More and more people today are struggling to make their mortgage payments. There's been a lot of talk from the government and other sources about loan modifications which supposedly allow a homeowner to have the conditions of their mortgage changed and made more affordable. But, they don't want to talk about the sad fact that not too many people ever get one.

A lot of families are led to believe that when they apply for a loan modification they will be able to make their mortgage more affordable and get protection from foreclosure. Unfortunately, most people who apply for loan modifications are never able to get them. And in many cases--those that do get approved for a "trial" loan modification are then unable to make their modified payments or are unable to have their trial modification made permanent.

Why are loan modifications so unpredictable--and why are they hurting so many people? Now I'm going to tell you what the banks don't want you to hear. While a lot of folks are able to APPLY for a loan modification, there's nothing to guarantee that applying for a loan means they actually qualify. Many hard working families that think that a loan modification can save their home are actually ineligible.

A major reason for the loan modification crisis is that you have to be behind on your mortgage to be eligible. Even more, while you wait for your application to be approved, the bank tells you not to make payments. The application process can take several months as well--so you go for a long time without making payments and fall further behind on your mortgage. Then, when you are told that you don't qualify for a loan modification, most people are so far behind on your house that they immediately need protection from foreclosure.

So, what are your options? First, you may be able to walk away from your home. Unfortunately, you can be stuck with a lot of debt after walking away. If the selling price is less than your mortgage, you will have a deficiency that you will be required to pay.

Not such a good idea, right? Is there something better? Yes! You may be able to get protection from foreclosure by looking into a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Even more, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy has the ability to stop harassing creditor calls and wage garnishments.

Your best bet is to seek out an experienced bankruptcy attorney who can help you decide if a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is right for you. The best bankruptcy attorneys are going to make sure to give you as much free information and materials as they can before you ever set foot in their office.