Can Bankruptcy Prevent Foreclosure in Ohio?

April 30, 2025

Can Bankruptcy Prevent Foreclosure in Ohio?

Facing the possibility of foreclosure is a frightening experience for any Ohio homeowner. Fortunately, filing for bankruptcy can offer a powerful legal tool to help stop or delay foreclosure and potentially save your home. At Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP , we work with Akron residents to explore legal solutions that can provide immediate relief and long-term protection.


 The Automatic Stay: Immediate Relief from Foreclosure


When you file for bankruptcy—whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13—an automatic stay goes into effect. This is a court order that immediately halts all collection activities, including foreclosure proceedings. That means once the bankruptcy petition is filed, your lender cannot continue with a scheduled foreclosure sale or initiate new actions to take your home without first getting permission from the bankruptcy court.


Chapter 13: A Path to Keep Your Home


If your primary goal is to keep your home, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is often the most effective strategy. Under Chapter 13, you can create a repayment plan that allows you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over a period of 3 to 5 years. As long as you make your regular mortgage payments and stick to your plan, you can avoid foreclosure.


Chapter 7: Temporary Delay, Possible Discharge of Debt


While Chapter 7 bankruptcy does not provide a long-term solution to stop foreclosure, it can delay the process and discharge other debts like credit cards and medical bills. This may free up enough financial resources to help you stay current on your mortgage—or give you additional time to transition to new housing.


Bankruptcy Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All


It’s important to understand that bankruptcy isn’t the right option for every homeowner. The decision to file should be based on your full financial picture and your goals—whether it’s to keep your home, discharge debt, or protect other assets.
At Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP , our team is here to help Akron homeowners understand their rights and explore whether bankruptcy could be a practical tool in the fight against foreclosure.

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