To contest a judicial foreclosure, you have to file a written answer to the complaint (the lawsuit). You'll need to present your defenses and explain the reasons why the lender shouldn't be able to foreclose. You might need to defend yourself against a motion for summary judgment and at trial.
If they want to start foreclosure, they'll need to follow the steps and timeline below. Lender contacts you to do a foreclosure avoidance assessment. 30 days after contact, lender can record a Notice of Default. 90 days later, lender can record a Notice of Sale. 21 days later, the property can be sold. After the foreclosure.
For homeowners facing immediate foreclosure, filing for bankruptcy or obtaining a temporary restraining order (TRO) can be effective solutions. Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy creates an “automatic stay,” which temporarily halts all collection activities, including foreclosure auctions.
To contest a judicial foreclosure, you have to file a written answer to the complaint (the lawsuit). You'll need to present your defenses and explain the reasons why the lender shouldn't be able to foreclose. You might need to defend yourself against a motion for summary judgment and at trial.
When Can a California Foreclosure Start? Under federal law, the servicer usually can't officially begin a foreclosure until you're more than 120 days past due on payments, subject to a few exceptions. (12 C.F.R. § 1024.41 (2024).)
In California, lenders can foreclose on deeds of trust or mortgages using a nonjudicial foreclosure process (outside of court) or a judicial foreclosure process (through the courts).
If you live in the City of Los Angeles, renters in good standing cannot be evicted because of a foreclosure. (See details below.) If you live anywhere else in California, renters get until the end of their lease, or at least 90 days, to move out in a foreclosure.
California's new foreclosure laws emphasize homeowners' rights and aim to reduce the stress associated with foreclosure. Some of the most impactful changes include: Enhanced Notification: Lenders must give more straightforward notices with specific timelines, allowing titleholders to understand their options.
The Stages of Foreclosure Stage 1: Default of Payment. Stage 2: Notice of Default. Stage 3: Notice of Sale. Stage 4: Foreclosure Sale. Stage 5: Eviction.