In February of this year, following the lead of other districts with a Loss Mitigation/Mortgage Modification (“LM/MM”) program, Judge Waites implemented a mediation requirement in all LM/MM cases that utilize the Portal. 　

A review of the reported Portal cases for the first six months of this new procedure indicates a 75% success rate, measured by the achievement of a trial payment plan, a permanent loan modification or another loss mitigation arrangement that is favorable to the debtor. 　

Judge Waites would like to thank the mediators who have served in these cases, Janet Haigler, Russ DeMott and John Butler, as well as commend the attorneys representing debtors and those representing consumer creditors for their utilization of the program.