July 21, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Phillips Law Offices has expanded its bankruptcy practice into Massachusetts, adding Attorney Michael Goldstein as a partner to represent homeowners facing foreclosure throughout the Commonwealth. The expansion positions the Maryland-based firm to directly handle Massachusetts bankruptcy filings as foreclosure activity continues to affect homeowners across the state.
Massachusetts foreclosure filings have risen year over year, with approximately one in every 6,267 housing units facing a filing in July 2025, representing a 3.66 percent increase from the prior year according to ATTOM data. The Massachusetts Division of Banks reported 5,343 foreclosures filed statewide in the most recent year measured. Foreclosure distress remains regionally concentrated, with Hampden County leading all counties at 2.05 foreclosure petitions per 1,000 owner households, nearly double the statewide average, while Plymouth, Franklin, and Bristol counties also rank high in foreclosure activity.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides a court-supervised process that allows homeowners behind on mortgage payments to halt active foreclosure proceedings and repay arrears through a three-to-five-year plan. Once a Chapter 13 case is filed, an automatic stay immediately stops foreclosure proceedings, giving homeowners time to reorganize their finances under court protection. The process enables individuals with regular income to retain their homes while catching up on missed payments through a structured repayment plan approved by the bankruptcy court.
Attorney Michael Goldstein brings extensive experience to the expanded practice, having represented debtors in Massachusetts bankruptcy cases since 2006. Licensed to practice in Massachusetts, Goldstein’s addition provides Phillips Law Offices with resident capacity to handle Massachusetts bankruptcy filings directly, strengthening the firm’s ability to serve clients facing financial distress in both Maryland and Massachusetts.
“Massachusetts homeowners deserve experienced legal representation when facing foreclosure, particularly given the regional variations in distress levels across the Commonwealth,” said Attorney Michael Goldstein, partner at Phillips Law Offices. “Chapter 13 bankruptcy remains an important tool for homeowners who have fallen behind on payments but have the income to catch up over time. The key is understanding the process early enough to preserve all available options.”
The expansion reflects broader trends in the legal services industry as firms respond to geographic patterns of financial distress. With foreclosure rates varying significantly across Massachusetts counties, the addition of local bankruptcy counsel addresses the need for attorneys familiar with both federal bankruptcy law and state-specific procedures.
Phillips Law Offices specializes in bankruptcy and debt relief matters, representing individuals and businesses in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. The firm handles adversary proceedings, tax debt solutions, foreclosure prevention, and corporate restructuring matters. Based in Greenbelt, Maryland, the firm now serves clients throughout Maryland and Massachusetts with a focus on helping individuals navigate complex bankruptcy proceedings and debt-related legal issues. The firm’s bankruptcy attorneys work with clients to evaluate financial circumstances and determine appropriate legal strategies for addressing debt, foreclosure, and creditor actions.
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For more information about The Phillips Law Offices LLC, contact the company here:
The Phillips Law Offices
Attorney Michael Goldstein
(781) 745-3792
mgoldstein@phillipslaweast.com
6301 Ivy Lane #700
Greenbelt, MD 20770
