• Payment negotiation.

You can arrange a payment plan with the bank or mortgage company, also referred to as a loan modification agreement or forbearance. While there are credit counseling companies and renegotiation specialists who may offer to help you work out a bank payment, they are limited in their capabilities. The fact that a lawyer can litigate your foreclosure provides leverage at the negotiating table, which can help lead to settlement.

• Foreclosure litigation.

Legal errors on the part of the lender may allow you to litigate the foreclosure. An attorney can review your situation to advise you on the prospects of foreclosure litigation.

• Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Under the bankruptcy code, you may qualify for chapter 13 bankruptcy. A court approved payment program allows you to pay the mortgage company over a three or five-year period.

• Assistance programs.

In certain situations, you may qualify for help from public agencies or charitable foundations.