Courts Are Wasting Time, Not Saving It: Apply the rules of evidence and both claims and defenses will fall.

by Neil Garfield

The excuse for the sloppy ways that the rules of civil procedure and the rules of evidence are applied in a case where the foreclosure process is invoked has always been “limited judicial resources.”
That is shorthand for we don’t have the time to hear stupid defenses since the claims are clearly valid.

Practically every successful foreclosure defense attorney knows that the courts would be far more successful at conserving judicial resources if they simply went back to the centuries-old practice of strictly applying the rules of civil procedure and the rules of evidence to prove the elements necessary to invoke the foreclosure process. It is very clear.

There are a number of reasons why the courts strayed from a tried and true method of evaluating claims in foreclosure. One of them is that the investment banks were paying (indirectly, of course) for the rocket dockets and other devices meant to process such claims more quickly while trampling on the protections for homeowners that are included in multiple statutes.

Another has been the threat of apocalypse which has been repeated many times in thousands of courts — if you let the homeowner win, then the entire economic system will fail and take our entire society and government down with it. Of course, there is no evidence that any such threat is or was ever imminent. It was simply a way of scaring everyone into letting the investment banks have their way regardless of law, justice, or fairness.

Gary Dubin, Esq. has been a successful groundbreaking foreclosure defense lawyer (in addition to his previous areas of practice) for more than 15 years. Like most other successful foreclosure defense attorneys he has been targeted for extinction, even while he continues to make new law, beating down the fictitious claims of the investment banks as expressed by foreclosure mills who imply their representation of some placeholder intermediary that has absolutely no interest in any homeowner transactions and who does not receive any proceeds of foreclosure.

In a recent exchange of emails with him (we correspond somewhat regularly) he wrote something that expresses something better than I have ever been able to articulate:

To argue that every fact in the chain of documents must be verified on personal knowledge as a practical matter is insanity.

Similarly, to argue that anyone bearing the self-appointed title of “custodian of records” must be believed or that any negotiable paper is itself self-authenticating is insanity.

Of course, over the course of history shorthand ways of establishing authenticity became established, but in the past decades what has been happening with mortgages tied to promissory notes has radically changed, making the prior shorthand rules no longer valid.

There is a middle ground upon which the Mattos and Behrendt decisions can be reconciled. I sensed that “trustworthiness” was what was surfacing as the underlying touchstone in the reasoning in the newest cases.

Of course, legal reasoning is still in its infancy and Nakayama and Rechtenwald will never understand, if for no other reason than change is psychologically difficult to adjust to especially in older folks, which is why I am predicting that the others will fold unless an incredibly successful effort is made at the oral arguments to explain why robosigners and false authentications and $600 Billions in regulatory fines and lender admissions in the AG settlement makes the underlying difference.

Ultimately, for thinking jurists it also comes down to policy considerations.

There is plainly too much sloppiness and fraud on the lenders’ side, which has generated — via unquestioning judicial decisions — an intolerable lack of respect for the judiciary, appearing to be rubber-stamping collection agency letters for crooks.

For me, Mattos (later Behrendt) was the equivalent of the Miranda Rule for securitized trust foreclosure cases, placing the burden on lenders to police and straighten up their own paperwork.

Courts meanwhile are always concerned about rules that require more court time which in this area is always in the minds of judges whether expressed or not at oral hearings.

It is therefore always a hobgoblin in such instances for judges to look for simple ways of cutting case backlogs, considering for instance that many times half the cases in our circuit courts have been foreclosure cases.

Not only must it therefore be emphasized that court time needed will be minimized if lenders follow the rules of evidence, but that we are dealing here with equity and justice as well as resource allocation in this age of judicial administration that understandably has propelled judges to become bureaucrats as well to keep our courts working for everyone.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if the courts returned to skepticism in “documents only” claims for relief in court? What if the judge asked who was intended to receive the proceeds of foreclosure if it was granted? What if the judge required the named claimant to state unequivocally that value had been paid for the underlying obligation and that the named claimant, whoever it is, was losing money as a direct result of some action or inaction of the homeowner? Such questions and requirements — always previously in effect, directly or indirectly — would eliminate virtually all claims of foreclosure and all defenses. What better way to conserve judicial resources?

Now You Can Unlock the Power of Justice and the Rule of Law with FRAUD STOPPERS

Are you tired of being a victim of financial fraud, seeking the justice and legal remedy you deserve? Look no further – FRAUD STOPPERS is here to empower you with the comprehensive tools and support necessary for success. With a wide range of services tailored to your needs, we are your ultimate ally in the fight against fraud.

FRAUD STOPPERS Arsenal of Solutions includes but is not limited to:

Audits & Investigations: Our team of skilled professionals will meticulously analyze your case, leaving no stone unturned in uncovering the truth. We employ cutting-edge techniques and resources to expose the fraud and gather irrefutable evidence. We are the only organization (to our knowledge) that can provide you with a Full Level 4 Bloomberg Securitization Audit and all the loan level data and trust information for all Government Sponsored Loans (GSE’s) and loan placed in private trust (shipped off shores) that do not report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Expert Witness Affidavits & Testimony: Our network of esteemed experts will provide compelling affidavits and testify on your behalf, lending credibility and authority to your case. Their specialized knowledge and experience will strengthen your position in the legal battle.

Turnkey Litigation Packages: We understand that navigating the complex legal landscape can be overwhelming. That's why we offer comprehensive litigation packages, equipped with all the necessary documents and strategies to mount a strong defense against fraudsters.

Professional Paralegal Support: Our dedicated paralegals are committed to assisting you every step of the way. They will guide you through the process, offer invaluable insights, and provide crucial administrative support to ensure your case is well-prepared.

Nationwide Attorney Networks: We have established a vast network of highly skilled attorneys across the country who specialize in fraud cases. Rest assured, you will be connected with a trusted legal expert who is passionate about seeking justice on your behalf.

Legal Education and Training: At FRAUD STOPPERS, we believe that knowledge is power. That's why we provide comprehensive legal education and training resources, empowering you to understand your rights, navigate the legal system, and make informed decisions throughout your case.

Debt Settlement Negotiations: Our experienced negotiators will engage with creditors on your behalf, striving to reach favorable debt settlement agreements. We will advocate for your interests, aiming to alleviate the financial burden caused by fraud.

Private Lending: If you require financial assistance to support your legal battle, our private lending options can provide the necessary funding. Our trusted lending partners offer competitive rates and flexible terms, ensuring you have the resources to fight for justice.

And much more! Save Time, Money, and Increase Your Odds of Success with FRAUD STOPPERS' Proven Products and Programs

If you're serious about getting the legal remedy you deserve, FRAUD STOPPERS has everything you need to succeed while saving time, money, and increasing your odds of success. Our comprehensive range of proven products and programs is designed to streamline the process, maximize efficiency, and deliver results.

Time is of the essence when it comes to combating fraud, and we understand the importance of expediting your case. With our expertise and resources, we can minimize delays and ensure efficient progress. By leveraging our extensive experience in fraud investigations and legal strategies, you can navigate the complexities of the legal system with confidence, saving valuable time in the process.

We also recognize the financial burden that fraud can impose, and we are committed to providing cost-effective solutions. Our competitive rates for services, private lending options, and expert negotiation skills can help you save money while maximizing the value you receive. Rest assured that we strive to optimize your resources, enabling you to fight fraud without breaking the bank.

Partnering with FRAUD STOPPERS significantly increases your odds of success. Our proven track record and extensive network of experienced professionals ensure that you have the best possible resources at your disposal. From expert witness testimonies to strategic litigation packages and effective debt settlement negotiations, our carefully curated products and programs have a track record of achieving favorable outcomes. With FRAUD STOPPERS by your side, you can maximize your chances of holding fraudsters accountable and obtaining the justice you deserve.

By choosing FRAUD STOPPERS, you can save time, save money, and increase your odds of success. Our proven products and programs, combined with our commitment to your cause, empower you to reclaim your future. Take the first step towards justice by completing the form below.

Remember, with FRAUD STOPPERS, you have a trusted partner dedicated to saving you time, money, and increasing your chances of success. Let us fight by your side and help you put an end to fraud once and for all.

Our commitment to your success knows no bounds. We are constantly expanding our services and partnerships to provide you with the most effective tools in the fight against fraud.

Ready to get started?

Simply complete the form below to begin your journey towards justice. Once submitted, check your email inbox or email spam folder for detailed instructions on how to move your file forward.

Remember, you don't have to face fraud alone – FRAUD STOPPERS is here to champion your cause and bring you the justice you deserve.

Join us in the battle against fraud today!

After submission, check your email inbox or spam folder for detailed instructions on how to move your file forward to get the legal remedy you seek and deserve.

LIST OF FORECLOSURE LAWS BY STATE

Get In Touch

Phone / Fax

Phone & Fax: 800-459-1215

Email

info@fraudstoppers.org

Hours: 24/7/365

Send A Message

THIS SITE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE MISCONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. FRAUD STOPPERS is a Private Members Association PMA. FRAUD STOPPERS PMA is NOT a law firm, non-profit organization, or government agency. FRAUD STOPPERS PMA does not operate in the public sector. Although this website is visible to the public FRAUD STOPPERS PMA does not intend for any information contained in this website to be considered as legal advise.

The information about Foreclosure law and other legal information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser; FRAUD STOPPERS and its members do not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.

Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers. This site provides “information” about the law and is only designed to help users safely cope with their own legal needs. But legal information is not the same as legal advice — the application of law to an individual’s specific circumstances.

The views expressed at, or through, this site are those of the individual authors writing in their individual capacities only – not those of their respective employers, FRAUD STOPPERS, or committee/task force as a whole. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this site are hereby expressly disclaimed. The content on this posting is provided “as is;” no representations are made that the content is error-free.