Supreme Court Issues Administrative Order Regarding Foreclosures
In an attempt to address the avalanche of court cases resulting from the statewide foreclosure crisis, on December 29, 2009, Chief Justice Peggy A. Quince issued an Administrative Order requiring that each circuit implement a managed mediation program that will apply to all newly-filed Florida foreclosure cases involving homestead property. This order was based on recommendations by the Task Force on Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Cases.
As of November 2009, Florida ranked second-highest among states regarding property foreclosures. Foreclosures in this magnitude have created an economic crisis in our state, and they have also overburdened the state courts.
The Administrative Order mandates mediation in certain foreclosure cases, in an effort to encourage early settlement of cases and thus reduce the strain on courts. A prerequisite to mediation is that borrowers must attend foreclosure counseling prior to mediation so that they better understand and can expedite the mediation process when they participate.
For more in-depth information about the Administrative Order, the Task Force’s Final Report, and the managed mediation process, go to the Supreme Court’s Public Information page. |
