Volunteer Attorney Prevents Foreclosure and Attains Settlement for Soldier

The high interest rate for an Army servicemember’s mortgage was materially affecting his ability to fully meet his monthly mortgage payments. The soldier requested that his mortgage company reduce his mortgage interest rate to 6 percent, pursuant to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The company refused. Then, in violation of the SCRA, the soldier received an Order of Foreclosure. The soldier needed help to negotiate a reduced house payment and interest rate. He visited a military legal assistance attorney, who referred his case to the ABA Military Pro Bono Project. The Project located a volunteer attorney who successfully helped reach a settlement with the mortgage company. The company agreed to modify the mortgage for the soldier and apply damages for its SCRA violations.