Debt relief service

So, you’re in over your head and you’re considering a route known as debt settlement (debt negotiation), whereby your creditors will agree to accept less than the full balance owed on your accounts. You’ve probably heard or read about many different opinions relating to debt settlement and you’re not sure if this is the way you really want to go. You’re probably also questioning all that you’ve heard and are likely confused and unsure of what’s fact and what’s actually fiction. So, let’s attempt to clarify the process of debt settlement by starting with the “bad.”

Obviously, your creditors will not accept less than what you owe them without a little pain on your part. Unless your accounts are already delinquent, don’t even attempt to work out a settlement agreement with even one of your creditors because it simply won’t happen. Period. Unfortunately, your accounts must be at a certain stage of delinquency prior to negotiating a settlement. If you’d like to attempt to work something out while your accounts are current, or even 30-60 days delinquent, I urge you to do so because at the very least you’ll find out the truth and realize the end result won’t be pretty. So, yes this is one of the ugly components of debt settlement. Your accounts must go delinquent, and subsequently, your credit score will be reduced for a few months.

Perhaps you’ve also heard that you may have a tax liability as a result of debt settlement. True? Maybe. You see, creditors are required by the IRS to report all canceled debt over the amount of $600 on Form 1099. Now, you may or may not be liable for income taxes as a result of debt settlement due to the fact that an “insolvency” rule exists for individuals who are classified as insolvent at the time of their various settlements. In order to be considered insolvent your liabilities must exceed your assets. If you’re not sure where you stand, I recommend that you speak with your tax professional to find out if this is the case for you.

Well, we’ve covered the negative aspects of debt settlement; now let’s take a look at the good that can result from negotiating with your creditors.

Let’s face it – if you’re considering debt settlement, you’re struggling to meet your monthly financial obligations, or your accounts are already seriously delinquent and you’re even contemplating bankruptcy. Debt settlement is an excellent alternative to bankruptcy because it allows you to become free from debt without allowing your personal information to become a matter of public record, as would be the case with a bankruptcy filing.

Additionally, while the reported delinquencies on your various accounts will have a temporary negative impact on your credit score, the effect won’t be nearly as severe as that of a bankruptcy filing. If you’ve managed to keep your accounts current, and your credit score is reduced during the process of debt settlement, your score will continually increase as your accounts reflect zero balances, which will occur with each final settlement payment. In most cases, individuals find that their credit score is back up between 600 and 700 within 6-9 months of completing the process of debt settlement.

Probably the most relevant benefit regarding debt settlement is that you’ll be free from debt. No more sleepless nights and constant worry, trying to figure out how you’ll get through the next month with a positive balance in your checking account.

Hopefully this piece has assisted you in figuring out if debt settlement is right for you. If you’re still not sure, and I have not successfully clarified “The bad, the good and the truth,” you can learn more about debt settlement by clicking here.

By: Marie Megge

If unexpected health issues have left you sick about your rising medical bills, a job loss has eliminated your regular income, or a divorce, accident, or similar tragedy has devastated you with a large amount of unsecured debt, you need help. There are several options available, among which are bankruptcy, debt consolidation, debt settlement, and doing nothing but making minimum payments or ignoring the issue, hoping it will go away. While there may be appropriate times for considering bankruptcy, for many this is an embarrassing and unethical solution to their debt problems. On the other hand, settlement can be an ethical approach to handling accounts because it offers a renegotiation of terms of the original contract between both parties. This is also where debt settlement legal advice is worth every penny.

As is often the case, there are those who would capitalize on your best efforts to clear yourself financially. One way to avoid being taken advantage of is to go with a law firm that specializes in settlement, or a debt solution company that has a lawyer on staff. In the rather rare event that a creditor might decide to try and sue you, a lawyer can assist with legal letters and advice. Certainly, debt settlement legal advice is worth every penny when you are facing a potential lawsuit. With the right choice of such a settlement company, you already have access to an experienced lawyer; you don’t have to go looking for your own and the expense that comes with that.

Should you feel the need to go to court in the process of settling your debts, the in-house legal counsel that comes with a law firm solution company, or company with a lawyer on staff, will be invaluable. You will be represented by someone who knows your case completely and has a vested interest in seeing that you win. You will, in a very real sense, have the team behind you as you deal with your frustrated creditor.

Trying to work one’s way out of the quicksand of unsecured debt can seem hopeless for the person who is trusting his own instincts or puts himself in the hands of unskilled, even unscrupulous debt reduction businesses. Having debt settlement legal advice is worth every penny when it allows successful negotiation between you and your creditor, all the while protecting your legal rights and dignity, so that you can feel secure about your financial choices.

By: Hector Milla