More Information
Legal Aid of Manasota, Inc. provides FREE legal assistance and representation to homeowners with primary residence in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. We can provide you with the following services:
-Legal Advice regarding the foreclosure process
-Preparing a response to the foreclosure lawsuit
-Court representation
-Bankruptcy consultation
-Explaining the voluntary mediation program
-Assistance in obtaining loan modifications, short sales, and deeds in lieu of foreclosures.
Our local community is experiencing an unprecedented number of foreclosures, many of which affect homestead properties. In response to the influx of these cases, Legal Aid of Manasota has stepped up and initiated a comprehensive foreclosure program with the help of staff attorneys, volunteer office attorneys and attorneys in the area recruited to take pro bono cases.
It is your responsiblity to make sure that you meet all deadlines in your case. Submitting an application does not guarantee elegibility and access to an attorney. Once your application is submitted you will be contacted within three (3) business days.
Application for Assistance with Foreclosure
Criteria for this program includes income eligibility and residency in Sarasota or Manatee counties. Legal Aid only assists clients under foreclosure on homestead properties. Potential clients should contact Legal Aid immediately upon receiving notice of foreclosure so that they can be assisted with filing an answer to apply for assistance.
- You only have 20 calendar days from the date you are served with a Foreclosure complaint to file an answer with the court. If it has been more than ten days since you were served with foreclosure papers please call the appropriate office. If it has been less than ten days since you were served apply for assistance online.
- An attorney experienced in foreclosure cases can advise you. You will not be charged for his/her time and advice.
- Do not sign legal papers confirming any understanding or agreement before you talk to a lawyer.
Other Foreclosure Resource Numbers:
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Hope Now
(Pre Foreclosure Hotline)- 1-888-996-4673
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FREE Foreclosure prevention assistance
- Bilingual
- Open 24/7
- Counselors answer the phone
- If additional services are needed, you will be referred to local legitimate certified credit counselors.
- BEWARE OF FRAUD/SCAM ARTISTS masquerading as credit counselors with names similar to the legitimate HOPE NOW. This is the OFFICIAL hotline.
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FRAN
(Foreclosure Resource Assistance Network)- www.scgov.net/homehelp/
- Sarasota County’s website dedicated to helping homeowners facing foreclosure. One stop shop to coordinate resources include: Local Credit Counselors from Catholic Charities, Goodwill, Consumer Credit Counseling Service; foreclosure assistance for Veterans; lender phone contact list.
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“Help for Homeowners Videos”
Video Series narrated by Chief Judge Lee Haworth, 12 Judicial Circuit Court.- EPISODE 1
- Option to Foreclosure (9 video segments)
- EPISODE 2
- Good and Bad News (11 video segments)
- EPISODE 3
- Foreclosure Resources: Where to go for help (5 video segments)
- EPISODE 1
-
Legal Hotline
- 1-800-625-2257
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Florida Bar Referral
- 1-800-342-8011
- www.floridabar.org
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F.L.A.S.H
(Florida Attorneys Saving Homes)- 1-866-607-2187