Foreclosure defense covers the legal work that happens after a homeowner falls behind on mortgage payments and the lender files suit: answering the foreclosure complaint, raising defenses (improper notice, servicer errors, standing issues, violations of Connecticut's mediation program), and buying time to work out an alternative. Loan modification is the parallel track: negotiating with the servicer to change the loan terms, rate, or principal balance so the borrower can keep the home. In Connecticut, most residential foreclosures go through the court-annexed Foreclosure Mediation Program, and an attorney's job is often to use that window effectively, whether the goal is a modification, a short sale, a deed in lieu, or simply slowing the case down while other options play out. This category page lists 14 firms and solo practitioners in West Hartford who handle this work.
When you're comparing attorneys, look for direct experience with your servicer or loan type (conventional, FHA, VA), a clear answer on how they charge (flat fee versus hourly, and whether mediation prep is included), and a straight explanation of your realistic options given how far behind you are. A good sign is a lawyer who tells you when modification isn't likely and what the fallback plan looks like, rather than one who just says yes to everything.
Our scoring weighs experience in foreclosure and mediation work specifically, responsiveness, client feedback, and transparency about fees and process, not just overall star ratings. For the full ranked breakdown of these 14 firms, see the best foreclosure attorneys in West Hartford guide. Our scoring approach and data sources are explained on the methodology page.
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14 businesses, scored on recent reviews. The order weighs each business's overall score by how much of its reviewed work is foreclosure defense & loan modification, so a lower-scored specialist can rank above a higher-scored generalist.
Reviewers consistently praise Joette Trinh and her team for professional, patient guidance through real estate transactions. Staff explain steps clearly, answer questions promptly, and handle complex closings and first-time home purchases with efficiency and personal care that reduces client stress significantly.
Clients describe working with Tim Goetz and his team on estate planning, real estate closings, and landlord matters as consistently attentive and calm. Attorney Alexandra Dzen handles estate work with particular care, calling people back within 30 minutes and explaining complex documents in straightforward language. Kelly Chrostowski brings reassurance and support through eviction cases, going beyond typical hours to answer concerns. Staff keep timelines tight and follow up promptly on every question. The firm completes estate plans in under two weeks and handles closings for both house purchases and property sales, including coordination for elderly clients at assisted living facilities. Reviewers highlight the team's ability to make stressful legal processes feel manageable and worth trusting without reservation.
Reviewers consistently praise Paul Keily and Jennifer Mira for quick responses, clear guidance through complex transactions, and genuine care during stressful closings and legal matters. A minority report communication breakdowns and fee surprises after initial engagement, which warrants direct conversation upfront about scope and follow-up expectations.
Peter Van Dyke and his team handle residential and commercial real estate closings with speed and care. Reviewers consistently praise their responsiveness, knowledge of mortgage and closing processes, and ability to make complex transactions feel manageable, even under tight deadlines.
Most clients experience straightforward, responsive service across real estate closings and refinances. The firm's attorneys (Chris McCormick, Mark Steier) and paralegals keep contact frequent and guide transactions to completion. Two older complaints note communication breakdowns and a costly equity assessment error, though the broader pattern across 19 five-star reviews shows consistent professionalism.
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Reviewers consistently praise the firm for swift, professional service and accessible attorneys who follow through. Real estate closings and contract work receive specific mention, though review detail on foreclosure defense, bankruptcy, or collection defense is limited.
Peter Lawrence turns complicated legal matters into manageable steps. Reviewers praise his clear explanations, genuine compassion, and constant availability, describing him as knowledgeable and someone who makes difficult processes feel straightforward and respectful.
All five Google reviews award five stars. Reviewers consistently praise Geraghty for responsiveness, organization, and ability to explain real estate law in plain language. Multiple clients note smooth closings and a welcoming office environment over repeat transactions spanning decades.
First-time homebuyers and repeat clients consistently describe Andrew and Michael as patient communicators who make complex closing processes feel manageable. They keep clients informed at each step, explain documents in plain language, and project genuine concern for outcomes-turning a typically stressful transaction into a straightforward one. The firm handles residential closings, refinances, and title work across Connecticut and Massachusetts. Their website lists additional services in probate and estate planning, though recent reviews focus entirely on real estate closing work. No complaints or concerns emerged across the full review set.
Rebecca Harris earned five stars across three reviews for staying in close contact, breaking down legal options plainly, and fighting hard for housing and employment cases. Clients consistently felt she prioritized their interests and peace of mind from start to finish.
Sarah Poriss and her team stand out for fast responses, clear communication, and success keeping people in their homes during foreclosure fights. Reviewers often praise her calming presence and ability to explain legal steps plainly. Two older complaints mention a rude receptionist and slow replies, but these are overwhelmed by sustained five-star feedback spanning years.
Three recent reviews split sharply. One praiseworthy account from 2023 credited Cashman with strong legal knowledge and commitment to defending rights. Two one-star reviews from 2023 and 2016 allege slow document preparation, ignored requests for case information, refusal to pursue the client's preferred strategy, and ultimately unnecessary bankruptcy advice that a second attorney said could have been avoided. An older one-star review accused the firm of taking money and abandoning a bankruptcy case entirely.
Review evidence is limited: one five-star rating praised professional service, while a one-star review from two years ago provided no details. The small sample (4 Google reviews total) makes patterns hard to discern.
Most reviewers praise Peter Van Dyke's speed, knowledge, and responsiveness on real estate matters, especially closings. Two early one-star reviews raise serious concerns: one alleges racism and disdain, the other cites unresponsiveness. No reviews discuss foreclosure defense, loan modification, evictions, or debt collection.
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Last updated 2026-09-05