The number of mortgage-related lawsuits filed during the first quarter of this year jumped by more than 50 percent, an online mortgage news analyst has reported. According to MortgageDaily.com, 81 mortgage-related lawsuits were filed during the first quarter of 2009 compared to only 50 during the first quarter of 2008. Attorneys familiar with the matter said the rise in filings is not surprising given the effects of the crisis on both homeowners and investors.