Washington State Foreclosure Mediation

Foreclosure Mediation Bill Passes into WA State Law

On Thursday, April 14, Governor Chris Gregoire signed into law the “Foreclosure Fairness Act”, giving homeowners the option of face to face mediation with the bank or company servicing their mortgage.

Of the 27 states which do not require court approval of foreclosures, Washington is only the 3rd to adopt this type of program.

Dispute Resolution Centers (DRCs) around the State are preparing to offer foreclosure mediation services to residents as early as July, 2011.

Resolution Washington, the statewide association of DRCs, provided valuable input to policy makers as the bill was crafted and several members provided testimony that helped advance the bill. DRC mediators are identified within the bill as one category of eligible mediators. As efforts now shift to enacting the bill, DRCs are in discussion with the Department of Commerce regarding training for these mediators.

Six Rivers Community Mediation is proud to be a member of Resolution Washington, and a contributor to the development of cutting edge uses of mediation.