Scire facias sur mortgage is a legal order that requires a borrower who has defaulted on their mortgage to appear in court and explain why their property should not be foreclosed. Essentially, it is a way for lenders to initiate the foreclosure process when a borrower fails to meet their mortgage obligations. The term comes from Latin, meaning "to cause to know on mortgage."
This term is primarily used in civil law, particularly in mortgage and foreclosure cases. When a borrower defaults on their mortgage payments, the lender may file a scire facias to compel the borrower to respond to the default. This legal action is part of the foreclosure process, which can lead to the sale of the property to recover the owed amount. Users can manage this process themselves with the right legal forms, such as those provided by US Legal Forms.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A homeowner misses three consecutive mortgage payments. The lender files a scire facias to notify the homeowner of the default and to request a court hearing to discuss potential foreclosure.
Example 2: A borrower receives a scire facias after failing to pay their mortgage for several months. The court hearing allows the borrower to present their case and potentially negotiate a solution with the lender. (hypothetical example)
| State | Process Variations |
|---|---|
| California | Requires a notice of default before filing a scire facias. |
| Florida | Allows for a summary judgment process in some cases. |
| New York | Requires mediation before proceeding with foreclosure. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Foreclosure | The legal process by which a lender takes possession of a property due to the borrower's failure to pay the mortgage. |
| Writ of Possession | A court order that allows a lender to take possession of a property after foreclosure. |
| Default | The failure to fulfill a legal obligation, such as making mortgage payments. |
If you receive a scire facias, it's crucial to respond promptly. Here are steps you can take:
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