In mortgage possession proceedings, the court may stay, suspend or adjourn if there are reasonable grounds that the mortgagor can do what?

• A. pay the sum owed and future installments
• B. stay or adjourn without regard to payment
• C. order immediate possession regardless of cost
• D. stay, suspend or adjourn if there are reasonable grounds that the mortgagor can pay the sum owed and future installments

Answer: (D)

In mortgage possession cases, the court has discretion to delay or pause proceedings if there’s a real prospect that the borrower can bring the loan up to date. If there are reasonable grounds that the mortgagor can pay the arrears (the sum owed) and continue to pay future instalments, the court may stay, suspend or adjourn the hearing to allow time to do so. This reflects the idea that a temporary delay is appropriate when the borrower can realistically rectify the breach and keep the loan current. The other options fail because they either ignore payment, demand immediate possession, or state only part of the condition without including the ongoing payments.