5 Questions to Ask When You Want to Lower Your Debt
Does it feel like debt is controlling your life? Then you’re like millions of other Americans struggling to make ends meet because of past debts.
That’s okay, because you can reach a debt settlement with the right attorney. If you’re ready to take control of your finances and get life back on track without filing for bankruptcy, check out these 5 questions to ask debt settlement attorneys you’re considering to get the relief you need.
- Do I Need an Attorney for My Debt?
The biggest indicator that you might need debt settlement services is that you have a substantial amount of debt and not enough income to pay it. Most times, your state may have you complete consumer credit counseling to help you design a budget and provide financial advice for managing your debt.
However, if it’s too late to come up with a budget, or it’s unrealistic, then you probably want to contact an attorney who specializes in debt relief. Remember, it’s always better to choose an attorney over a debt settlement agency, because services from an agency can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run, which drives up your debt.
The only way to truly know if you need debt settlement is by getting a consultation from a debt settlement attorney. Many offer free consultations and work with your individual budget.
- How Many Debt Settlement Clients Do You Have?
While most attorneys have some debt settlement experience, it’s important to choose a debt settlement attorney that has many active debt settlement clients and a demonstrated history in the specialization. This ensures you’re choosing a lawyer who knows the specifics of debt settlement law in your state, and not an attorney who just dabbles in debt relief.
If you choose someone who isn’t experienced in debt settlement, then you risk being pushed into bankruptcy to settle your debt, which can have serious consequences for your future with big purchases, like a house or a car.
- Should I Choose Debt Settlement or Bankruptcy?
When people get in over their head with debt, the simple solution seems to be bankruptcy. After all, who wouldn’t want their debts completely erased? However, bankruptcy is actually incredibly expensive and can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years.
Bankruptcy makes borrowing money for future essentials almost impossible. Fortunately, a debt settlement attorney can help you avoid that fate and keep your credit as undamaged as possible.
- Can I Reach You Easily If I Have a Problem?
Having a large amount of debt is nothing short of stressful. So, when you have a question about the amount of money you owe, or about debt collecting practices, you need to quickly reach your attorney through email or the phone. Never settle for a lawyer that is too busy to give you the attention you need to feel confident about lowering your debt.
Find a new attorney if you’re constantly passed off to a paralegal, or you’re always stuck on loop with an automated process. The first sign of an excellent attorney is superb communication skills and the desire to maintain a client-attorney relationship throughout your debt relief process.
- How Much Does Debt Settlement Cost?
When you choose a debt relief attorney over an agency, you’re avoiding a lot of fees, hassle, and wasted time, because attorneys know exactly how to tailor debt relief to your individual case. They have the authority and education to expertly negotiate your debt as quickly as possible. With a debt relief agency, you might end up drawing out the process, while paying extra money in fees.
Debt relief attorneys usually charge on contingency, which means they don’t get paid until you win your case. Your lawyer then usually charges a small percentage of your new debt amount or the amount they saved you.
Hiring an attorney gives you a much higher chance of settling your debt than if you choose to negotiate alone or go with a debt settlement service. However, there is no guarantee that a debt relief attorney or debt service can actually lower your debt. Each case is unique and has individual results.
Don’t Live Your Life Under Debt Any Longer; Call a Debt Settlement Attorney for Relief
Debt collectors and creditors have a reputation for being a little intimidating with collecting money that’s owed, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Hiring a debt relief attorney can stop the annoying calls and give you peace of mind.
So, before you pay the full amount for your debt, file for bankruptcy, or just give up all together, contact a debt settlement attorney today, and see what they can do for you.