PICK THE RIGHT LAWYER AND AVOID SCAMS

You are here because you are looking for help to fix a mortgage problem. Maybe your mortgage lender has started a foreclosure action by filing a lis pendens. Many people mistakenly call this “pre-foreclosure.” There is nothing “pre” about it. If you have not yet received a summons for a court case, you may receive one soon. The good news is that the foreclosure process in New York takes a long time. But that does not mean you should delay. Absolutely do not delay because you will forfeit your rights. You must take action now if your property is at stake. Your lender has a lawyer. So should you.

Attorney Scott Lanin knows New York.  He grew up and went to schools here. He graduated from NYU’s Stern School of Business and St. John’s University Law School with honors.  Since he began his career as a law clerk in 1987 and an attorney in 1989, he has helped many New Yorkers save their homes with litigation, loan modification, forbearance agreements, and bankruptcy.  Years ago, he represented banks, bankruptcy trustees, court receivers, and he was a receiver, so he is uniquely qualified to help residential and commercial property owners.

Scott is the author and publisher of www.nyforeclosurelaw.com – the longest running NY blog dedicated to foreclosure defense.  There is a free subscription available on that site for anyone interested in strategies and solutions to stop or fight foreclosure or modify a mortgage.  Scott has also been retained to teach other attorneys a continuing legal education course on litigation.  Scott is Avvo rated as “Excellent” and as the “Client’s Choice.” Lastly, as an experienced martial arts instructor, Scott knows how to fight in court and for real.

WILL YOU TRUST YOUR HOME TO THE YOUNG INEXPERIENCED ATTORNEY?

Are you comfortable hiring a lawyer who is so inexperienced that he or she won’t even put the year they graduated from law school on their website?  Do you want the lawyer with a nice website but no real experience?  The one with the home office in the suburbs and a virtual (fake) office in the city?  The one that has never handled a commercial foreclosure action or represented a bank, bankruptcy trustee, or receiver?  Very likely, your home or investment property is the single largest and most important asset in your whole life.  No attorney can guarantee a particular result or outcome but having an experienced attorney can help you avoid making mistakes that might cost you your property.   At least give yourself a fighting chance.

ASK YOURSELF THIS

Are you receiving letters from investors whose primary goal is to flip your home?
Are they scammers who lied to you?
Is the out-of-state “consultant” really an unregulated, unemployed mortgage broker with a fake job title?
Is he engaged in unauthorized practice of law? (A misdemeanor.)
Did he tell you that he is not allowed to appear in court?
Did you speak to a lawyer who is just a bankruptcy salesman and doesn’t really know foreclosure and modification law?
Did you speak to a bait and switch senior partner who tried to assign you to an inexperienced junior associate or a per diem lawyer?
Did your bank lie to you?
Give you the runaround?
Return your payments?
Did you get declined for refinance because your property is underwater?
Did a broker disclose  how difficult short sales are and how much time you will waste?
Do you know the foreclosure timeline and laws?
The Supreme Court’s procedures?
E-filing?
How to answer a summons?
That you may only have 20 days unless you get an extension?
How to analyze nearly 30 possible defenses or counterclaims you might have?
Whether your lender has standing?
Made mistakes?
Committed fraud?
How to file an emergency order to show cause to vacate a default and get a TRO?
When to just file a notice of appearance?
How to apply for a loan modification for lower payments even if you were denied before?
How to negotiate a forbearance agreement?
How mandatory foreclosure settlement conferences work?
How to draft affidavits with exhibits?
Research and write a memorandum of law (a brief) to oppose a lender’s summary judgment motion?
How to orally argue a motion?
How to file an appeal?
What the referee does?
What to do after a final judgment is entered?
What happens if a sale date is set?
What to do about strangers on your property?
How to handle tenants?
How to turn this into a profitable experience by collecting rent for years while the lender refuses to take your mortgage payments?
How deeds in lieu work?
How to get a 5 year Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan?
Or a Chapter 7 discharge and a fresh start, when filing bankruptcy does makes sense?

Attorney Scott Lanin help clients and other attorneys with every single one of these issues and more.  Professional legal advice from an experienced attorney can make all the difference at this critical time in your life.  Clients say Scott gives them peace of mind.  They say that they wish they had met Scott sooner.  Our fees are reasonable and flexible options are available.  Scott is selective about the cases he accepts because he has a busy caseload and wants to make sure he can give his clients personal attention.  If you are looking for legal help, you should call us today to ensure that we will be available to help you.