Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

if i default on my mortgage can they freeze my checking account?

I am about to default on my mortgage (1st ) and second (heloc) . I am in california. Can they freeze my checking account if i go into default or can they only go after the house.


Asked on 5/27/09, 11:57 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

David Gibbs The Gibbs Law Firm, APC

Re: if i default on my mortgage can they freeze my checking account?

It is an issue of what your loan documents say. On your first, I would say that it is unlikely that there is any cross-collateralization between your mortgage and your bank account, but you must read your loan documents to know for sure. On the second - the HELOC - its a little more likely. The only way to know for sure it to carefully read your loan documents, and/or have an attorney review them for you. Best suggestion is to move your bank account out of an abundance of caution. It will cost you very little to do so, and you can at least rest a little easier. It is also, frankly cheaper than hiring an attorney to review your loan documents.

That being said, however, post-foreclosure, you could potentially have exposure for a defiency on your second mortgage, and if they sue you and obtain a judgment for the deficiency, then and only then, they can levy your bank account regardless of what bank its at.

*Due to the limitations of the LawGuru Forums, The Gibbs Law Firm, APC's (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided is general and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.

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Answered on 5/28/09, 12:23 pm


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