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Dear Colleague,

 As you know, new foreclosure filings have overwhelmed nearly every court system in Florida.  In 2008 alone, there were nearly 56,000 foreclosure actions filed in the Miami-Dade Courts.
 
Today the 11th Judicial Circuit announced the upcoming implementation of a new managed mediation program designed to streamline case flow and provide opportunities for homeowners and lenders to discuss resolution as early as possible in the life of a foreclosure case.  At this time, the program is available only to owners of homestead properties (i.e., it is not open to owners who are investors, landlords, or who do not live in the property).
 
This new program, a partnership between the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida and the Collins Center for Public Policy, was developed with input from local community leaders and attorneys such as yourself, representing the interests of both lenders and property owners.  It will go into effect on May 1, 2009.
 
Full details of the program will be discussed at a press conference to be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2009, on the courthouse steps at the North entrance of the Dade County Courthouse, 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, Florida, 33130.
 
Your attendance and participation in the press conference is welcomed.
 
Please RSVP to Eunice Sigler, Community Relations Director for the Miami-Dade County Courts, if you plan to attend the press conference on April 23rd.  Ms. Sigler may be reached by telephone at 305-349-7189, or via e-mail at esigler@jud11flcourts.org

 Sincerely,
 
Timothy M. Ravich
President, Dade County Bar Association