There are a variety of situations where creditors may need to deal with borrowers who have defaulted on loans or are struggling to make payments. While there are many debt collection options available to creditors, it can sometimes be beneficial to work with a debtor to find solutions that will allow them to continue making ongoing payments. Loan modifications may involve changes to a lending agreement that will make it easier for the debtor to adhere to the terms of repayment. By understanding the different types of loan modifications that may be available, creditors can take steps to protect their financial interests.
Options for Modifying Loans
To address delinquent loans or defaults, creditors may reach agreements with debtors that may include:
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Forbearance - A creditor may agree to suspend or reduce a debtor's monthly payments for a specific time period. This can be a good option for borrowers who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties due to unexpected changes in their lives, such as health issues, job loss, or divorce. However, forbearance is not a long-term solution, because the debtor will be required to resume payments at some point in the future. The missed payments may be added on to the end of the loan term, or future payments may be temporarily increased, and this may mean that the borrower will owe more in the long run.
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