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You file bankruptcy and surrender your home through the bankruptcy. You do not have to worry about the house anymore right? Wrong! The bankruptcy takes care of your legal liability for the DEBT on the house. It does not remove your name from the deed of the property, meaning you are still the owner until the bank forecloses.
Steps to Take When Surrendering a Property Through Bankruptcy:
1. Purchase hazard insurance to cover any problems that arise while the house is vacant. A regular home owner's policy does not cover damage that occurs when the house is vacant.
2. Winterize the home (if applicable): draining water from the pipes and/or leaving the heat on so the pipes do not freeze or burst.
3. Maintain yard (if applicable): cut grass and trim as necessary to avoid citations from the city/county.
Failure to do so can result in penalties and fines: Failing to have insurance or winterize the house will not affect the bankruptcy, HOWEVER:
Example: Debtor files bankruptcy and surrenders the real estate and moves out. The house is vandalized and the mortgage company delays foreclosure. The debtor did not keep insurance on the house. The debtor now is not liable on the loan, but also cannot sell the house in the present condition, especially since the lien is against the property. The debtor is being told to board up the windows, pay fines, etc. Problem: Debtor cannot force the mortgage company to foreclose if it does not want to. The debtor is then stuck with the property including cutting the grass in the summer and winterizing it in the winter.
St. Charles Office
1861 Sherman Drive
St Charles, MO 63303
Phone: 636-916-5400
At Hwy 94 and Hwy 70.
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St. Louis Office
3470 Hampton Ave, Suite 101
St. Louis, MO 63109
Phone: 314-353-0834
Close to the corner of Hampton Ave and Chippewa. By appointment only.
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South & Jefferson County office
7321 S. Lindbergh Ave., Suite 222
St. Louis, MO 63125
Phone: 636-916-5400
Across the South County Mall.
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Florissant Office (North County)
1281 Graham Rd, Suite 300
Florissant, MO 63031
Phone: 314-921-1880
At North Hanley and Hwy 270.
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Belleville Office (St. Clair county)
2 Park Place Professional Centre
Belleville, Illinois 62226
Phone: 618-977-9560
On Hwy 159, next to Schnucks.
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Granite City Office (Madison County)
3600 Nameoki Rd, Suite 201
Granite City, IL 62040
Phone: 618-977-9560
Across Shop'n Save, by appointment only.
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