Foreclosure Defense Attorney in Gastonia, NC
A Clear Path Forward When You're Behind on Your Mortgage
If you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage payments, foreclosure can feel like the only outcome in front of you. It isn’t. Attorney Sharon S. Dove has represented homeowners in bankruptcy, so she understands how a lender builds a foreclosure case and where it can be challenged.
When you reach out to Dove Law Firm, we review your loan documents, your notice of hearing, and your financial situation before recommending a single next step. Depending on what that review shows, your options might include negotiating with your lender, challenging errors in how the foreclosure was filed, or evaluating whether bankruptcy or another path fits your circumstances better.
You don’t have to figure out which option is right on your own.
Contact us at (704) 486-9679 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation about your foreclosure case in Gastonia or the Greater Charlotte Area.
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Fluent Spanish Speaker by Choice
Inspired by her Guatemalan paralegal who mastered English, Sharon achieved Spanish fluency through years of study and daily conversations with friends and clients.
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Decades of Serving Immigrants
For over 20 years, Sharon has built a reputation for standing by immigrants during their most challenging moments.
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Focused Legal Support
With a focused practice in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, attorney Sharon helps clients regain control of their financial future.
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Real Insight from Both Sides
Having represented both debtors and a bankruptcy trustee, Sharon brings rare strategic perspective to every case.
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"Sharon is excellent!"
The lawyer has a lot of experience and professional ethics, she also knows how to speak Spanish. Overall, she is excellent. I am so satisfied with her work that I recommend her.- Former Client -
I endorse Sharon. She is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.- Michael W.
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"Exceeded my expectations"
I am very grateful to have this legal representation. The confidentiality, support, respect, and professionalism are some of the things that have impacted me the most. It's usually what is expected when signing a contract, but it's not always what we actually find, and with our attorney, I have exceeded those expectations. There's nothing better than having someone who is truly interested in your case and making you feel supported.- Figueredo S. -
"Sharon Dove is an excellent and punctual attorney!"
Attorney Sharon Dove is a great and punctual lawyer with an excellent experience. She is very active and loyal to accomplish her clients cases on time. Attorney Sharon is not only attorney, but also a public figure friendly person who works hard to achieve her goals on time. Those who will hire her as attorney will get a lot of success with confidence. I personally get a lot of satisfaction from her great performance. I would like to say , thank you Attorney Sharon and glad to see you with new law firm.- Birku T.
What a Foreclosure Defense Strategy Can Include
Every foreclosure case starts with the same question: what does your financial situation support? We build your strategy around the answer, not around a standard checklist.
Depending on your circumstances, your defense might include:
- Negotiation with your lender – We reach out on your behalf to discuss a loan modification, forbearance, or repayment plan that fits your current income.
- A review of your loan documents – We check your deed of trust, notice of hearing, and the lender’s paperwork for procedural errors that could affect the case.
- A bankruptcy evaluation – Because Sharon has represented both debtors and a Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee, she can tell you honestly whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 fits your situation.
- Alternative paths – When bankruptcy isn’t the right fit, we walk through options such as a short sale or a deed in lieu of foreclosure.
Which of these makes sense for you depends on your loan, your income, and how far along the foreclosure process already is.
What the Court Reviews at a Foreclosure Hearing
In North Carolina, most foreclosures move forward under a power of sale process, which means your case goes before the clerk of superior court rather than a judge. That means the hearing looks less like courtroom drama and more like a focused legal review. At that hearing, the clerk must find that four specific things are true before authorizing a sale.
At the hearing, the clerk of court must find:
- A valid debt exists – The lender has to show the debt is real and accurately calculated.
- The lender has the right to foreclose – The party seeking foreclosure has to prove it holds the note and deed of trust.
- You received proper notice – The lender has to show you were served notice of the hearing the way the law requires.
- The pre-foreclosure notice requirement was met – Depending on your loan, the lender may have had to send you a separate notice before the foreclosure process even started.
If any of these elements is missing or incomplete, we raise it at the hearing on your behalf.
You Don't Have to Face Your Lender Alone
You don’t have to sit across from your lender or a courtroom clerk alone. Before we talk to anyone else, we take the time to understand your full situation, then we negotiate with your lender about a modification, forbearance, or repayment plan when that’s the right move. We also review your mortgage documentation for compliance issues your lender may not want you to notice. And we appear in court on your behalf whenever the case requires it. Sharon has practiced law since 1998 and she knows which arguments move a case and which ones just sound good on paper.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foreclosure Defense
Foreclosure raises a lot of questions, and most homeowners are looking for straightforward answers about their specific situation. Here are some of the ones we hear most often.
Can I Stop a Foreclosure Once It Has Started?
In many cases, yes. Depending on where your case stands, options such as a loan modification, a repayment plan, or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing can pause or resolve the foreclosure before the sale takes place.
Will Filing Bankruptcy Stop My Foreclosure?
Filing bankruptcy can pause a foreclosure through what’s called an automatic stay, though whether it’s the right choice depends on your income, your goals for the property, and the rest of your financial picture. We review your full situation before recommending it as your path forward.
Do I Need to Appear in Court Myself?
Not necessarily. We appear at the foreclosure hearing on your behalf and keep you informed of what’s discussed, though there are situations where your presence helps your case, and we’ll tell you if yours is one of them.
What Happens If I Missed My Notice of Hearing?
Reach out as soon as you realize you missed it. Depending on how far the process has moved, we may still be able to raise procedural issues or negotiate with your lender.
