Debt Relief Lawyer Elgin IL – ASM Law – 847-231-3999
Getting in over your head financially can happen quickly. One day it seems like you have everything under control, and the next day, your finances are out of reach.
How Did It Get So Bad So Fast?
Life is expensive, and people do not always make the best choices when managing their money. Credit cards get maxed out. You could have surprise medical bills. Even taking out a personal or home equity loan with low-interest rates does not seem to make a difference. Suddenly, you could be looking at losing your car or, worse yet, your home. If you cannot get a handle on overwhelming debt, it may be time for help.
Debt Relief Options
It can be challenging to know when it is time to reach out for help. There are many choices available. Some are good, and some should be avoided.
Some alternatives to consider:
-Relieving debt on your own.
-Working with a debt settlement company.
-Filing for bankruptcy.
-Debt consolidation.
-Hire an attorney.
Debt Relief Lawyer Elgin IL
Resolving Debt Problems On Your Own
As a rule, you want to be able to pay off existing, unsecured debt within five years. This kind of debt would include medical bills, credit cards, or short-term loans. If you feel you want to settle your debts rather than another option, you might not need to hire a Debt Relief Lawyer Elgin IL. You could follow the path of credit counselors and put together a debt management plan. In this type of arrangement, you would contact your creditors directly and explain your situation. Hardship programs are available through most credit card companies, and they might offer some assistance.
You may find that you could work it out on your own by tightening your budget and talking with your creditors. If that seems impossible, it is time to consider other options. Debt Relief Lawyer Elgin IL management, bankruptcy, or debt settlement are the choices available to you.
What alternative is the best for you? Debt Relief Lawyer Elgin IL relief can be treacherous water to navigate. It takes discipline and tenacity to work. On the one hand, it could give you a much needed, fresh financial start. On the other hand, you could end up in worse shape than when you began the process. A Debt Relief Lawyer Elgin IL could help you work something out with your creditors. Be advised, however, that you should avoid using debt settlement companies.
If you consider hiring a Debt Relief Lawyer Elgin IL, make sure it is someone from a reputable law firm and not a debt settlement company. Know what you are getting into because even if the process goes smoothly, there are still some consequences.
Debt Settlement Companies: Proceed With Caution
If desperate enough, a person will reach for whatever is easily attainable that seems like it will get them out of trouble. Approach the Debt Relief Lawyer Elgin IL settlement industry cautiously. There are unscrupulous businesses waiting in the weeds for desperate people. These firms are happy to take whatever funds you have left, so do your homework. A common pitch in debt settlement marketing is that they can settle your credit card debt within three years for far less than what you owe.
Do not believe it. It is common for customers of debt settlement companies to get sued by their credit card companies, compounding your problems. Illinois protects consumers against debt settlement cons, but it is still possible for issues to occur. There are much better alternatives available. When negotiating with creditors, it is recommended that you hire an experienced attorney and avoid a Debt Relief Lawyer Elgin IL settlement company.
Debt Relief Through Bankruptcy – Debt Relief Lawyer Elgin IL – 847-231-3999
Bankruptcy is legal, financial protection for you because it forgives, discharges, or restructures your debt. But there is a stigma around filing for bankruptcy. Like any debt-relief alternatives, it has its good and bad points. The two forms of bankruptcy in Illinois for Debt Relief Lawyer Elgin IL are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
Chapter 13 is a reorganization of your debt, and Chapter 7, or “straight bankruptcy,” is a total liquidation. Chapter 7 is the most common because it can eliminate most credit card and medical debt and unsecured personal loans. It does have limitations and drawbacks, however. If you continue to incur debt, you cannot file another Chapter 7 bankruptcy for eight years.
Chapter 13 is a repayment plan based on what you earn and what you owe. The plan is approved by a court, usually for a duration of three or five years. The remaining unsecured debt is discharged.
Filing for bankruptcy is a complicated process. Conferring with a bankruptcy attorney before diving into any Debt Relief Lawyer Elgin IL is an excellent idea.
Options in the State of Illinois
You have two alternative options to bankruptcy in Illinois. You can pursue debt relief by consolidating your payments through a credit counseling service or combining what you owe into a debt consolidation loan. Your employment income situation and assets factor in the availability of these options.
-Debt Consolidation. Before pursuing Chapter 13 bankruptcy to hold onto your home, it would be a good idea to consider the debt consolidation option. Debt consolidation loans fall into two categories: Secured, usually through the equity in your home, and unsecured. You would make a monthly payment to the consolidation company, and that company pays down the debt to your creditors.
Get Started Today!
-Consumer Credit Counseling. This is another avenue to consider when facing overwhelming debt. These counselors generate payment plans similar to debt management. Your creditors might offer a lower interest rate or lower your payments if you enter a debt repayment plan.
The credit counseling firm pays your creditors on a payment schedule through monthly deposits you have made with the service. You agree not to obtain any additional credit while being part of the program. The charges for these services vary from place to place. Some services charge very little for administering the plan, while others might charge a larger fee. There are also credit counseling agencies that receive funding from creditors.
Why Hiring a Dent Relief Lawyer Elgin IL is a Beneficial
A reputable attorney will familiarize you with all of the alternatives. They can also determine if you should try to settle your debts or if it would be better to pursue something else, like filing for bankruptcy. An experienced Debt Relief Lawyer Elgin IL will analyze your situation. And then provide you with appropriate legal advice. An experienced debt settlement lawyer has extensive knowledge about debt collections.
They are also skilled negotiators. Also, a lawyer will represent you in the event of a creditor filing a lawsuit. A lawyer can also provide specific advice if a creditor violates the law when attempting to collect from you.
Be Aware of Bad Debt Settlement Lawyers
As with hiring any professional, it is essential to do your homework when hiring a debt settlement attorney. Debt settlement companies are known to hire lawyers to provide the company an appearance of legitimacy. In reality, these lawyers are a front and have virtually nothing to do with you or the debt settlement process.
Be Proactive
Damage from debt that is spiraling out of control will not correct itself. Letting it go makes matters worse. If you face overwhelming debt and you cannot get a handle on it, take action on your own, or get help.