Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Wisconsin

You should confront this problem by retaining a lawyer to monitor the foreclosure for you, since this is only the first of many questions which will come up, even in the most routine of cases. Property taxes, utilities, and local building code compliance all remain the responsibility of the owner until the bank actually takes title, which might actually take years in some cases, as well as help in predicting the date when you might actually be evicted (which comes much later in the process than many people suspect). Particularly in Milwaukee, but also in other urban core areas, banks which are foreclosing do not want to take title to properties due to these potential liabilities when the property likely cannot be easily resold. They therefore sometimes never schedule the sheriff's sale confirmations which finalize the process. However, there are many things which an experienced lawyer can do to assist you, including counterclaims against the banks for bad faith. Monitoring (as opposed to seriously contesting) a foreclosure should not cost very much, compared to the benefits of spending extra months (or even years) in your home, avoiding your need to pay rent elsewhere, which an experienced foreclosure lawyer can often offer you simply by being "in the picture," and explaining the numerous options to you (everything from chapter 13 bankruptcy to short sales and mortgage modifications). My answer here does mean that I am representing you, so be sure to consult your own attorney before deciding on what you should do, or contact my office at 262-633-3090, 333 Main St, Racine, WI 53403, during business hours if you desire formal representation. See me on the web at www.jayknixonlaw.com, or view over 15 years of my previous answers at http://www.lawguru.com/answers/atty_profile/view_attorney_profile/jknixonAttorney answers may contain advertising materials.