How much does a foreclosure lawyer cost?
How much does a foreclosure lawyer cost?
$100 – $500 average cost per hour
$1,500 – $5,000 flat fee
Average foreclosure attorney fees
A foreclosure lawyer costs $100 to $500 per hour or $1,500 to $5,000 total on average. Foreclosure attorney fees depend on the attorney's experience level, how complex your case is and how long it lasts, the law firm's reputation, and your location.
| Service model | Average cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Flat fee | $1,500 – $5,000 | Clients pay a one-time amount for all work on the case. |
| Hourly rate | $100 – $500 | Clients pay for only the hours your attorney works. |
| Monthly fee | $500 – $1,000 | Clients pay a set monthly fee as long as the case is active. |
Flat fee pricing is most commonly used for straightforward cases with a predictable scope, offering peace of mine and clear budgeting.
Hourly rates are used for complex or unpredictable cases where the amount of work can vary greatly. This can be expensive if your case becomes lengthy or time is not well managed.
Monthly fees are common for extended cases expected to last several months that require consistent legal help. This allows you to spread out your legal fees over time.
What does foreclosure mean?
Foreclosure is a legal process in which a lender attempts to recover money owed on a defaulted mortgage by taking and selling the mortgaged property. The process starts after a borrower misses mortgage payments for a certain period.
How can I stop foreclosure?
You can stop a foreclosure by reinstating the loan, negotiating a modification, filing for bankruptcy, or disputing the case in court. Consulting a lawyer can help decide what is the best option in your circumstances.
When is it too late to stop foreclosure?
Once a lender completes a foreclosure sale and transfers the property to a new owner, it becomes extremely difficult to reverse. Until then, options may exist depending on your state’s laws and the stage of the process.
Maximum foreclosure lawyer fees
Many states have set maximum fees that foreclosure attorneys can charge. These range from $2,000 in Mississippi or Nebraska, up to $12,000 in Hawaii. The table below shows the fee for selected states:
| State | Non-judicial foreclosure* | Judicial foreclosure* |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,275 | On approval |
| Alaska | $2,650 | On approval |
| Arizona | $2,250 | On approval |
| Arkansas | $2,300 | On approval |
| California | $2,300 | On approval |
| Colorado | $2,800 | On approval |
| Connecticut | N/A | $4,400 strict; $5,000 FC-by-sale |
| Delaware | N/A | $3,200 |
| District of Columbia | N/A | $3,725 |
| Florida | N/A | $5,400 default; $6,900 trial |
| Georgia | $2,225 | On approval |
| Guam | $3,325 | On approval |
| Hawaii | N/A | $12,000 |
| Idaho | $2,025 | On approval |
| Illinois | N/A | $4,100 |
| Indiana | N/A | $3,650 |
| Iowa | On approval | $3,200 |
| Kansas | N/A | $3,200 |
| Kentucky | N/A | $3,900 |
| Louisiana | N/A | $3,200 |
| Maine | N/A | $5,100 |
| Maryland | $3,900 | On approval |
| Massachusetts | N/A | $4,700 |
| Michigan | $2,550 | On approval |
| Minnesota | $2,375 | On approval |
| Mississippi | $2,000 | On approval |
| Missouri | $2,200 | On approval |
| Montana | $2,500 | On approval |
| Nebraska | $2,000 | On approval |
| Nevada | $2,650 | On approval |
| New Hampshire | $2,200 | On approval |
| New Jersey | N/A | $6,700 |
| New Mexico | N/A | $5,250 |
| New York | $2,000 co-op | $6,800 |
| North Carolina | $2,950 | On approval |
| North Dakota | N/A | $3,300 |
| Ohio | N/A | $4,000 |
| Oklahoma | N/A | $3,650 |
| Oregon | $2,250 | On approval |
| Pennsylvania | N/A | $4,150 |
| Puerto Rico | N/A | $3,800 |
| Rhode Island | $2,950 | On approval |
| South Carolina | N/A | $3,850 |
| South Dakota | N/A | $3,200 |
| Tennessee | $2,100 | On approval |
| Texas | $2,300 | $3,800 |
| Utah | $2,250 | On approval |
| Vermont | N/A | $4,150 |
| Virgin Islands | N/A | $3,500 |
| Virginia | $2,600 | On approval |
| Washington | $2,400 | $4,150 (eNotes) |
| West Virginia | $2,000 | On approval |
| Wisconsin | N/A | $3,350 |
| Wyoming | $2,100 | On approval |
*According to Fannie Mae as of late 2024
Foreclosure lawyer cost factors
Several variables affect what you will pay for legal help in a foreclosure case.
Case complexity: More complicated cases require more legal work, increasing costs.
Attorney experience: Highly experienced or in-demand lawyers tend to charge more. Real estate attorneys charge $150 to $500 per hour and often assist in foreclosure cases.
Firm reputation: Well-known firms may have higher rates but also more resources.
Location: Legal fees differ depending on regional market rates.
Extra costs: You may pay court fees, document charges, mailing, and travel on top of attorney fees.
Timeline: Cases that drag on for many months or years raise costs under hourly or monthly pricing models.
Foreclosure lawyer FAQs
Can a lawyer help stop foreclosure?
Yes, a lawyer can help stop a foreclosure by reviewing your situation, finding legal defenses, negotiating with the lender, helping with modifications, or representing you in court. Their help could delay or prevent the loss of your home.
Do you need a lawyer for foreclosure?
Not all cases require an attorney, but if your case is complex or you want to dispute the foreclosure, a lawyer protects your interests. An initial consultation clarifies if hiring counsel is advisable.
How can a lawyer help with post-foreclosure evictions?
If you're facing eviction after a foreclosure, a lawyer can defend you in an eviction court, help negotiate extra time, or fight improper procedures to let you stay longer or settle more favorably.
What to look for in a foreclosure lawyer
Follow these tips when selecting a foreclosure lawyer or real estate attorney:
Ask different attorneys for detailed written estimates.
Research local firms on Lawful and Google.
Compare their experience, local knowledge, and included services.
Clarify what expenses they do or do not cover and ask for a cost breakdown.
Questions to ask foreclosure lawyers
An experienced attorney should be able to answer these questions easily:
What is your fee structure (flat, hourly, or monthly)?
Do you require a retainer? If so, how much?
What additional costs may I face?
How many foreclosure cases like mine have you handled?
What defenses or options do you see in my case?
How will you keep me updated during the process?
Can you provide client references?
What is a realistic timeline for my case?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.