How long does it take to foreclose on a tax lien?
It takes eleven months on average to complete foreclosure proceedings for a private (non-municipal) lien holder. Some files are completed faster than others due to variable factors such as: (1) The number of defendants; (2) The ability to locate all defendants; (3) Whether a defendant files a contesting Answer or Bankruptcy; (4) The necessity to file special Motions to appoint a guardian ad litem for a minor; (5) Whether the FDIC holds an interest in the property; and (6) Whether an estate or heirs are involved. Files are also routinely delayed due to backlogs at the County recording office (awaiting boarding date for Lis pendens) and the Foreclosure Unit of the Court which processes all foreclosures (awaiting return of pleadings). Municipalities may foreclose under a different statute for in rem foreclosures which are less costly and much faster. In rem foreclosures average just three or four months. Most legal fee arrangements require periodic payments based on the progress of the fi