On March 25, 2010, the Foreclosure Diversion Program Will Hold First Informational Session at the Penobscot Judicial Center
March 22, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Chief Justice Leigh I. Saufley announced that on March 25, 2010, the Foreclosure Diversion Program will hold its first informational session at the Penobscot Judicial Center. After this session, each judicial region across the State will have held at least one informational session. Chief Justice Saufley reported that previous sessions in other parts of the State have been received well by those who have participated. “Homeowner attendance has been high at these sessions, which indicates that homeowners are working to prepare for mediation. Ensuring that both parties are prepared for mediation will be key to successful resolutions,” she said.
The Foreclosure Diversion Program is the result of the recently enacted P.L. 2009, ch. 402, An Act To Preserve Home Ownership and Stabilize the Economy by Preventing Unnecessary Foreclosures. In accordance with the new law, the Supreme Judicial Court established a statewide program to provide mediation services in certain residential foreclosure actions in Maine.
Lauren Blake Weliver, the Manager of the Foreclosure Diversion Program, explained that the informational session “is the first step in the foreclosure mediation process” for homeowners in an eligible foreclosure case. After a homeowner has responded to a foreclosure summons and complaint, the court will order the homeowner to attend an informational session before scheduling mediation. At the informational session, “a judge will explain the mediation process and a HUD certified housing counselor will present a brief overview of the various financial documents homeowners will need to exchange with their lender before mediation,” said Weliver. Lenders and their attorneys are invited to these informational sessions, although they are not required to attend.
For more information about the Foreclosure Diversion Program, visit the FDP website at: www.courts.state.me.us/court_info/services/foreclosure/index.html
Or contact:
Lauren Blake Weliver, Manager Foreclosure Diversion Program (207) 822-0706 FDMP (at) maine (dot) gov
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