Foreclosure Filings Are Up 21%—But Losing Your Home Doesn’t Have to Be the Outcome
July 28, 2026
For many Florida homeowners, rising monthly expenses, higher insurance premiums, unexpected medical bills, or the loss of a job can make it difficult to keep up with mortgage payments. Unfortunately, those financial pressures are beginning to show in the latest foreclosure statistics.
According to ATTOM’s Mid-Year 2026 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, foreclosure filings increased 21% during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, with Florida once again ranking among the states with the highest foreclosure activity. (ATTOM)
If you’ve received a foreclosure lawsuit or a notice from your lender, don’t assume you’ve run out of options. In many cases, bankruptcy can immediately stop the foreclosure process and provide a path to keep your home—or give you the time you need to make the best financial decision for your family.
Bankruptcy Immediately Stops Foreclosure
One of the most powerful protections available to homeowners is the automatic stay. The moment a bankruptcy case is filed, federal law generally requires creditors to stop all collection efforts, including foreclosure sales and foreclosure lawsuits.
That means:
Scheduled foreclosure sales are typically halted.
Collection activity must stop.
You gain valuable breathing room to evaluate your options with experienced legal counsel.
For many families, that time can make all the difference.
Catch Up on Missed Mortgage Payments Over Time
If your income is steady but you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may allow you to repay your mortgage arrears over a period of up to five years while continuing to make your regular monthly mortgage payments.
Instead of coming up with thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars immediately, Chapter 13 allows many homeowners to spread those delinquent payments over an affordable repayment plan approved by the bankruptcy court.
This option has helped countless Florida families save homes they thought were already lost.
Mortgage Modification Through Bankruptcy Mediation
Sometimes, the best solution is not simply catching up on missed payments—it is obtaining a more affordable mortgage payment going forward.
Many bankruptcy courts offer Mortgage Modification Mediation (MMM) programs that bring homeowners and mortgage lenders together in a structured process designed to explore loan modification opportunities.
The Orlando Division was the first in the nation to implement an MMM program—and our office helped develop it, serving at the forefront of the program from the very beginning.
Through this process, lenders may agree to modifications such as:
Lower monthly payments
Extended loan terms
Interest rate adjustments
Other payment solutions that help homeowners remain in their home
While every case is different and no modification can be guaranteed, bankruptcy often creates an organized environment that encourages meaningful discussions with mortgage lenders.
Need More Time to Sell? Bankruptcy Can Help
Keeping the home isn’t always the best financial decision.
If you have equity in your property or simply want to sell on your own terms, bankruptcy may provide the additional time needed to market and sell the home rather than losing it at a foreclosure auction.
Selling through the traditional real estate market often allows homeowners to:
Maximize the value of their property.
Protect their equity.
Pay off the mortgage.
Avoid many of the financial consequences associated with foreclosure.
Having control over the timing of a sale can make a significant difference.
The Earlier You Act, the More Options You Have
Many homeowners wait until days before a scheduled foreclosure sale before seeking legal advice. We can usually still help, but acting early makes the process far less stressful—and that's exactly what we aim to do for our clients.
The sooner you speak with an experienced bankruptcy attorney, the more strategies may be available to:
Stop foreclosure.
Save your home.
Modify your mortgage.
Catch up on missed payments.
Sell your property on your own terms.
Branson Ainsworth PLLC Can Help
At Branson Ainsworth PLLC, Robert Branson and his team have helped homeowners throughout Florida use bankruptcy to stop foreclosure, protect their homes, and regain financial stability. Every situation is unique, and we work with each client to determine the strategy that best fits their goals.
If you’re behind on your mortgage or have received foreclosure papers, don’t wait until it’s too late.
Contact Branson Ainsworth PLLC today for a consultation. We represent homeowners throughout Florida and can help you understand your options before your home is sold at foreclosure. Fill out the intake form on our website so we can reach out to you and start helping you today.