If you were provided a mortgage forbearance by Wells Fargo during the COVID-19 pandemic without informed consent, you may be entitled to benefits from a $185 million class action Settlement.
Settlement Overview
A $185 million settlement has been reached in the class action lawsuit In re Wells Fargo COVID Forbearance Settlement Litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. The Court approved the Settlement, which became effective on February 15, 2025.
Plaintiffs allege that Wells Fargo ("Defendant"), placed customers into forbearance without informed consent. In the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Plaintiffs allege that Wells Fargo decided to provide mortgage forbearances to certain customers who had made an inquiry or expressed hardship but had not explicitly requested a forbearance. A forbearance temporarily suspends a customer's obligation to make payments on their mortgage. However, the lawsuit alleges that some of the customers who received payment forbearances did not want them. Wells Fargo denies any wrongdoing. Both sides agreed to a settlement and the Court has approved the Settlement.
This website explains important legal rights you may have. Your legal rights are affected whether you act or do not act. Please read this website carefully.
Your Legal Rights and Options in This Lawsuit
Do Nothing and Receive a Settlement Check
If you were identified as a Class Member and did not request exclusion from the Settlement, you will receive an Automatic Payment from the Settlement Fund. Since the Settlement was granted final approval by the Court, you will release the claims in this litigation.
Submit a Claim for Additional Compensation
You could have requested Additional Compensation if you felt that being placed into forbearance without informed consent caused your credit applications to be denied or delayed or caused other harm. You must have completed and returned the Claim Form, postmarked on or before Friday, January 10, 2025. As the Settlement has been granted final approval by the Court, you are bound by the terms of the Settlement and cannot sue Wells Fargo, individually or as part of a class action, for the Class Released Claims that this Settlement resolves.
Exclude Yourself from the Settlement
The exclusion, or Opt Out, deadline was November 12, 2024. Exclusion Requests are no longer being accepted.
Object to the Settlement
The Objection Deadline was November 12, 2024. Objections are no longer being accepted.
These rights and options—and the deadlines to exercise them—are further explained in the Notice and on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page of this website.
Current Status
The Court has approved the Settlement, and on December 19, 2024, issued the Final Approval Order. The Settlement became effective February 15, 2025. Automatic and Co-borrower Payment distributions will commence in March 2025. Supplemental claims that were filed prior to the claims filing deadline of January 10, 2025, are currently being processed and evaluated. Please check this website periodically as any changes to the case status will be updated here.
Important Dates
- November 12, 2024 Deadline to Exclude Yourself from the Settlement
- November 12, 2024 Deadline to Object to the Settlement
- November 12, 2024 Deadline to File a Notice of Intention to Appear at Final Approval Hearing
- December 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. EST Final Approval Hearing
- December 19, 2024 Final Approval Order Granted
- January 10, 2025 Deadline to Submit a Claim Form
- March 17, 2025 Automatic and Co-borrower Payment Disbursement
Need Additional Legal Guidance?
At Bankruptcy Law Center, we understand that financial difficulties don't end with one settlement.
If you're still facing mortgage problems, foreclosure threats, or overwhelming debt, we're here to help you explore all your options. Attorney Ahren Tiller, who represented the Class of Consumers in this Wells Fargo settlement, and our experienced team can provide the compassionate guidance you need.
We can help you understand:
- Your rights under this settlement and beyond
- Bankruptcy protection options if you're still struggling with debt
- Foreclosure defense strategies to protect your home
- Debt relief solutions tailored to your specific situation
Don't let financial stress control your life. Whether you're receiving benefits from this settlement or need additional help with ongoing financial challenges, we're here to provide clear answers and effective solutions.
Contact us for a free consultation where we'll review your situation with the same dedication we brought to securing this $185 million settlement for Wells Fargo customers.
Attorney Ahren Tiller and BLC Law Center, APC represented the Class of Consumers in this settlement.
