There's nothing easy about getting your mortgage modified or refinanced to avoid foreclosure.

But help is available if you know where to look.

Where to start depends on why you're in trouble.

Do you have an adjustable-rate mortgage with payments that have risen so far, so fast you can't possibly afford them?

If so, President Obama's Making Home Affordable program was designed for you. It provides lenders with financial incentives to lower payments to no more than 31% of the borrower's income.

Or are you in trouble because you lost your job in the recession and don't have enough savings to keep up with your bills?

You'll probably have to negotiate with your bank or mortgage servicing company without a government program to help you out.

But a reputable credit counselor can evaluate your finances, devise a plan to restructure your mortgage and take that plan to your lender.

Bankruptcy attorneys can also negotiate with your lender and offer the legal advice you may need.

Click here to read more about how to avoid foreclosure.