Opinion ID: 2453733
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Foreclosure Mediation Program

Text: The Nevada Legislature enacted the Foreclosure Mediation Program in 2009 in response to the increasing number of foreclosures in this state. Hearing on A.B. 149 Before the Joint Comm. on Commerce and Labor, 75th Leg. (Nev., February 11, 2009) (testimony of Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley). The program requires that a trustee seeking to foreclose on an owner-occupied residence provide an election-of-mediation form along with the notice of default and election to sell. NRS 107.086(2)(a)(3). If the homeowner elects to mediate, both the homeowner and the deed of trust beneficiary must attend, must mediate in good faith, provide certain enumerated documents, [5] and, if the beneficiary attends through a representative, that person must have authority to modify the loan or have access at all times during the mediation to a person with such authority. NRS 107.086(4), (5); FMR 5(7)(a). After the conclusion of the mediation, the mediator must file a mediator's statement with the program administrator, indicating whether all parties complied with the statute and rules governing the program. FMR 12(2). If the beneficiary does not (1) attend the mediation; (2) mediate in good faith; (3) provide the required documents; or (4) if attending through a representative, have a person present with authority to modify the loan or access to such a person, the mediator is required to submit ... a petition and recommendation concerning the imposition of sanctions. [6] NRS 107.086(5). The homeowner may then file a petition for judicial review with the district court, [7] and the court may issue an order imposing such sanctions against the beneficiary of the deed of trust or the representative as the court determines appropriate. See FMR 5(7)(f). [8] But if the district court finds that the parties met the four program requirements, it will direct the program administrator to certify the mediation, allowing the foreclosure process to proceed. See NRS 107.086(2)(c)(2), (3), (6), (7).