Each month FindLaw highlights a legal topic. In light of recent trends in the national housing market -- and President Bush's signing of a new sweeping housing relief law -- the August spotlight is on Foreclosure. Click on the links below for tips on avoiding foreclosure, state-specific foreclosure information, news, and more.

• Real Estate Center: Foreclosure - Get in-depth information on foreclosure, from FindLaw's Real Estate Center.

• What is Foreclosure? - Introductory information on foreclosure, types of foreclosure, and the foreclosure process.

• How to Avoid Foreclosure - Steps to follow at the first sign of trouble with house payments.

• State-Specific Information on Foreclosure - Links to foreclosure information and help in your state.

• Watch Out for Foreclosure Scams - Avoiding common scams like equity skimming, phony counseling agencies, and more.

• Foreclosure in the News:
  • Bush Signs Broad Housing Relief Bill (FindLaw's Common Law Blog)
  • Summary of the "Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008" (U.S. Senate) [PDF file]
  • Freddie Mac Issues New Foreclosure Prevention Measures (CNNMoney.com)
  • Bush Signs Housing Bill as Fannie Mae Grows (Reuters)
  • Housing Measure Called Good Bandage (Chicago Tribune)
  • Foreclosures Double from Last Year (Reuters)
  • Foreclosure Activity Up 14 Percent in Second Quarter (RealtyTrac)