In a move intended to force banks to be more responsive, Lake County has instituted a free mediation program for homeowners facing foreclosure.  Although the mediation is not designed to compel any party into a decision and the government stresses it is not intended to pressure banks into making loan modifications, it is hoped that the new program, which is a mandatory first step in the foreclosure process, will result in more negotiated deals and fewer court cases.

Eligible homeowners must first attend a free information meeting where they will learn of their rights and responsibilities during the foreclosure process and have access to counselors who can answer their immediate questions.  The expectation is that many homeowners will be served by this session alone and will not need to proceed to mediation.

If not, however, the mediation process is free of charge and mandatory before court filings can proceed.  The mediating judge will not be empowered to make any decisions or levy any decisions, but the hope is that forcing open the lines of communication may be sufficient to resolve a great number of foreclosure cases before they go to court.  If they are not resolved in mediation, the foreclosure proceeds as normal.  The mediation program will be run through the 19^th Circuit Court.