An Indiana Supreme Court program designed to train attorneys, mediators and judges on how to help homeowners facing foreclosure will be held in North Vernon and Columbus. “Back Home In Indiana—Guiding Homeowners Through Foreclosure” is part of a campaign to stem the foreclosure crisis. 

The training sessions are sponsored by the Indiana Pro Bono Commission, Indiana Judicial District 11 and the Indiana Supreme Court.  They will be held at the following locations:

The sessions include a taped program specially designed to educate judges, mediators and lawyers about new loan modification programs and mediation opportunities.  A banquet will be held in conjunction with each of the sessions to thank attorneys who have donated free or reduced fee legal services to those in need.  For more information on the North Vernon and Columbus training sessions and banquets contact the Executive Director of Legal Aid-District Eleven, Inc., Tammara Jo Sparks, at (812) 314-2721 lade@iquest.net.

The “Back Home In Indiana—Guiding Homeowners Through Foreclosure” sessions are part of a campaign announced by Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard.  In January, Chief Justice Shepard pledged to train more judges, mediators and lawyers than any other state on how to deal with foreclosure cases.  Indiana Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman is leading the statewide effort to ward off the housing meltdown through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network.  Chief Justice Shepard has pledged the support of the judicial branch. 

Indiana trial courts have seen about a 50% increase in the number of foreclosure cases filed in the past five years.  Sorting out which of those cases should be eligible for loan modification and those where it is not possible takes knowledge, skill, commitment and compassion.  The Indiana Supreme Court is dedicated to helping courts across the state as they deal with the influx of foreclosure cases.  In doing so, the Court hopes to help homeowners and play a role in bringing about economic recovery.

The campaign includes an effort to provide free legal help to homeowners in need of assistance.  Pro bono representation is being encouraged by Chief Justice Shepard who explained, “We have very talented and generous attorneys in our state who are interested in helping people get on the road to recovery.  Facing the stress and financial burden of foreclosure is not something we want people to do alone.  We are recruiting volunteer attorneys to help people who are in need of assistance.”