The former Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture interpreted 28 U.S.C. § 524(c) as authorizing pre-forfeiture payment of liens and mortgages. Use of this authority must be approved in writing by MNF prior to entering into any agreement to pay a lienholder. It is intended that this authority be used sparingly and only in those situations where pre-forfeiture payment of liens and mortgages is necessary to avoid extreme hardship to natural persons. All other viable options, including interlocutory sales, must be pursued prior to seeking this authority.

[cited in JM 9-2.400; 9-119.010]