Top Florida Foreclosure Defense Attorney on Your Team


Behind on Mortgage Payments? You Can’t Afford to Keep Your Head in the Sand
When you are served with a foreclosure complaint, you should contact a foreclosure attorney right away. You only have 20 days to respond; otherwise, a default may be entered against you.
The right foreclosure law firm can review your individual circumstances and direct you to the option(s) that will minimize your long-term financial damage. It is crucial to hire a foreclosure defense lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you have the best chance of protecting your home and interests.
We can help. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.
Take Action Right Away- Contact an Experienced Foreclosure Defense Lawyer
When you are served with a foreclosure complaint, you should contact a foreclosure attorney right away. You only have 20 days to respond – otherwise, a default may be entered against you.
The right foreclosure law firm can review your individual circumstances and direct you to the option(s) that will minimize your long-term financial damage.
Foreclosure Process – What are my Options?
While each case is different, experienced foreclosure defense attorneys can help you review your individual circumstances to determine the best defense strategy for your foreclosure case. Your options might include:
1. Foreclosure defense (for both residential and commercial properties)
2. Negotiations for loan modifications, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, or short sale
3. Negotiations to negotiate with lenders and banks for alternative solutions, including short sales and other forms of relief
4. Personal bankruptcy – Chapter 7 or Chapter 13
5. Negotiations to request a reduced payoff or payment plan
If you are facing foreclosure, Michael “Mike” Ziegler is a Florida foreclosure defense attorney, licensed in Florida since 2010, who represents homeowners facing foreclosure. He can help you explore your legal options and identify the best solution to minimize any long-term financial damage.
A common misunderstanding among homeowners facing foreclosure is that their hands are tied, and there is nothing they can do other than to simply allow the foreclosure process to run its course.
Nothing could be further from the truth. If you decide to walk away from your home, there might be serious and unanticipated consequences that could potentially wreak havoc on your financial future.
Since 2012, our firm has been fighting for the rights of Florida property owners.
Your financial health is too important for you to face the foreclosure process without the assistance of a seasoned legal professional.
If you’re behind on your mortgage payments and have recently received a foreclosure notice in Florida, FL foreclosure law firm Ziegler Diamond Law can help you explore your legal options. And yes, you do have options.
Being notified that your home is entering the foreclosure process doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. As a foreclosure lawyer, Mike Ziegler can tell you that there are actually many different legal strategies that you can pursue to prevent your home from being taken. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
How a Foreclosure Defense Attorney in Florida Protects Homeowners
Florida is a judicial foreclosure state, so the lender has to file foreclosure lawsuits in circuit court and win before your home can be sold. That gives Florida homeowners real leverage, but only if someone files an answer and pushes back. Here is how we approach a case.
Answering the Foreclosure Lawsuit
You generally have 20 days from service to file an answer. A well-prepared answer can raise defenses such as whether the plaintiff actually has standing to foreclose, whether the lender sent the required notice of default before accelerating the loan, and whether the amount claimed is accurate. Filing an answer also buys time to pursue other options.
Loan Modification
A loan modification changes the terms of your mortgage debt, often by adding missed payments to the balance or lowering the monthly payment. We can push the servicer to review a complete application and advise you on the paperwork lenders require.
Short Sale or Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure
If keeping the home is not realistic, a short sale (selling for less than the loan balance with the lender’s approval) or a deed in lieu (handing the property back) can avoid a foreclosure judgment. The key is negotiating a waiver of any deficiency, so the bank cannot come after you later for the shortfall.
Bankruptcy and the Automatic Stay
Filing bankruptcy stops a scheduled foreclosure sale. Chapter 13 lets you catch up missed payments over three to five years and keep the house. Chapter 7 can eliminate personal liability for a deficiency if you decide to let the property go.
We act on the borrower’s behalf, not the bank’s, and we will advise you honestly about which path protects your legal rights and your finances. Your first Free Debt Freedom Strategy Session (a free initial consultation with an attorney) costs nothing.
Practice Areas:

At our law firm, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Our primary focus is on foreclosure defense, where we represent homeowners throughout the foreclosure process. Whether you are facing foreclosure, struggling with mortgage payments, or have been served with a foreclosure lawsuit, our experienced foreclosure lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our founding partner and attorneys represent homeowners and defend against aggressive lender actions. We pride ourselves on providing personal attention to every client, ensuring that you receive the support and guidance you need throughout the entire process. From your initial free consultation to the resolution of your case, our goal is to protect your best interests and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
If you are facing foreclosure or have questions about your legal options, don’t wait. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced lawyers. We are here to help you defend your home, safeguard your property, and secure your financial future.
Additional Information:
1. Foreclosure Attorney Clearwater
2. Stop Foreclosure Clearwater
3. Foreclosure Defense St. Petersburg
4. Foreclosure Attorney St. Petersburg
5. How Much Time Does Someone Have To Answer A Foreclosure Lawsuit?
6. Is Bankruptcy A Viable Solution To Foreclosure?
To save your home, your options and legal defenses include:
1. Loan modification – Although it can be tricky and require lots of patience and paperwork, obtaining a home loan modification will allow you to keep your home and lower your monthly mortgage payment. The assistance of an experienced law firm can help guide you through the difficult documentation process required by lenders.
2. Foreclosure defense – Negotiating for a loan modification with your mortgage lender to avoid foreclosure sale is just one way of stopping foreclosure. Another option is to proactively question, through litigation, the lender’s legal right to take your property. foreclosure defense lawyer Mike Ziegler is an aggressive litigator who isn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with even the biggest mortgage companies. Contact us for a free consultation today.
3. Bankruptcy – Filing for bankruptcy, either under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, will create an automatic stay that halts the foreclosure process. Generally speaking, Chapter 7 offers temporary relief from foreclosure and protects the homeowner from deficiency collection; whereas Chapter 13 offers several long-term solutions to keep your home. Experienced foreclosure defense attorney Mike Ziegler is thoroughly knowledgeable about state and federal consumer bankruptcy laws and local court rules.
We Practice Law to Help People Like You!
With years of experience navigating the housing market and foreclosure courts, I would be honored to build an attorney-client relationship with you as your foreclosure lawyer. We provide legal help against foreclosure action all over Florida, including but not limited to:
1. Pinellas County, including Clearwater and St. Petersburg
2. Hillsborough County, including Tampa and Brandon
3. Pasco, Polk, and the surrounding Central Florida counties
4. Anywhere your primary residence is located in Florida
Contact me today for a free consultation with a law firm you can trust. I’ll meet with you during a time that is convenient for your schedule. During the initial meeting, we’ll review your current financial status, loan documents, Notice of Default, and discuss the options available to you under state and federal law.
To meet with a qualified foreclosure defense attorney in Florida, simply fill out the form to the right to schedule your free consultation. You can also call (727) 538-4188.
Frequently Asked
Questions
What are the foreclosure steps in Florida?
Florida foreclosure steps include falling behind on payments, notice of default, filing a complaint, homeowner response, discovery, possible summary judgment, trial if needed, final judgment, property auction, and potential deficiency judgment. Contact a foreclosure attorney early for protection.
How long can you stay in your house after foreclosure in Florida?
Foreclosure timelines vary. A judicial sale may occur within a month, but judges often allow 2–3 months to move out. Know your rights and contact Ziegler Diamond Law for a free consultation.
What is foreclosure defense?
Florida is a judicial foreclosure state, requiring lenders to win in court before claiming a home. An experienced foreclosure law firm can protect your rights, explore defenses, and pursue alternatives like loan modifications.
When do I need a foreclosure defense attorney?
Banks appear in court with attorneys, creating unequal bargaining power. Homeowners should consult experienced foreclosure defense attorneys upon receiving a notice of default to protect their rights and defend against foreclosure.
What are the costs for foreclosure defense?
Florida foreclosure defense attorney fees vary by case complexity and timing. Costs are often higher if retained late, but most lawyers offer affordable monthly payment plans for representation.