Frequently Asked Questions

How does this affect my credit?
Accounts that have been settled appear positively on credit reports when compared to bad debt, or a bankruptcy. Your credit will decline on the front end until the debts can be reduced, whereupon your credit will improve again because one of the most important factors in evaluating your credit is the "debt to income ratio". Clients generally experience an overall improvement in their credit once the settlement process has been completed. The question that you must ask is, "Which is more important; getting out of debt, or protecting my credit?"

The program may have an initial negative effect. However, once negotiated and settled, your creditors will report the accounts as “settled” or “paid in full”. Settled accounts are positive compared to unresolved delinquent debts. The effect is much shorter than the alternatives of bankruptcy or lengthy credit counseling/management programs. Through debt settlement, you have shown that you were able to handle your own affairs. If you have been unable to keep up with the minimum monthly payments to your creditors, then the debt has already been reported as delinquent, which has most certainly affected your credit. Generally this also means that you have a high debt-to-income ratio, further contributing to poor credit. Remember, a lender looks at many factors to determine credit worthiness. The most important factor remains your debt-to-income ratio. Lenders in the mortgage and auto industry look at this to determine whether you qualify. You can have a clean credit history and still be denied a new loan because you already carry to much debt. Your first priority should be to become debt free and get back on your feet financially.

Will I still be able to use my credit cards?
No. All unsecured accounts in the program must be closed as a condition of participation in the Debt Settlement Program. You may choose to keep out a card(s) for emergencies. When deciding, if you possess two or more cards from the same lender (creditor), all must be enrolled or left out.

How long does the debt settlement program take to complete?
The length of time to complete your program will depend on the amount of your current debt and the amount of time you take to fund your trust or escrow account. Debt Settlement can usually eliminate your unsecured debt within 12-36 months.

Are there debts that cannot be entered into a negotiation program?
Yes, secured loans such as automobile loans and home mortgage loans.

When does the law firm begin settling my debt?
Once enrolled, your creditors will be notified immediately and the law firm will begin the settlement process. However, they can only settle a debt once the funds are available in your trust or escrow account.

If I miss a monthly payment to my account, will I be dropped from your program?
No. Simply call the law firm's customer service department. It is understandable that circumstances may arise and we will help you get back on track with your payment schedule.

Are my creditors going to continue to call me?
Your creditors are immediately notified by a Power of Attorney letter and Cease and Desist order, that you are a client of the law firm and all correspondence shall go through them. In the event that a creditor still persist in calling, you are provided a log sheet and are asked to record these calls for a short period of time. The law firm will use this record against the creditor to order them to stop.