Debt Negotiation Solutions

PLEASE NOTE:  The information contained in these pages should not be construed as legal advice.  It is merely a brief overview of what you can expect.  You should consult our offices for a full analysis of your situation to determine if what is right for you.

An Overview

Bankruptcy does not have to be the answer!

Here at Harold Shepley & Associates, LLC we pride ourselves in doing whatever it takes to help our clients avoid bankruptcy which can remain on your credit report for ten (10) to twelve (12) years.

WE ARE NOT CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING.  WE ARE NOT DEBT CONSOLIDATION.  At Harold Shepley & Associates, LLC we employ experienced attorneys and staff to actually assist you with debt settlement negotiations.

Consumer Credit Counseling provides the consumer with a budget based on their income and expenses so that the consumer may pay off their debt in three (3) to five (5) years.  In many instances these payments may be more than the consumer’s current minimum payments.  Of course there is also the constant worry of being sued.  When this happens, Consumer Credit Counseling firms usually suggest that the consumer move forward with bankruptcy.

Frequently, consolidation of consumer debt requires a home equity loan, placing a lien on your home and/or property.  This places the consumer’s home in jeopardy if a default on the payments were to occur.  This, again, creates a risk for bankruptcy.

Why work with unrealistic figures or jeopardize your home? With our debt negotiation service we can work with your creditors to actually reduce the balance on your debt. Debt reduction negotiations are done with the help of actual attorneys that stand behind you and fight to have your debts paid off in approximately three (3) years for less money than your payments are today.

• THREE YEARS!
• SMALLER MONTHLY PAYMENTS!
• ATTORNEYS WHO FIGHT FOR YOU!

How does it work?

The Counselors

Initially, you will consult with a counselor to determine whether or not you are capable of entering into the credit card debt negotiation program.  During the consultation you will need to provide the counselor with details regarding your income, expenses, and all debts.  Before reviewing your situation with one of our counselors, you should be prepared with the following:

• Monthly take home pay.
• A breakdown of your monthly utilities and expenses;
• A list of all of your debts (i.e. creditor name, balance and minimum payment)

This information will allow the counselors to provide you with a preliminary analysis of your situation so that we may help you decide whether debt negotiation is right for you.

The Goal

The goal of the program is to have all of your unsecured debt (e.g. credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, etc.) settled for approximately sixty (60) cents on the dollar or less.  That is a savings of an estimated forty percent (40%).  What the counselors are looking for is whether you can accumulate enough funds over approximately three (3) years to settle your debts for that sixty percent (60%) or less.  That amount is based on the debt the day you brought it to us.  If further interest and penalties accrue, it will not change our projected settlement figures.

The counselors take care in analyzing your financial situation to see if you can build up enough funds on a monthly basis over about thirty-six (36) months so that lump-sum settlements may be reached with your creditors.  If your income can support this, then it is time to move on to the negotiating team.

The Negotiating Team

The negotiating team is comprised of experienced debt negotiation attorneys who will “go to battle” with your creditors to obtain the best possible settlement.

First, the team will send out cease and desist letters demanding that the creditors and any collectors contact our offices regarding your debt.  Once these have been issued, the negotiation team will begin discussing settlements with your creditors.  Remember, you didn’t accumulate your debt overnight and they won’t disappear overnight.  These negotiations do take time.  Be assured that we are doing everything possible to settle your accounts as fast as possible.

Once acceptable figures have been reached with each creditor, the negotiating team will authorize the settlement of each debt so long as you have accumulated enough funds to pay the settlement.  Once settled, you will receive a letter indicating the settlement for your records.

Can I be sued?

Lawsuits are a possibility.  Defending the lawsuit is an option.  In the state of Pennsylvania we can handle that.  In other states, we can assist you in finding and attorney in your state.

So what does it cost?

Good question!

Our goal is to get you out of debt for approximately sixty (60) cents on the dollar or less!  A monthly payment is based on your debt.

IT COSTS YOU:

• LESS TIME!
• LESS MONEY!
• LESS HEADACHES AND AGGRAVATION!

Sound good?  Being DEBT FREE is even better!

Call our offices. We have an experienced debt negotiation attorney just for you and a staff that can answer your questions and help you determine if debt negotiation is right for you.

In many cases debt negotiation, not bankruptcy or debt consolidation, is the answer for your particular situation. We work hard to help clients make educated decisions based on their individual needs. Once we have decided together that this is the right path for you, our experienced team of debt negotiation attorneys will fight hard on your behalf to get you back on track towards financial security. We will help ensure that you are able to pay off your debts in as little time as possible by negotiating with your creditors. You can count on us to have your best interests in mind when recommending solutions for your personal situation.