City leaders gather to raise awareness of mediation program

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- City leaders gathered Thursday, April 11th at the Milwaukee County Courthouse to highlight the new and improved process in place for homeowners facing foreclosure and seeking mediation services.

The Metro Milwaukee Foreclosure Medication Program (MMFMP) is administered by the Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Courts with funding from the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ).  In March of 2012, the Program transferred its physical location and oversight from Marquette University Law School to the Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Courts.

“We were so pleased to take over this program at a time when there was still a great need to help people keep their homes if at all possible,” Clerk of Courts John Barrett said.  “We continue to look forward to working closely with the community partners and lenders to provide this important service.”

Mediation is a confidential and voluntary process where the homeowner and the lender discuss options for resolving the foreclosure case, including reinstatement of the loan and possible modification of the loan terms.

Homeowners may visit www.mediatemilwaukee.com to learn more about mediation eligibility and to fill out a “Mediation Request” form.

Typically, within 30 days of the date of receiving the foreclosure Summons and Complaint, homeowners should complete the Mediation Request Form and return it to the MMFMP to begin the application process.  However, interested parties are encouraged to contact the MMFMP at any time during the foreclosure process because sometimes mediation is available even after 30 days have passed.