What does this legal notice mean for the homeowner?

It notifies the homeowner that a foreclosure lawsuit was filed against the property on Feb 9, 2026 and they should respond through counsel or file required pleadings in Athens County Court.

Where is the case filed and what's the case number?

The case is filed in Athens County Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 26CI0034, Judge George P. McCarthy.

Who filed the lawsuit and why?

Valley National Bank (successor to VNB Mortgage Services) filed the suit alleging defendants have an interest in the property and seeking relief related to the mortgage.

Foreclosure — 9391 Bassett Rd, Athens, OH (26CI0034)

Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Lender

Affects:HomeownersProperty BuyersCreditorsDefendants

Valley National Bank filed a complaint on Feb 9, 2026, alleging Lori Ann Ross (aka Lori A. Downard) and unknown spouse have an interest in property at 9391 Bassett Rd, Athens. The bank seeks foreclosure relief in Athens County Court of Common Pleas.

Key Takeaways

Complaint filed Feb 9, 2026 in Case No. 26CI0034
Property at 9391 Bassett Rd, Athens is subject of suit
Defendant: Lori Ann Ross aka Lori A. Downard
Plaintiff: Valley National Bank (successor to VNB Mortgage Services)
Action seeks to establish interest and pursue foreclosure

Published: May 9, 2026 · 1 week ago
Category: Foreclosure
City: Athens

Address

9391 Bassett Rd, Athens, OH

Case #

26CI0034

Research context

8 foreclosure notices in Athens (last 12 months)

View full case dossier

All filings for #26CI0034 with AI case analysis

If you don't respond

If no response is filed in the foreclosure case, the court may enter a judgment against the defendants and allow sale or other enforcement of the mortgage; deadlines follow local civil procedure and the court's scheduling after the Feb 9, 2026 filing.

What to do next

1
Confirm service and review complaint
If you are Lori Ann Ross or an affected party, obtain a copy of the complaint filed Feb 9, 2026 from Athens County Clerk to verify claims.
2
Contact an attorney
Consult a foreclosure or real estate attorney promptly to discuss defenses and deadlines in Case No. 26CI0034.
3
Consider loss mitigation
Contact Valley National Bank or mortgage servicer to discuss possible loan workout options before the court proceeds.

Frequently asked questions

What does this legal notice mean for the homeowner?: It notifies the homeowner that a foreclosure lawsuit was filed against the property on Feb 9, 2026 and they should respond through counsel or file required pleadings in Athens County Court.
Where is the case filed and what's the case number?: The case is filed in Athens County Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 26CI0034, Judge George P. McCarthy.
Who filed the lawsuit and why?: Valley National Bank (successor to VNB Mortgage Services) filed the suit alleging defendants have an interest in the property and seeking relief related to the mortgage.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Foreclosure: Legal process by which a lender seeks to sell property to recover an unpaid loan balance.
Complaint: The initial court document that starts a lawsuit and states the plaintiff's claims.
Unknown Spouse: A placeholder for a possibly married spouse whose identity or whereabouts are not known.

Full Notice Text

LEGAL NOTICE
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
ATHENS COUNTY, OHIO

Valley National Bank Successor by 
Merger to VNB Mortgage Services, Inc.

           Plaintiff
    vs.

Lori Ann Ross 
aka Lori A. Downard, et al.,

           Defendants

Case No.: 26CI0034
Judge: George P. McCarthy

Legal Notice

Defendant(s), Lori Ann Ross aka Lori A. Downard And  John Doe, Real Name Unknown, The Unknown Spouse, If any, of Lori Ann Ross aka Lori A. Downard, whose last known address is 7859 Williams Road, Athens, OH 45701, will take notice that on February 9, 2026, Valley National Bank Successor by Merger to VNB Mortgage Services, Inc., filed its Complaint in Case Number 26CI0034, Athens County, Ohio, alleging that the defendant(s), Lori Ann Ross aka Lori A. Downard And  John Doe, Real Name Unknown, The Unknown Spouse, If any, of Lori Ann Ross aka Lori A. Downard, have or claim to have an interest in the real estate described below:

Premises commonly known as: 9391 Bassett Rd, Athen