Housing Counseling and Chapter 7

Foreclosure and mortgage-related problems affect millions of Americans each year, causing a rise in non-profit programs around the country, such as Housing Counseling Services and NeighborWorks America, which are generally funded by Congress via the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, a lack of requested funding for these programs in the past five years has shown that the government is not all for offering these services through non-profit organizations and it’s important to understand the limits of what these programs can do.Counselors at housing counseling agencies typically serve as neutral points of contact between homeowners and lenders, but these agencies must maintain high caseloads in order to justify their funding, insufficient as it may be, from the HUD. Many also receive the majority of their clients due to unemployment; the Homeownership Preservation Foundation, for example, had an estimated 70% of clients attending due to unemployment as of 2012. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, you need specialized attention which is tailored to your personal financial situation rather than a general, mill-like approach which does not necessarily have your best interests in mind. You need a dedicated and experienced bankruptcy attorney to ensure that you can successfully eliminate certain debts, maintain control of your home, and receive your discharge in a timely manner.If you are struggling financially and considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you’re not alone. Contact an experienced bankruptcy attorney today for a free consultation.