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Cape Gazette: Homeowners facing foreclosure get help from Foreclosure Prevention Office

Homeowners facing foreclosure throughout Delaware are now receiving vital assistance thanks to a new law championed by Attorney General Beau Biden and legislative leaders.

Sponsored by representatives Helene Keeley, John Kowalko, Robert Gilligan and Mike Ramone and Sen. Bethany Hall-Long, House Bill 59 created the new Office of Foreclosure Prevention and Financial Education in the Attorney General’s Office. HB 59 was part of a bipartisan package of legislation drafted by the Department of Justice and enacted this year that responds to the foreclosure crisis.

The new office, part of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit, is headed by Gerard Kelly, who most recently served as deputy state bank commissioner where he focused on consumer outreach and education. Kelly is a former member of the Wilmington City Council and a bank loan officer. The office will complement ongoing Department of Justice initiatives on mediation and outreach, and foster better communication between consumers, the Attorney General’s Office, other state agencies, and other entities.

“This office is an important new resource for consumers who have fallen behind on mortgage payments, are facing foreclosure, or simply want to have a meaningful conversation with their lender about their loan,” Biden said. “We’re focused on making sure that homeowners understand the foreclosure process, that they know all of their rights and responsibilities, and that they are able to consider all of assistance available to them, including the mandatory foreclosure mediation program that will begin next January.”

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