Let’s Be Honest: Foreclosure Hits Hard—Even If You’re Not the One Paying the Bills

Even though foreclosure is a legal issue between your parents and the bank, that doesn’t mean you’re not affected. In fact, kids and teens often carry a ton of the stress, and nobody really talks about it.

Your parents might be arguing more. They might be quiet and withdrawn. You might not know what’s happening but feel the tension anyway.

You could be thinking:

• “Are we going to lose our home?”

• “Will I have to switch schools?”

• “Will my friends find out?”

• “What if people make fun of me?”

These thoughts are all completely normal—and you are not being dramatic for having them.

Why It Feels So Personal

Foreclosure doesn’t just affect a house—it affects your sense of safety, your routine, and even your identity. You might feel embarrassed, worried, or totally powerless. You might feel angry. Or numb.

You might even blame yourself for being stressed, thinking: “I shouldn’t feel this way—it’s not even my mortgage.” But your feelings are real, and they matter.

Believe It or Not… The Court Actually Cares About You Too

Some judges in New York have made decisions based on what’s best for the kids involved in a foreclosure. Here’s what that can look like:

• More Time to Stay: If your school year is still going, the court might delay an eviction so you don’t have to transfer schools suddenly.

• Protection from Public Embarrassment: If signs are posted on your house saying it’s in foreclosure or there’s constant harassment, a judge can order the bank to remove the signs and stop the behavior.

• Understanding the Emotional Side: Courts may consider how much stress your family is under when making decisions about timing and settlements.

You might not be the one going to court—but you still matter in the eyes of the law. Judges are human, too, and many want to avoid harming kids if they can.