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.

Student loans, either private or government, have made it possible for thousands of young people to obtain a college education. Unlike days past obtaining a college education is now a very expensive process. For most obtaining a college education requires that funds be obtained by borrowing. At a state institution the average costs for one year of instruction is in excess of $15,000.00. Of course, attendance at a private school is far more expensive.

Presently, according to the latest government figures, about 83% of the college graduates have student debt. The average debt amount is $27,204.00.

American students have amassed an astonishing 1 trillion dollars in student debt. They took out twice the value of student loans in 2011, about $112 billion, as they did a decade before.

As of 2010 the amount of student debt for the first time exceeded the total amount of credit card debt held by American consumers. The average credit card debt held by consumers is just over $15,000.00.

Debt service of one or both of these financial obligations is beyond the ability of many. Late payment and default rates on student loans is at an all time high. The incidence of credit card late payment and default, while not at an all time high, is still frighteningly large.

Late payments and default on student loans is due in part to the state of the United States economy. Close to one half of the college graduates cannot find meaningful employment. For many who are employed their income is not sufficient to permit them to service their student debt. In order to survive many have been forced to move back in with their parents. This problem will be made worse if the United States Congress does not extend the provision passed in 2007 that reduced the subsidized Stafford loans from 6.8% to 3.4%.

Congress must act prior to July 1, 2012 or more students will be forced into default.

In many respects the ramifications of student debt are more onerous than those of credit card debt. Student debt cannot be extinguished by bankruptcy and collection procedures for loans in default are more drastic. For instance as some senior citizens have learned social security benefits are subject to levy for payment on student debt.

You can get help with unmanageable credit card debt. Call or contact Associated Attorneys, LLC. They will direct you to an experienced, qualified debt settlement attorney who practices law in the state wherein you reside. This attorney will give you legal advice, protect your rights, and settle your accounts for the least amount possible.

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

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has begun to examine the collection practices of big credit card issuing banks. As with many off their business practices major banks push “the envelope” when dealing with consumers and especially when credit cards are involved. This fact is evidenced by recent attempts by big banks to impose fees for debit card use, “robo” signing of foreclosure documents, improper disclosure regarding real estate loans, etc.

According to a recent article by Joe Nocera published in The New York Times big banks, as reported in The American Banker, are using harsh debt collection practices to collect outstanding credit card accounts. According to Mr. Nocera major credit card issuing banks have not stopped using the “shoddy, often illegal practices” that caused the foreclosure crisis; they’re using them to collect credit card debt”. He goes on to point out that their, “practices hurt primarily the poor and the unsophisticated”.

The New York Times article goes on to say that that banks hire law firms to sue supposedly overdue borrowers, or sell the debt to third parties many times based on inaccurate or incorrect records. He says that “the banks are outsourcing their dirty work—and then washing their hands as the debt collectors harass and sue and make people miserable, often without proof that the debt is owed.”

The sad truth is that the American consumer can expect very little help from the Consumer Protection Bureau.

This agency, although well intentioned, is struggling with start-up pains and embroiled in politics from powerful interest and lobbying groups.

The best line of defense for a consumer who is a victim of these unethical practices is to get help from an attorney at law who is knowledgeable and experienced in protecting consumer’s rights which are included in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

For more information contact Associated Attorneys, LLC by phone at 866-411-4693

The question of course is how did the debt settlement company know that the consumer was having financial difficulties, and how did they get the consumer’s contact information?

Who is contacting?
Although there is some debt settlement companies who engage in this illegal practice most likely the real culprit is a “front” group who solicits potential debt relief customers and then sells the “lead” to a debt settlement company. They typically charge the debt settlement company from $10.00 to $40.00 per “lead”. Most groups, be they debt settlement companies or front groups, by this practice is most likely in violation of the telemarketing rules as promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission.

Consequently, their actions are not only unethical, they are illegal.

Where do they get your information?
When it comes to getting a consumer’s financial information and their contact information both the debt settlement companies and the “front” groups are very resourceful. There are two places where they get most of their leads. First, they search public records such as court documents to locate people who have been sued by credit card companies. Second, they access individual credit reports.

We find that almost without exception those who tell us that they contracted for debt settlement services with someone who contacted them without solicitation experienced a very bad and costly outcome. They were victims of an all too common “scam”.

How do you avoid being a victim?
First, you should be outraged that a debt settlement company or a “front” group would be obtaining your personal financial information without your consent. When they make contact with you make it very clear that you are outraged by their actions and that you not only don’t want to talk to them, you may well file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Second, never contract with either of these entities to provide you debt settlement services.

Associated Attorneys, LLC does not attempt to access personal or financial information of anyone, nor does it ever make any unsolicited contact. More information can be obtained by contacting Associated Attorneys, LLC at 866-411-4693 (toll free).

Credit card issuing banks have reported that there has been a substantial increase in credit card use and that individual purchases are larger. These factors, to their delight, have improved their profit margin as well as their bottom line. They are becoming more aggressive in marketing their credit cards by using gimmicks as giving “bonus points” for credit card use. One only has to watch television to see a number of credit card issuers advertising that they give “bonus points” and other gratuities to the consumer who has and who uses their card.

By using this marketing ploy the credit card issuers are attempting to do two things.

First, to encourage consumers to obtain their credit card and, second to encourage consumers who presently have their cards to use them more.

Now American consumers, many of whom are presently struggling to make ends meet, are taking a double hit. Many working people who unfortunately are living from month to month have to rely on the use of their credit cards to pay for necessities such as prescription drugs, groceries, and gasoline.

Like the purchase of groceries and prescription drugs, the purchase of gasoline for many Americans is not an option. If they can’t purchase gasoline they can’t work.

With the price of gasoline getting close to an all time high the American consumer is taking a double hit. One hit from the oil companies and one from the credit card issuing banks. On top of having to paying near record prices for the gasoline many struggling consumers who are forced to purchase through the use of their credit cards also have to pay interest and possible fees on the purchase. Is it any wonder that oil companies and big banks are reaping profits that are at an all time high.

Due to the financial squeeze that many Americans are now experiencing many find that they must seek professional help to resolve their financial difficulties. For those who have unmanageable credit card and other unsecured debt help is available through Associated Attorneys, LLC. For more information contact Associated Attorneys, LLC at 866-411-4693 (toll free)

The contact information for each state is listed below:

This information provided by Associated Attorneys, LLC an industry leader in providing attorneys for consumer debt negotiation and debt relief.  For more information contact us at www.associatedattorneys.com or call toll free 1-8668411-4693

There is, however, another reason why some have found themselves in difficult financial circumstances.  This other reason is much more onerous and one in which they are not complicit.  That second reason is “Identity Theft”.

Regardless of the reason or reasons the negative effects are the same. Improper entries are placed on the credit report. These negative entries cause a reduction of credit scores resulting in a reduction of your credit worthiness

Identity theft in this country has reached epidemic proportions. According to the Federal Trade Commission almost 10 million American have had their identities stolen each year. A recent survey estimated total losses to victims from identity theft to be about $15.6 billion.  It is estimated that American businesses lose about $50 billion each year through this illegal activity. This loss is, of course, passed on to all of us in terms of higher prices we pay for products we purchase and services we receive.

There are several things that you can and should do to help prevent someone from stealing your identity.

The most important thing you can do is to go over your credit report and look for any entries that appear suspicious or incorrect. Be sure that charges to credit cards were made by you and that you do in fact have to cards to which the charges were made.  For instance, if you see a charge to an American Express card and you don’t have such a card, you know that someone else has obtained the card in your name by using your identity. Contact the credit card company at once!

Unless you are absolutely sure of the identity of the person with whom you are talking. Never give your credit card number over the phone.

With very few exceptions such as a bank or lending institution, never provide your social security number to anyone. It is not even a good practice to list your social security number on medical documents. First of all your medical provider does not need your number and secondly, once this number is made part of your records it is available to anyone including medical office personnel and others who want to access it. With your social security number a criminal can get credit cards in your name, obtain loans, access your banking information, make purchases, etc.

Be very careful when using your computer as a great deal of identity theft occurs online. For instance, you should not download anything unless you are certain that it is safe.  You should always log off when you have completed your credit card or on line banking transactions. Finally, always use your own computer for personal business transactions.

For more information including information regarding credit card debt settlement and debt relief contact Associated Attorneys, LLC at www.associatedattorneys.com or call toll free 866-411-4693

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.

Many times there are incorrect entries in your report which have a negative impact on your credit history. Some estimates relative to inaccuracies in your credit report are as high as 90%. You can correct this misinformation by taking appropriate affirmative action.

Your credit report and the entries located therein is one of the most, if not the most, financial document you can have. The information found in your report is used by potential creditors to determine the rate of interest you are to be charged, the amount of credit to be extended to you and whether or not to extend credit to you in the first place. This report is the basis of your financial future. No financial information is more important.

There are three credit reporting agencies in the U.S. that are commonly referred to as the “big three”. Each of these agencies will provide you with a free credit report each year. You can order on line, by mail, or by phone.

The “big three” are as follows:
Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
1-800-685-1111
www.equifax.com

TransUnion
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022-2000
1-800-916-8800
www.transunion.com

Experian
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com

You can order a free report from all three agencies at the same time with an “Annual Credit Report Request Form”. This form is available on http://ftc.gov credit and www.annualcreditreport.com.

Moreover, you can receive this form by making a request by mail to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. You may also request by phone at 1-877-322-8228.

Information provided by Associated Attorneys, LLC an attorney provided debt settlement company. For more information contact www.associatedattorneys.com or call 866-411-4693.