residents are struggling to stay in their
homes," MBA President Denise Squillante said. "The MBA hopes this
new effort will result in a more streamlined foreclosure process in
Massachusetts - making it easier for both homeowners and their
attorneys to navigate the system."
The task force includes representatives from the MBA's Property
Law and Access to Justice sections, as well as the Real Estate Bar
Association of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Bankers
Association, the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association,
Western Massachusetts Legal Services, and other real estate
practitioners.
"Piecemeal changes to the state's mortgage foreclosure laws over
the years have created a foreclosure process that is
incomprehensible to borrowers and disruptive to lenders trying to
comply with the law," said Elizabeth J. Barton, task force chair
and vice chair of the MBA's Property Law Section. "The task force
strives to build a clear, open and understandable foreclosure
process, from the ground up, which will benefit both homeowners and
lenders."
In conjunction with the task force, the MBA has formed the
Foreclosure Education Committee to teach attorneys how to counsel
and advocate for individuals facing foreclosure. The free education
program kicked off with an Oct. 28 seminar covering changes in
foreclosure laws.
The program is available via MBA On Demand, which allows users to
watch programming from the comfort of their home or office.
Seminars to follow will cover topics that include HAMP Loan
Modifications, Alternatives to Foreclosure and others. Look for
upcoming free MBA On Demand programs as part of the "Education for
Attorneys Who Represent Individuals Facing Foreclosure" series.