MO HB922

Each circuit court in Missouri counties shall establish a loss mitigation application and residential mortgage foreclosure mediation negotiation program to help mortgagors and mortgagees reach mutually agreeable resolutions

Mortgagors must receive a 90-day notice to proceed with foreclosure that informs them of the state's mediation process and their right to meet with a HUD-approved counseling agency before judgment entry

Courts shall assign trained mediators with knowledge of mediation law, community resources, mortgage assistance programs, and FDIC forms; mediation applies only to residential mortgages on one- to four-family owner-occupied properties

The mortgagee must appear at the negotiation conference with settlement authority (or by telephone/electronic means with authority), and the mortgagor must appear with counsel or HUD counselor; negotiations must address loss mitigation applications, income verification, employment verification, and potential loan restructuring within the 90-day period

If the mortgagee fails to appear within 90 days, the claim is reissued; if the mortgagor fails to appear, the foreclosure may proceed; the mortgagee must demonstrate benefits of foreclosure versus loan modification and certify all required notices were given