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Supreme Court Forms Panel To Help Those Facing Foreclosure

CHICAGO (WBBM) - The Illinois Supreme Court has put together a committee made up of judges, bankers, lawyers, a law professor and a representative of the Attorney General's Office with the goal of coming up with ways to help people facing foreclosure.

Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis brought the idea to her colleagues.

She said, in answer to what she believes is "a serious societal problem."

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"It's important that the Court try to do what it can to lend some stability and certitude to what is a financially and emotionally chaotic process," Justice Theis said.

A lot of people, she noted are confused by the process. They don't know their options, and some have been taken by internet scam artists promising to save their homes.

Justice Theis said families facing foreclosure often can't afford lawyers, so they go it alone.

There are mediation programs in some area counties that educate homeowners, and the Supreme Court's foreclosure panel is looking at what's working as it looks for solutions.

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