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Massachusetts Foreclosure Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I have an order from a judge that states my tenant has 14 days to vacate.

The sheriffs office told me that they charge $3500 to remove him if he doesn’t leave.

That seems very expensive, especially since I’m evicting a non paying tenant.

Thank you

Phil A. Taylor
Phil A. Taylor
answered on Jan 15, 2024

I do not understand the actual question. Once you receive an execution for possession, it needs to be served and the sheriff (or constable) need to oversee the removal of the tenants personal property from the leased premise by a moving company and stored in a bonded storage facility. This is all... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure for Massachusetts on
Q: This is regarding a deed and a mortgage.

Signed deed over to ex, it was never submitted to the court. Through the years was not taken off loan. Ex let house go in foreclosure Got letter there is a surplus and half goes to me. Ex is saying because I signed over deed I am not entitled to it and wants to go to court. What should I do?... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Dec 26, 2023

I see the issue as governed by whatever agreement you had with your ex regarding the house at the time of your divorce or separation. I suggest you go back to your divorce lawyer and see if anything can be done to access the surplus.

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: I was served a Summons in a Civil Action by my deceased parents mortgage company. What specialized attorney should Icall

My brother and I do not want this house. It had a mortgage on it. Both parents are deceased. I called my probate attorney in the county the house is in and because it the document we were served is for the United States District Court in Northern District of Texas, he does not handle federal (?)... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Aug 23, 2023

I suggest you ask the probate attorney to give you his thoughts on what relief the plaintiff bank is seeking in the complaint. He/she should be able to do that just by reading it. Then you can start looking around for an attorney who handles that sort of case. I represent lenders in foreclosures... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: My ex has end stage dementia-I am his POA/HCP-hold mortgage on 1/2 house he shares-Can I get lieu deed before he dies?

I have never been paid any interest & want to keep family property safe. I have already paid off one other foreclosure on the property to keep it safe. It is shared (TIC) with his niece. I do not want to force sale of the property when he dies to get my money, so would like to deal with this... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Aug 1, 2023

So I understand correctly, your ex owns the house as tenants in common with his niece and you have a mortgage on his interest in the property only. You propose to accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure of his interest in the house. Following such a transfer, you will be tenants in common with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Foreclosure for Massachusetts on
Q: We stopped paying our mortgage when the servicing company messed up. That was 2011, has staute of limitations run out on

It doesn't show on credit report and they want to auction house now after 12 years. Don't care about the house but don't want to have to file bankruptcy 12 years after the fact. We haven't lived there for 12 years.

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Apr 17, 2023

The statute of limitations for a suit on a promissory note in Massachusetts is six years from the date of breach and the limitations period can be extended by part payment. If you stopped paying more than six years ago and did not subsequently make partial payments, and there was nothing that would... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Foreclosure and Elder Law for Massachusetts on
Q: My client is 88, her home is under water and she cannot afford to repair the failing electric and plumbing systems.

On paper, she is not low-income ($42,000/year) but owes $7K for electric and many other debts. If she foreclosures is she still responsible for the mortgage? (She cannot pay that and rent also.) Would Chapter 11 be a better option for her? Can she rent an apartment after Chapter 11 or will... View More

Robert Simonian
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Robert Simonian
answered on Jul 13, 2022

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy sounds like it may be in her best interest at this time however I can not say this absolutely without a full interview. You can call me or another experienced bankruptcy attorney and they should be able to give you a good solid answer and plan to move forward. A chapter 7... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure for Massachusetts on
Q: Hello! My parents had a reverse mortgage and I'm told an heir can buy the house. Can I negotiate the price?

can I negotiate a price due to the shape it is in? It needs a lot of work. I had it appraised, but it's still too much. Also, who holds the deed to the house. The heirs or the bank. I have seen enter into a deed instead of foreclosure, but I want to buy the house. Any help would be great.... View More

Kimberly Winslow
Kimberly Winslow
answered on Jun 24, 2020

Typically in a reverse mortgage scenario, the borrower does not Deed the property to the bank. It remains in their name. Deeds are public record, and quickly accessible online. http://www.masslandrecords.com/ Click on your county and search with name or address.

In most cases, when...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Massachusetts on
Q: My ex wife’s mortgage is in my name, if she stops paying the mortgage will it hurt my credit?

She’s responsible for all costs associated with the home per the divorce decree. I have a perfect credit score and I really don’t want this to screw things up. She hasn’t paid it in 2 months. I’m really not sure how to go about this.

Timothy E. Angley
Timothy E. Angley
answered on Dec 10, 2019

Short answer: Yes, it will hurt your credit. If your name is on the mortgage and it is being reported to the credit agencies, then as soon as that mortgage is reported as late that will be a ding on your credit. You can dispute your responsibility for the expenses with the agencies, but until... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure for Massachusetts on
Q: we are currently in foreclosure, but have not heard from the atty representing the bank for several weeks. Can we sell ?

Or should we declare bankruptcy (Chapt 13)? If we do, will we be allowed to sell the property ? Obviously, we do not want to lose the house. I am 71, my spouse is 66, & we have resided here for 26 years. We are seeking pro bono help if possible.Thank you...

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Feb 10, 2019

The attorney general and banking commissioner both have foreclosure units. You should contact them and legal services. If you are willing to sell the house, you may be able to work something out with the bank's attorney to get time to do so.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can the bank foreclose on my house when I'm the only one on deed and ex husband is only on the mortgage

I was awarded house in divorce my name is not on mortgage and the only one on deed, how can I get it back before foreclosure?

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Jul 18, 2018

Unfortunately, the lender can foreclose on the mortgage even though only your name is on the deed and only your ex-husband's name is on the mortgage. As long as the mortgage was validly created, regardless of who gave it and who currently owns the property, a lender is always entitled to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I bid and won foreclosed auction property. There are motions for eviction filed, can I get out of this w/out losing $?

I recently bid and won a property thru foreclosure. I have not closed on the property but was notified by the current owners, thru their attorney that there has been a motion filed for foreclosure for the current tenants. Frankly, I have no interest in pursuing this property compounded with the... View More

John Espinosa
John Espinosa
answered on May 28, 2018

Foreclosure auctions are generally governed by this statute: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleIII/Chapter244/Section14

When you gave your deposit you would have signed a contract with the auctioneer. That contract determines the specifics. You need to start by having...
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1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure for Massachusetts on
Q: I go through with a foreclosure sale will I ever be able to buy a house again?
Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jan 23, 2017

It might damage your credit, and that might serve as an obstacle to acquiring future loans. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website. I... View More

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