To avoid foreclosure the owner of real property must take certain actions governed by state foreclosure laws. Many of these laws are procedural and if followed properly can help a person avoid foreclosure. The foreclosure process can be lengthy. Many times, a foreclosure is started by a lender, but then a successful negotiation takes place in which the owner of property can avoid some of the damages or other financial distress relating to the foreclosure. A qualified attorney can provide very practical assistance to a person seeking to avoid foreclosure, both by negotiating with the lender and by extending the process by understanding the law and procedure.