Blumenthal
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal wants state court officials to temporarily freeze pending home foreclosures.
Blumenthal made the request Thursday because a new state law will provide mortgage relief. He wrote to Chief Court Administrator Barbara Quinn that all Superior Court judges need to be informed of it.
"A temporary freeze may enable many homeowners to stop foreclosure while they seek help," Blumenthal said. "New laws promise hope to countless homeowners on the verge of foreclosure, but we must ensure that these lifelines reach hundreds more already losing their homes."
The law -- An Act Concerning Responsible Lending and Economic Security -- requires notice to troubled homeowners of their rights to foreclosure mediation services.
"Mediation and other new programs may assist these homeowners to stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure -- a result that would benefit all parties," Blumenthal said.
The program does not begin until July 1.
In a recent study, community group ACORN gave Blumenthal an A-plus for his efforts to protect consumers in the mortgage crisis. He was one of six, all Democrats, to receive the top grade.
From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at john@legalnewsline.com.