Applying for a home loan modification can be an effective loss mitigation option for home owners behind on mortgage payments. If a homeowner chooses to work with a professional, it is best to work with an attorney (licensed in your state) who can also have other legal remedies to avoid foreclosure, if the loan modification is unsuccessful. Shield law can help owners with their application, but can also asses the case to determine if factors like debt-to-income ratio and hardship would impact the case.