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What Steps Can I Take to Reduce the Risk Being Sued?

Posted on: May 14th, 2012 by Editor in Credit Card Debt Relief, Credit Counseling, Debt Settlement, News

Regardless of what some debt settlement companies may tell you, the truth of the matter is that once you stop paying your credit card accounts you may be sued by your creditors.

As a defendant you will find that a debt collection lawsuit will be protracted, difficult, frustrating, and expensive. However, even more disquieting is what happens as a result of a debt collection lawsuit. In order to avoid a “Default Judgment” being entered by the Court you will be required to file certain responsive pleadings and possibly make appearances in court. To protect against a “Default Judgment” you will have to file certain pleadings setting up your defense against the lawsuit.

Once a judgment has been entered, be it a Default Judgment or one that is entered after the matter is tried in court, collection procedures begin.

They can be harsh! In most states collection procedures involve asset discovery hearings, a judgment lien being entered against any un-exempt real property, possible garnishments of wages and bank accounts.

There are some things you can do to reduce your risk of being sued by your creditors.
1. If possible make your accounts current.
2. Become pro-active and address the issue as soon as possible.
3. Talk with your creditors.
4. Seek professional help

The best way to help avoid being sued is to seek professional help. This means obtaining the services of a licensed professional who knows the laws of your state. Obtain the services of a licensed attorney at law. You should obtain this help as soon as possible because the extent to which your attorney can help is partly contingent on how quickly your attorney can start working on the matter.

Associated Attorneys, LLC can direct you to a licensed attorney in your state who can help. Upon obtaining the services of an in-state attorney the attorney will:

1. Immediately contact your creditors and let them know that you have obtained their services.

2. Advise your creditors that you are desirous of settling your accounts and that you are setting
aside funds for that purpose.

3. Negotiate with your creditors in an effort to make a reasonable lump sum or pay-out
settlement.

4. If and when the account goes to a debt collection attorney, your attorney will negotiate with
the debt collection attorney in an effort to settle your account. And,

5. If all else fails and a lawsuit is filed, your attorney will continue to negotiate with the debt collection attorney in an effort to set up a re-payment plan based on an “Agreed Judgment”. This “Agreed Judgment” can be structured to stay or put on hold any collection procedures such as execution of the judgment, garnishment of wages, and/or garnishment of bank accounts. This “Agreed Judgment” will give you time to pay the account while holding in abeyance all collection procedures.

For more information contact Associated Attorneys, LLC. toll free at (866) 411-4693.

American Consumer Debt is Increasing

Posted on: May 9th, 2012 by Editor in Credit Card Debt Relief, Debt Settlement

More and more American consumers are experiencing financial difficulties. In March of 2012 the latest government figures show that there has been a 21.4 million dollar rise in consumer debt.

Part of this debt is due to Americans, of their own volition; taking on more debt; but much more is due to hard economic times. Many have to take on more debt just to survive.

Loss of jobs, reduction in pay or working hours are factors. Moreover, increases in the price of gas, energy, food, etc. consumers are being squeezed, many to the breaking point.

The unemployment rate is at 8.2%. This figure however is deceptive in that it is a measure of those who are still looking for work. Sadly, some American consumers have simply “given up”. After months and even years of unsuccessfully trying to find employment they no longer look for work. Work skills are lost and a sense of hopelessness sets in. They are not only economically affected, they are psychologically affected. Many will never be able to successfully re-enter the workforce.

Additionally, many of those now employed are “under employed”. In order to generate some income, they have been forced to take jobs that are below their work skills and their ability. These jobs are low-paying; provide no benefits such as health insurance, and no job security. Most pay no more than the prevailing minimum wage.

Is it any wonder that consumer debt is on the rise and credit card use is increasing? Many are taking on more debt, not because they want to; they have to in order to make ends meet. For many, financial disaster is just around the corner. It is just one sickness, one unexpected expense, or some other event that will push them over the edge.

Hard economic times for Americans means even better times for banks, financial institutions and credit card companies.

Visa and Master Card are now reporting an increase in credit card use and a substantial increase in profits. Banks and financial institutions are making billions of dollars.

There is no substitute for advance planning and taking preventive action. Anyone who is experiencing difficult financial times, who are falling behind on their mortgage, credit card payments, or other financial obligations should seek professional help. Such help is available.

Associated Attorneys, LLC can direct you to a skilled, qualified, experienced licensed attorney at law who can give you the professional help you need. The attorney will be licensed to practice law in the state wherein you are a resident.

For more information contact Associated Attorneys, LLC at www.associatedattorneys.com or
call toll free 866-411-4693

Information You Should Know Before Entering Debt Settlement

Posted on: March 27th, 2012 by Editor in Debt Settlement

There are several things that you should know if you are anticipating entering into some type of debt settlement or debt relief program.

The success or failure of you receiving the results you desire can depend on this information.

1. Do not make large credit card purchases, cash withdraws, or use funds from one credit card to pay off or reduce the balance on another. This is a red flag for your creditors. Many will not negotiate for a reduction or settlement of your account when they see that you have done engages in this activity. They consider it to be fraud.

2. You could be well advised to reserve at least one credit card, keep payments current and do not include it in debt settlement. This card can be used in case you have an emergency. Most likely settlement on other cards will not cause the credit card company to cancel a card that you have kept current.

3. In many instances both the man and the wife have credit cards. Some of the cards will be in the name on one spouse who is solely responsible for payment while others may list both as the financially responsible parties. For this reason it is sometimes best to include for debt settlement the cards in which only one person in the marriage is financially responsible. You may be able to keep the cards and the credit of one spouse in good stead. Remember in most states the financial obligation of one spouse is not the responsibility of the other spouse. Before embarking on debt settlement be sure that you know who is the responsible party on the account. Keep in mind that just because your name appears on the card itself does not mean that you are a financially responsible party.

4. Credit card companies are keen to issue credit cards to business operating under business organizations such as limited liability companies, corporations, and other business entities. When credit card companies issue these cards they require that the person requesting the card for the business entity be personally liable and obligated to pay the account. In effect the person requesting the card becomes a personal “guarantor” for the business. If the account goes into default the credit card company will look directly to this guarantor rather than the business for payment.

5. The provisions of the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) do not apply to corporate accounts as they apply to personal accounts. The restraints and requirements on credit card companies regarding corporate accounts are limited. For instance the prohibition regarding the monthly payment being due on a Sunday does not apply to corporate accounts. If you are contemplating some type of debt settlement you should talk to a professional who is well versed in all aspects of obtaining credit card debt relief.

You can get the information and the help you need from an attorney provided by Associated Attorneys, LLC. Information is available by contacting Associated Attorneys, LLC at www.associatedattorneys.com or by calling toll free at 1-866-411-4693.

Settling Your Debt by Yourself

Posted on: March 27th, 2012 by Editor in Debt Settlement

Some consumers who are in financial distress attempt to deal with credit card companies, bill collectors, and credit card collection attorneys to resolve their accounts. Sometimes it is possible for a consumer to settle their own debts. In addition to being an unpleasant process, results are mixed. Most likely much better results could have been obtained by a debt negotiation and debt settlement professional.

If you chose to embark on the process of settling your credit cards yourself there are some thing you should be aware.

1. Credit card companies will not entertain debt settlement as long as you are current with your payments. Why should they? They have got you paying and have no indication that you will not continue to do so. Usually an account has to go delinquent for 3 to 6 months before the credit card company will enter into any negotiations for debt reduction. At this point they consider the account to be at risk and have an incentive to try to salvage as much as they can.

2. Steps in the collection procedure. There is a certain procedure or protocol which credit card companies follow in trying to collect outstanding accounts. You should know at what stage in the collection process your account is. Moreover, you should know what collection procedures are employed at each particular stage. For instance the approach used by a bill collector is much different than that used by a debt collection attorney.

3. Collection approaches. When your accounts gets delinquent your first encounter with the credit card collectors will be civil and respectful. Over time without payment the attitude of the collector will become more demanding and harsh. When the account is turned over to a 3rd party bill collector who possibly has purchased your account for pennies on the dollar the approach will become stringent and threatening. Although because of the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) there are limits on what these bill collectors can do and say, the approach is drastic and intimidating. Having to deal with these “bottom feeders” is indeed a very unpleasant experience. Your account may be turned over to a debt collection attorney. At this point you must be very careful and mindful of what may well be the filing of a debt collection lawsuit against you.

4. Credit card companies will do whatever they can to keep you paying. Credit card companies will do everything they can to keep you on the credit card payment treadmill. Their business model is such that by making only minimum payments each month it will most likely take years and years to pay off your account. You will pay many times over what you originally owed.

5. As an individual you have less leverage in trying to settle your accounts. Credit card companies know that you probably are not versed in consumer law and that you are more vulnerable to threats and intimidation than a professional debt settlement negotiator. Consequently, your ability to arrive at a reasonable settlement is very limited. Most find after an attempt to settle their own debts they are unable to do so and turn to a professional for assistance. During the time they have spent trying to settle the accounts themselves they find that interest and fees have been added. They are now paying interest on interest. They are in worse financial shape than they were before they started.

Help is available. You can get the most reliable, effective debt reduction and debt settlement possible by getting the services of a licensed attorney at law who is skilled and experienced in debt negotiation and debt reduction. Associated Attorneys, LLC can provide you with such an attorney who is licensed to practice law in your state.

For more information please contact www.associatedattorneys.com or call toll free 1-866-411-4693.

About the Author: Melvin R. Singleterry former Judge and former elected District Attorney is a licensed and practicing attorney of many years who specializes in consumer debt law.

Your State Law Directly Affects Your Debt Settlement

Posted on: March 27th, 2012 by Editor in Debt Relief by Lawyer, Debt Settlement

Whether or not to become involved in debt settlement in order to resolve and relieve your financial difficulties is one of the most important financial decisions a distressed consumer may have to make. The consumer must first decide if debt settlement is the appropriate remedy for them.

After this decision is made, they must decide who they are going to employ to accomplish this task.

One very important part of dealing and resolving credit card debt is to consider all aspects of your financial circumstances. The proper and correct approach to debt settlement is much more than just talking to credit card companies and trying to arrive at a settlement. Unfortunately, this is all that debt settlement companies do. They do not, and for that matter are not qualified, to make a comprehensive analysis of your financial situation and craft a debt settlement, debt reduction strategy that is most suited to your circumstances.

Debt settlement companies cannot give you legal advice. For them to do so is illegal.

They can’t tell you how the law in your particular state may impact your debt settlement process. They are not qualified to tell you for instance how not paying your credit card accounts may impact other parts of your financial life. They can’t tell you, for instance, whether or not your home might be at risk, whether or not you could lose your savings or retirement funds, whether or not wages and/or bank account might be subject to garnishment, etc. Even if they did attempt to give you this “legal advice” you would not want to rely on what they say. All aspects of debt settlement are controlled by state law. These are just a few of the issues that you should have sound legal advice prior to embarking on a program of debt settlement.

The statutes and case law in your state directly impacts not only your debt settlement, it affects other aspects of your financial circumstances. By far the best and safest approach for resolving your credit card and other unsecured debt is to make settlement decisions with the back drop of how the law in your states affects the process.

The only safe way to get your credit card debts settled is to rely on the services of a licensed attorney at law who is skilled in the practice of debt reduction and debt settlement. To get the best, most comprehensive debt settlement possible the attorney you employ must be knowledgeable regarding the consumer law of your state. The attorney must be licensed to practice law in the state wherein you reside.

Associated Attorneys, LLC can provide you with a highly experienced, skilled and qualified attorney to provide your debt settlement. The attorney not only knows how to best settle your accounts, he or she will do so with the knowledge of the law in your state.

For more information please contact Associated Attorneys, LLC at www.associatedattorneys.com or call toll free at 1-866-411-4693.

About the Author: Melvin R. Singleterry, former Judge and former elected District Attorney is a licensed, practicing attorney of many years who specializes in consumer debt law.

Debt Settlement Companies—A Bad Choice

Posted on: March 27th, 2012 by Editor in Debt Relief by Lawyer, Debt Settlement

Financial difficulties can befall almost anyone. Dealing with constant calls from bill collectors, receiving collection letters from creditors, and living with ever present fear that complete financial collapse is just around the corner is a way of life for far too many American consumers. A person in this situation usually experiences a since of hopeless and foreboding.

Although it is of no consolation to the person in this difficult situation, they are there by no fault of their own. Loss of a job, reduction of income, illness, medical expenses are among the most common reasons that people get into financial difficulties.

Financial problems not only affect the person in debt, it has a negative impact on others as well. Your ability to purchase health insurance, keep your home mortgage, set aside funds for retirement, provide for your children’s college education are just a few of the things that negatively affect those close to you.

Too many times a person under financial stress loses some of their ability to make rational decisions based on good judgment and reason. They do things that they would not have done had they not been in what appears to them to be a hopeless situation. They contact a debt settlement company. Unfortunately, they are subjectable to the “pitch” of dishonest and unscrupulous debt settlement companies. When this happens their bad financial circumstances only gets worse.

The representative for the debt settlement company will exaggerate and misrepresent what they can do. Among other things, they will tell you they can settle your outstanding credit card accounts for less than what can be done, that you will pay less than you will actually pay for their services, and that with them settling your accounts you will not get sued. They will lead you to believe that with their “help” your financial worries are over. Don’t fall for it!

Just as important as what the representatives or tell you are the things that they don’t tell you. Some of the things they will fail to tell you is that debt settlement can have a negative impact on your credit score, that there are usually federal tax consequences connected to debt reduction, and the settlement funds you send to them are likely to be forever beyond your ability to recapture.

Perhaps the most egregious misrepresentation that they make is to tell you that with them handling your accounts you will not get sued. If you ask them directly about this happening they will try to minimize the possibility. They may try to intimate that they have a “special” relationship with your creditors and because of this they will not file suit against you. They take this approach because they know that if you do get sued there is absolutely nothing they can do to help. They are not attorneys and can’t give you legal advice, file necessary legal documents, or appear in court on your behalf. You are on your on! It is your problem, not theirs. You either represent yourself or hire an attorney.

Don’t fall for their “pitch”. You can get the best credit card debt reduction and debt settlement available through an attorney at law that is skilled and qualified in handling consumer debt settlement. You never have to be concerned about the ability and integrity your attorney. Your attorney will settle your accounts for the least possible amounts. Since your attorney is licensed to practice law in your state, if you do get sued your attorney will give you legal advice, prepare and make all necessary court filings and represent you in court. All of these legal services will be provided you for no additional costs. You will find that being represented by an attorney at law in your debt settlement will most likely be at less cost to you than relying on a debt settlement company for help.

Associated Attorneys, LLC can direct you to a highly qualified, skilled credit card debt reduction and debt settlement attorney who can settle you credit card accounts for the least amount possible and do so in a manner in which you can have confidence. You can have relief from your financial difficulties and experience peace of mind. For more information please contact Associated Attorneys, LLC at www.associatedattorneys.com or call toll free at 1-866-411-4693.

About the Author: Melvin R. Singleterry, former Judge and former elected District Attorney is a licensed practicing attorney of many years who specializes in consumer debt law.

The Warning Signs of Debt

Posted on: March 7th, 2012 by Editor in Credit Counseling, Debt Settlement, News

A total personal financial crisis does not just happen. The journey toward a credit card financial meltdown does not come without warning. There are symptoms, warning signs and, “red flags” along the way. A consumer would be well advised to be aware of these warnings and make adjustments where possible. Seeking professional debt settlement or debt help most likely could be the best possible solution.

The warning signs of debt are:

1. Making only minimum payments:

Credit card companies have developed a business model that guarantees the maximum amount of profit for them.

They try to keep the consumer paying as long as possible. They don’t want their customers to pay off their accounts.

As long as the customer is paying the credit card company is making money. If a consumer is making only the minimum payment each month it will take years and years to pay off the account. Moreover, the consumer will pay substantially more than what the originally owed. It will take a consumer who owes $25,000 in total credit card debt and who only makes the minimum monthly payment a total of 56 years and 7 months to pay off the debt. The consumer will pay a total of $93,557.00.

2. Making payments late or missing payments:

Typically there is a reason why a consumer makes late payments or misses payments. The reason is lack of sufficient funds. The consequences for the consumer are devastating. Credit card companies tack on additional “late fees” and possible “over limit fees”. They may raise the interest rate and over time the consumer’s credit score takes a negative hit. Once a consumer starts falling behind it is usually difficult to ever catch up.

3. Taking cash advances to pay other bills:

This activity is systematic of a financial crisis. The reason a consumer might engage in this activity is the same as other symptoms. It is the lack of sufficient funds.

By taking cash advances to pay other bills the consumer falls deeper into debt with the credit card companies.

Credit card companies charge a higher rate of interest for cash advances.

4. Using one card to pay another:

Consumers who are using one credit card to pay another are simply digging themselves deeper in debt and are on the brink of a full blown financial crisis. In effect, they are paying “interest on interest”. Their monthly financial obligation increases and they increase the amount of their total credit card debt. The credit card companies love it.

5. Receiving collection calls and letters:

Once a consumer starts receiving collection calls and collection letters they are facing a financial crisis. At this point their options are limited. Most consumers find that receiving repeated calls and collection letters is very unsettling. In addition to the stress that the consumer is under due to the inability to pay on the accounts, the stress is magnified by the consumer having to deal with repeated calls and letters from credit card debt collectors. Although consumers enjoy some protection under the provisions of the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPC), bill collectors still have a great deal of latitude in making the life of a debtor difficult.

The downward spiral to financial ruin can be halted. As difficult and unsettling as unmanageable credit card debt can be, consumers can get credit card debt help. Without doubt, the safest and most effective kind of help is debt settlement or debt relief by a licensed attorney at law. Associated Attorneys, LLC can direct you to an attorney licensed in your state who can give you the professional help you need.

For more information contact Associated Attorneys, LLC at (866) 411-4693 or

www.AssociatedAttorneys.com.

Know Your Debt

Posted on: March 1st, 2012 by Editor in Associated Attorneys, Attorney Debt Relief, Debt Settlement

Having Complete Debt Information is Essential

During the course of talking to hundreds of consumers relative to attorney debt settlement we have found that many don‘t know much they actually owe on their credit card accounts. When ask they usually give a range such as $30 to $40 thousand. Some are not sure how many outstanding accounts they have and how much is owed on each account. I suspect that most that don’t know how much, and to whom, they owe are probably in “denial”. They simply can’t face the reality of their financial circumstances.

Through many years as a practicing attorney I have found that with any problem that must be addressed, the first and most important thing to do is “get the facts”. After the facts have been determined a viable plan to deal with the issue can be crafted.

A plan that has been developed on insufficient or erroneous facts is deemed to failure. Moreover, a plan that has been developed on accurate facts is destined to succeed.

This general principal that is requisite to effectively dealing with any legal problem is also applicable in dealing with consumers who have unmanageable credit card or other unsecured debt. In this instance to “get the facts” means determining the identity of each creditor, the amount owed on each account, and arriving at a total amount outstanding. We insist that the consumer compile a written list of the individual credit card companies setting out the amount that is owed on each account. With that information it is then a simple matter to arrive at the total amount of debt owed.

After “getting the facts” the next step is to explore all options and then devise a viable program to deal with the problem. At this point the advice of a licensed attorney at law who is knowledgeable in consumer debt law and skilled in the art of credit card debt negotiation and credit card debt settlement is essential.

The truth of the matter is that financial difficulties will not go away by ignoring the problem. It must be met head on! The good news is that the problem of excessive, unmanageable credit card debt can be resolved. By far the best, safest, and most likely the most inexpensive way for consumers to get the help they need is through the professional services of a licensed attorney at law.

For more information contact Associated Attorneys, LLC at or call toll free (866) 411-4693.

States Where Legal Services are Available

Posted on: October 10th, 2011 by Editor in Associated Attorneys, Attorney Debt Relief, Debt Settlement, News

Associated Attorneys, LLC., can provide debt settlement negotiation and debt help for those who are suffering from oppressive and burdensome credit card debt. You can be debt free in less time than you might think. Your total cost will be surprisingly low. By using an attorney who is affiliated with Associated Attorneys your debt settlement will be without risk.

Associated Attorneys, LLC., offers you debt settlement services that no debt settlement company and very few, if any, attorney based debt settlement providers can or will offer.

Debt settlement attorneys in the Associated Attorneys network provide much more than just negotiating and settling your credit card and other unsecured debts. They will provide you with complete legal services. You will receive, at no additional costs to you, legal advice concerning all aspects of your debt settlement process. You will also receive, at no additional costs to you, complete legal representation in the event that you are sued by your creditors. This legal representation not only covers all aspects of a debt collection lawsuit, it also covers complete representation regarding the post judgment collection process. We know of no other debt settlement provider, attorney based, or otherwise that provides this total legal service.

When you hire an attorney which is part of the Associated Attorneys network you will receive services by an experienced consumer debt attorney licensed and practicing law in your state.

The states wherein Associated Attorneys will provide you with experienced, professional legal help are as follows:

Arizona	Maryland	Oregon
Arkansas	Massachusetts	Pennsylvania
California	Michigan	Rhode Island
Colorado	Minnesota	South Carolina
Connecticut	Mississippi	South Dakota
Delaware	Missouri	Tennessee
Florida	Montana	Texas
Georgia	Nebraska	Utah
Hawaii	Nevada	Vermont
Idaho	New Hampshire	Virginia
Illinois	New Jersey	Washington
Indiana	New Mexico	Washington D.C.
Iowa	New York	West Virginia
Kansas	North Carolina	Wisconsin
Kentucky	North Dakota	Wyoming

Some Credit Card Companies with which We Deal

Posted on: October 10th, 2011 by Editor in Associated Attorneys, Debt Settlement, News

Over the years attorneys affiliated with Associated Attorneys, LLC., have negotiated and settled numerous outstanding credit card debts. Each credit card company, third party bill collector, and collection attorney have a particular set of parameters they follow in settling debts with consumers. Over the years, we have learned what those parameters are.

We have also learned how to negotiate with each credit card company. We know which ones will accept a monthly payout arrangement and which will not. Which will agree to waiving interest and fees and which will not.

Which will agree to a reduction in interest rates and which will not. As a result of our experience we even know, in many instances, which debt collection representative or debt collection attorney is most likely to agree to a good settlement. We have a very good working relationship with these individuals.

Some of the credit card companies, third party bill collectors and collection attorneys with whom we deal are as follows:

Chase	Creditors Interchange, Inc.
Chase MasterCard	United Credit Bureau, Inc.
Discover	NCO Financial Services
Chase Visa	Allied Interstate, Inc.
Sears MasterCard	Capital Management Service
American Express	NES National Enterprise Systems
Navy Federal Credit Union	Weltman, Weinberg & Reis
Capital One Bank, NA	Global Credit Collection
Chase Sony Card	Creditors Financial
USAA Credit Card Services	Brachfeld Law Group
Chase BP Gas Card	Fredrick J. Hanna & Associates
Credit One Financial Service	Midland Credit Management, Inc.
Capital One Visa	Palisades Collection, LLC
Fifth Third Bank	Pentagroup Financial, LLC
IKIA	Philip and Cohen Associates
Central Subscription Service	Leading Edge Recovery Solutions
Juniper MasterCard	IC Systems, Inc.
Wal-Mart	GC Services, LP
Merrick Bank MC	Enhanced Recovery Corp.
HSBC	Zwicker & Associates
Lowes	Budzik & Dynia, LLC
Target	Burton Neil & Associat4es, P.C.
Macy’s	Hood and Stacy
J.C. Penny	Glasser & Glasser
Commerce Bank	DFS Service, LLC
Gander MTN	Bowman, Heintz, Boscia & Vivian
Wells Fargo Card Services	Beneficial
Sam’s Club	Creditors Financial Group
USAA Platinum MasterCard	Aspire Visa
Security Bankcard	Washington Mutual
Advanta	Quality Asset Recovery
First Bank of Puerto Rico	Credit One Bank
GE Money Bank	Bill Me Later
GE Care Credit	Wells Cash on Demand
US Airways MasterCard	AAA Financial
First National Bank of Omaha	Pay Pal Plus
Household Bank	Home Depot
Wells Fargo Financial	Kohl’s
Citi Financial	Tractor Supply Co.