Can I stop a foreclosure in Philadelphia County? Yes. Filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition triggers a federal “automatic stay” that immediately halts your Philadelphia County sheriff sale — even if it’s scheduled for next week. You can keep your home and restructure missed payments over 3–5 years.
Facing Sheriff Sale in Philadelphia County? You Have Options.
If you’ve received notice that your Philadelphia County home is scheduled for sheriff sale, you may feel like there’s nothing you can do. That’s not true. Federal law provides a powerful tool called Chapter 13 bankruptcy that can immediately stop your foreclosure and give you a structured path to keep your home.
Philadelphia consistently has one of the highest foreclosure rates in Pennsylvania. We represent homeowners in every Philadelphia neighborhood — from Northeast Philly and Kensington to West Philadelphia, South Philly, Germantown, and beyond. Our office in neighboring Delaware County provides easy access for Philadelphia residents seeking foreclosure relief.
How Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Saves Your Home
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is specifically designed for individuals with regular income who want to keep their property while catching up on missed payments. Here’s what it does for you:
✅ Stops your sheriff sale immediately: The federal automatic stay halts all foreclosure proceedings the moment your Chapter 13 petition is filed with the bankruptcy court.
✅ You stay in your home: Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 is specifically designed for homeowners. You remain in your home throughout the entire repayment process.
✅ Missed payments are restructured: Your mortgage arrears are spread into affordable monthly payments over 3–5 years, while you resume regular mortgage payments going forward.
✅ Other debts can be reduced or eliminated: Credit cards, medical bills, and unsecured debts can be addressed in your plan, freeing up more money for your mortgage.
✅ Creditor harassment ends: No more collection calls, threatening letters, or wage garnishments. The automatic stay applies to all creditors.
✅ Your lender must accept the plan: If your Chapter 13 plan meets federal legal requirements, your mortgage company is required by law to accept it.
Philadelphia County Sheriff Sale Process
Philadelphia County sheriff sales are among the highest-volume in Pennsylvania, with sales conducted through the CivilView system. The Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office publishes updated sale listings monthly.
Sheriff sale listing system: CivilView (salesweb.civilview.com)
County courthouse: Philadelphia City Hall, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107
If your property appears on the Philadelphia County sheriff sale list, time is of the essence. Contact us immediately for a free evaluation of your options. In many cases, we can file a Chapter 13 petition within days to stop the sale.
Frequently Asked Questions — Philadelphia County Foreclosure
Does Philadelphia have any special foreclosure programs I should know about?
Philadelphia has a Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program that requires lenders to participate in conciliation conferences before completing foreclosure. Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides additional federal protection beyond these local programs and can be filed at any stage.
Can Chapter 13 stop a Philadelphia tax sale?
Chapter 13 can address delinquent Philadelphia property taxes by including them in your repayment plan. However, the interaction between city tax sales and bankruptcy can be complex. Contact us for a free evaluation of your specific situation.
How many Philadelphia homes are facing sheriff sale?
Philadelphia regularly lists over 200 properties per monthly sheriff sale cycle. If your home is on the list, you are not alone — and there are legal options available to help you keep your home.
What if I’m a landlord with a Philadelphia rental property facing foreclosure?
Chapter 13 can protect investment properties as well as primary residences. For rental properties, Chapter 13 may offer additional options including lien stripping and payment restructuring that aren’t available under Chapter 7.
Get Help Now
Don’t wait until it’s too late to save your Philadelphia County home. Every day you delay reduces your options. Contact Siddons Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation.
Free Consultation: (610) 255-7500
Related Resources
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Overview
- Complete Guide to Filing Bankruptcy in PA
- Bankruptcy FAQ
- Foreclosure Help in Delaware County
- Foreclosure Help in Montgomery County
- Foreclosure Help in Bucks County
This communication is from a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.