Debt Settlement Law Firms: Must-Know Factors For Everyone

Apr 1
15:14

2013

Devora Witts

Devora Witts

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Debt settlements can be a lifesaver for those in serious credit card debt, but hiring the right people is essential. For many, debt settlement law firms are better than debt settlement companies.

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When the size of our credit cards debt has climbed to above what is repayable,Debt Settlement Law Firms: Must-Know Factors For Everyone Articles the financial situation can safely be described as a crisis. So, what can be done? Many people will head to the bankruptcy courts, but it is often better to agree a debt settlement instead - and a debt settlement law firm often offers the best possible solution.Admittedly, it is more common for people to seek out one of the many independent debt settlement companies that offer negotiation skills - and that is not a bad option. But the benefits from approved settlements can be huge, and law firms offer a lot more to their clients, ensuring the best possible settlement deal.But what are the issues and factors to watch out for, and how exactly can credit card debt settlements secured through a law firm be superior to those secured through a debt settlement company?How Debt Settlement WorksKnowing what a debt settlement agreement is, and how it works, helps to answer both of those questions. A settlement is basically where the creditor agrees to a write the debt off in full in return for a payment that is a percentage of the total owed.  A debt settlement law firm, or company, will conduct the negotiations on behalf of the debtor to secure the best possible deal.There is a process, however, with the first step being to convince the credit card company that repayments are not affordable. This is done by refusing to make card repayments for a period of about 6 months. After that, the debtor is in a stronger position to propose a percentage rather than the full amount.  One of the chief benefits from approved settlements is that debts are written off for a fraction of the debt owed, thereby making considerable savings. And when dealing with can credit card debt settlements, these savings can be in the thousands of dollars.Law Firms Vs CompaniesSo what is the difference between a debt settlement law firm and a company? Well, the key difference is that a law firm will help to cushion the legal blowback that can come with negotiations, something that companies are not fully equipped to provide.After all, a law firm has the legal clout to be able to deal with the potential lawsuits that creditors may opt to bring against a debtor. Most of the time, these lawsuits are threats designed to push the debtor into paying a higher percentage, but law firms can efficiently defuse any such threat.Another key benefit from approved settlements through a legal firm is that, even after legal proceedings have begun, negotiations can take place. With a settlement company, however, they are not given access to procedures so they cannot agree any credit card debt settlements with the creditor.Other Advantages To A Law FirmWhile dealing expertly with lawsuits, and the threats a credit card company and its collectors may make, is a hugely valuable advantage of hiring a debt settlement law firm, there is more on offer than that.One other benefit from approved settlements though the firm is that collection calls can be stopped. A third party, like a collection agency, is not legally entitled to call looking for money. If they so, your firm can sue them for breaching of the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act.In essence, however, it in the fact that when securing credit card debt settlements through a law firm, all of the legal issues are taken care of as standard. A settlement company can negotiate a good deal, but they are not experts in legal factors.