The top-rated foreclosure attorneie in Lakewood, Washington is The Law Offices of Barbara Bowden, rated 4.8 stars across 264 reviews. Other highly rated options include Rafal Gorski, Attorney At Law, We the People PS Law Office, Liberty Law LLC. This directory lists 11 foreclosure attorneies serving Lakewood.
Comparison
| # | Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Law Offices of Barbara Bowden | 5611 76th St W | (253) 473-4262 |
| 2 | Rafal Gorski, Attorney At Law | 10116 36th Ave Ct SW #206 | (253) 583-9323 |
| 3 | We the People PS Law Office | 6109 93rd St SW | (253) 588-8811 |
| 4 | Liberty Law LLC | 6108 Community Pl SW Ste. 1 | (253) 573-9111 |
| 5 | Kevin G. Byrd - Attorney & Counselor at Law | 10116 36th Ave Ct SW #108 | (253) 565-8888 |
| 6 | Fielding Law Group | 5515 Steilacoom Blvd SW #103 | (253) 363-8816 |
| 7 | Lombino Martino PS | 9315 Gravelly Lake Dr SW #201 | (253) 830-2700 |
| 8 | Brown and Seelye | Perkins Building, 10116 36th Ave Ct SW #3 | (800) 278-5813 |
| 9 | Law Office of Ephraim W. Benjamin | 3615 Steilacoom Blvd SW #301 | (253) 229-5406 |
| 10 | Law Office of William R. Walton | 5515 Steilacoom Blvd SW #104 | (253) 875-3262 |
The Law Offices of Barbara Bowden serves homeowners and lenders in the Lakewood, Washington metro area and provides foreclosure attorney services. The firm handles legal proceedings related to defaulted mortgages, including both judicial and non-judicial foreclosure actions. It also assists clients with loss mitigation options and deed in lieu of foreclosure agreements during the process. The office manages foreclosure defense litigation and short sale negotiations for properties in Pierce County.
Homeowners and small businesses facing foreclosure in Lakewood, Washington, receive legal support from Rafal Gorski, Attorney At Law. This practice handles the complexities of foreclosure defense, including loan modification negotiations and challenging improper foreclosure proceedings in court. The office also assists clients with deed-in-lieu of foreclosure arrangements and short sale transactions. Each case is reviewed thoroughly to identify potential procedural errors or violations of consumer protection laws. The firm extends its foreclosure legal services to clients throughout neighboring communities in Pierce County, including Tacoma.
We the People PS Law Office provides foreclosure defense services, including loan modification assistance and loss mitigation representation, to clients in Lakewood, Washington. The firm offers ongoing case management and communication with lenders throughout the process. It handles the filing of necessary legal documents and helps clients understand their rights under local foreclosure laws. Its services cover single-family homes and residential condominiums.
Liberty Law LLC provides specialized foreclosure defense services for homeowners in Lakewood, WA. The firm carefully analyzes loan documents and negotiates with lenders to challenge improper fees or unlawful proceedings. It also guides clients through loan modification applications and short sale alternatives. As homeowners often face increased financial strain during winter months, Liberty Law LLC helps those struggling with upcoming property tax deadlines or seasonal income disruptions to protect their home from imminent foreclosure.
Kevin G. Byrd - Attorney & Counselor at Law serves Lakewood and the surrounding communities in Pierce County. The practice handles foreclosure defense and related real estate matters for property owners facing financial distress. It works to identify potential legal options within the current state statutes and procedural rules. For a typical case, the attorney conducts a thorough review of loan documents and notices before negotiating directly with lenders or challenging the filings in the appropriate court.
Fielding Law Group serves homeowners and property managers facing foreclosure proceedings in Lakewood, Washington. The firm provides legal guidance on mortgage default, loan modification negotiations, and foreclosure defense strategies. It assists clients in understanding their rights and options throughout the legal process, aiming to protect property interests and explore alternatives to foreclosure. By working closely with local courts and lenders, the team strives to navigate complex real estate law on behalf of its clients. Its practice also extends to clients throughout Pierce County and the greater Tacoma metropolitan area.
Lombardo Martino PS distinguishes itself by offering both one-time foreclosure defense consultations for specific filings and recurring representation agreements for clients facing ongoing mortgage challenges. Serving clients throughout Lakewood, Washington, this foreclosure attorney provides legal guidance on loan modifications, short sales, and deed-in-lieu negotiations. Options include responding to individual notice of default proceedings or retaining counsel on a scheduled basis for continuous case management through the entire foreclosure timeline.
Serving Lakewood, Washington, and the surrounding Pierce County communities, Brown and Seelye handles residential and commercial foreclosure proceedings. The firm represents lenders and financial institutions throughout the complex legal process of default and property repossession. They manage necessary court filings, mediation sessions, and trustee sales coordination with strict adherence to local laws. To handle each case, the firm typically follows a structured approach of reviewing documentation, filing the required legal notices, and meeting all statutory timelines to ensure compliance for its clients.
As winter approaches in Lakewood, homeowners may face increasing financial pressures that lead to missed mortgage payments and potential foreclosure. The Law Office of Ephraim W. Benjamin assists clients by explaining the legal options available to them for either saving their home or navigating a short sale. The firm reviews loan documents to identify improper fees or procedural errors by lenders. A consultation for an initial assessment of the situation can be scheduled to discuss specific circumstances.
The Law Office of William R. Walton represents clients facing property foreclosure in the Lakewood area. This foreclosure attorney works to negotiate alternatives or provide legal defense through court proceedings. Common resolutions include loan modifications, short sales, or deed-in-lieu arrangements to prevent a sheriff’s sale. The office assists property owners dealing with default notices and lender actions. Commercial sectors served include office complexes, warehouse facilities, and food service operations.
What Does a a Foreclosure Attorney in Lakewood Cost?
Typical costs for a foreclosure attorney in Washington vary based on the services needed. For standard pre-foreclosure defense, flat fees range from $1,500 to $5,000, covering initial consultation, document review, lender negotiations, and representation through the sale date. Hourly rates for complex cases, such as litigation or bankruptcy filings, range from $250 to $500 per hour, with a retainer of $2,000 to $5,000 common. Some attorneys offer unbundled services, such as reviewing a loan modification application for a flat fee of $500 to $1,000.
Payment arrangements often include initial retainers, with additional fees for court appearances, appeals, or filing motions. Many attorneys accept credit cards or offer payment plans, but you should confirm this in writing. Costs can increase if the case goes to trial or involves multiple hearings. This information is general and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for your specific situation.
About foreclosure attorneies in Lakewood
Facing foreclosure in Lakewood, Washington can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options early is critical. A foreclosure attorney provides legal guidance through pre-foreclosure stages, where homeowners have the most leverage. In Washington, the process begins when a lender files a Notice of Default after you miss three to six months of payments. At this point, you can pursue loan modification, which adjusts your loan terms to make payments affordable. A short sale allows you to sell the property for less than what you owe, with lender approval. A deed in lieu of foreclosure transfers ownership directly to the lender, avoiding public auction. Bankruptcy, particularly Chapter 13, can halt foreclosure through an automatic stay and allow you to catch up on arrears over three to five years. Reinstatement, where you pay the total overdue amount plus fees and costs, is also possible up to 11 days before the foreclosure sale.
Washington operates under a non-judicial foreclosure process, meaning lenders can foreclose without court involvement if the deed of trust includes a power of sale clause. The timeline is strict: after default, the lender must wait 30 days before recording a Notice of Default. Then, a Notice of Trustee Sale is recorded at least 90 days before the sale date, and the sale must occur within 120 days of that notice. Homeowners have a right of redemption only in judicial foreclosures, which are rare in Washington. For non-judicial foreclosures, there is no post-sale redemption period. Deficiency judgments, where the lender sues for the difference between the sale price and the debt, are allowed in Washington but must be pursued within one year of the sale. The state follows Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 61.24, which governs trustee sales, and RCW 61.12 for judicial foreclosures.
Homeowner rights in Washington include a statutory right to cure the default by paying all overdue amounts, plus fees, up to 11 business days before the sale. The state also mandates a mediation program for owner-occupied properties, where a neutral mediator helps negotiate alternatives like loan modification or short sale. Lenders must provide a Notice of Default that includes a statement of your right to mediation and contact information for a housing counselor. Under federal law, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) requires servicers to acknowledge a qualified written request (QWR) within five business days and respond within 30 business days. The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) gives you the right to dispute errors on your loan statement and request information about your loan’s history. A QWR must specifically identify the account and state the reasons for your dispute, and servicers cannot report negative credit information while your request is pending.
Loan modification remains a primary defense against foreclosure. The federal Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) ended in 2016, but many lenders now offer proprietary modification programs with similar terms. To qualify, you must submit a complete application with proof of income, tax returns, bank statements, and a hardship letter explaining why you cannot pay. Lenders typically require a trial period plan of three to four months, where you make reduced payments to demonstrate ability. Common denial reasons include insufficient income to support the modified payment, missing documentation, or a debt-to-income ratio above 43 percent. If denied, your attorney can request a reconsideration and help you appeal the decision. The process can take 60 to 120 days, so starting early is essential.
When hiring a foreclosure attorney in Lakewood, expect fee structures that vary by complexity. Flat fees for a pre-foreclosure defense typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, covering initial consultation, document review, negotiation with the lender, and representation through the sale date. Hourly rates range from $250 to $500 per hour, often used for litigation or bankruptcy filings. Most attorneys require a retainer upfront, with additional fees for court appearances or appeals. Realistic outcomes include a loan modification, short sale approval, or temporary forbearance. In some cases, the attorney can delay the sale by months, giving you time to sell the property or arrange financing. However, no attorney can guarantee a permanent solution, and the goal is to protect your rights and explore every available option.
Alternatives to foreclosure include a short sale, where the lender agrees to accept less than the full balance. The process requires a hardship letter, financial documentation, and a listing agreement with a real estate agent. A deed in lieu of foreclosure transfers the property directly to the lender, often with a cash-for-keys agreement that provides moving assistance of $2,000 to $5,000. Bankruptcy, specifically Chapter 13, allows you to catch up on arrears through a court-approved repayment plan over three to five years. A cramdown in Chapter 13 can reduce the principal on a second mortgage or investment property, but not on a primary residence. Forbearance agreements temporarily reduce or suspend payments for six to 12 months, with the missed amounts added to the end of the loan. Each option has tax implications, and a foreclosure attorney can help you evaluate which path aligns with your financial situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific Washington laws affect a foreclosure attorney case in Lakewood?
Washington uses a non-judicial foreclosure process under RCW 61.24, meaning lenders can foreclose without court approval if the deed of trust includes a power of sale clause. Homeowners have the right to cure the default up to 11 business days before the sale, and the state mandates a mediation program for owner-occupied properties. Deficiency judgments are allowed but must be filed within one year of the sale. There is no post-sale right of redemption in non-judicial foreclosures.
How much does a foreclosure attorney cost in Lakewood, Washington?
Typical flat fees for foreclosure defense range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of your case and whether litigation is involved. Hourly rates generally fall between $250 and $500 per hour, with a retainer required upfront. Some attorneys offer payment plans, and fees may increase if bankruptcy or appeals become necessary. Always request a written fee agreement before hiring.
What is the legal process for a foreclosure attorney case in Washington?
The process begins when a lender records a Notice of Default after you miss payments, followed by a Notice of Trustee Sale at least 90 days before the auction. The sale must occur within 120 days of that notice. Your attorney can file a lawsuit to challenge the foreclosure, request mediation, or negotiate a loan modification. If no resolution is reached, the property is sold at public auction, and you must vacate within 20 days of the sale.