About

In response to the recent economic recession and related mortgage crisis, the Cook County Board authorized the establishment of the Circuit Court of Cook County Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program in an effort to help families throughout Cook County who are in foreclosure.

The Circuit Court of Cook County Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program is an unprecedented partnership between the Circuit Court of Cook County and several state and local organizations who wish to assist Cook County homeowners who have mortgages in foreclosure. Ultimately, the mediation program is intended to help homeowners in foreclosure explore their options to either stay in their homes or negotiate a respectable exit.

Together, the Circuit Court and partner organizations are working with legal aid groups and housing counselors to provide free assistance to homeowners who have received a summons to appear in court.

After meeting with a housing counselor, homeowners will have the opportunity to meet with an on-site attorney to discuss the housing counselor’s recommendations and prepare for a court date that will determine whether the foreclosure case can be mediated with the lender.

How to Participate

Homeowners who have received a summons can call a toll-free help line (877.895.2444 or 312.836.5222 TDD) or use our online appointment request form to schedule a free meeting with a housing counselor. To maximize efficiency and assist as many homeowners as possible, the housing counselors are centralized on-site at 69 W. Washington and in Room 1303 of the Richard J. Daley Center. Walk-in appointments are not available – homeowners must first call the help line to schedule an appointment.

There is no charge to participate. Before entering into any transaction with a person offering to help you that is not affiliated with the Cook County Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program, please contact a lawyer, government official or HUD certified housing counselor for advice.

Eligibility

In order to participate in the program, homeowners must live in the building in foreclosure, which may be a single-family home, condominium unit or apartment building with four or fewer units.

Homeowners who are concerned about their mortgages, but who have not received a summons from the court and are not currently in foreclosure, should click here for a list of available resources.