Foreclosure Help For Pennsylvania Homeowners
Last updated on July 17, 2026
Falling behind on your mortgage can leave you frightened and unsure where to turn. Understanding your rights and options early is critical. As such, working with an experienced foreclosure defense attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes and identify opportunities to protect your home.
At Schimizzi Law, LLC, we guide homeowners in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Our firm focuses on timely action and personalized support, working closely with homeowners to pursue solutions that align with their goals and financial realities.
Foreclosure Process And Timelines
In Pennsylvania, foreclosure does not happen immediately after a missed payment. The process begins when you fall behind on your mortgage, and your lender may first attempt to contact you about the delinquency. If the issue goes unresolved, you will usually receive an Act 91 Notice. This notice explains your rights and may provide information about available assistance programs.
If the default continues, the lender may file a formal foreclosure complaint in court. This begins the legal process and requires a response within a specific timeframe. If the matter is not resolved through negotiation, repayment or other legal options, the case may proceed toward a sheriff’s sale. At that stage, the property can be scheduled for public auction.
Can Bankruptcy Stop A Foreclosure?
Filing for bankruptcy may trigger an automatic stay, which generally pauses most collection actions. This protection can temporarily stop a foreclosure case or an upcoming sheriff’s sale. However, the filing must occur before the sale and a mortgage company may ask the bankruptcy court for permission to continue.
Chapter 13 may be useful when you have a regular income but need time to catch up. A repayment plan can allow you to spread overdue mortgage payments over several years while keeping current payments on schedule. This approach may help you remain in your home if the proposed plan is affordable and approved.
Chapter 7 works differently. It may eliminate qualifying unsecured debts, such as medical bills or credit card balances, freeing up money for housing costs. The automatic stay may also provide a temporary legal pause. However, Chapter 7 usually does not create a long-term plan for paying mortgage arrears, and the lender’s lien generally remains.
We Can Help
Since 1980, Schimizzi Law, LLC, has provided caring, personalized service to people across Westmoreland County. Call our office at 724-972-4524 or fill out our contact form to discuss your situation with a foreclosure defense lawyer.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.