A foreclosure by judicial sale, in some cases called a civil foreclosure, is a process that is used for a lender to take ownership of a home due to nonpayment. After a mortgagee has missed a payment, the lender will generally wait at least month, accruing late fees as the mortgagee continues on the path to default. At some point, if the mortgagee doesn't fulfill arrears, they will be issued a notice of default, a written document officially stating the current arrears and forthcoming foreclosure. In a foreclosure by judicial sale, the case will be taken to civil foreclosure court, where a judgment will be made regarding the default. If the default is granted in civil court but not paid, the lender can then proceed with foreclosure after completing steps regarding the writ of execution and lien. Under court supervision, the sale of the home will be made, with the proceeds being properly apportioned to the parties involved.