Apart from debt consolidation, the other major relief program that can help reduce debts is debt settlement. During debt settlement, you or your authorized representatives negotiate with your creditors to get your accounts settled for an amount far less than that you originally owed.
Negotiation can be a good solution for consumers who are deep in debt and falling behind on the minimum payments. Texas has laws highly favorable to debtors, providing them with rights and protections against past unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. When considering a debt negotiation program, you should carefully consider two of the main drawbacks. They are:
Debt negotiation is a process where you or a company on your behalf negotiates with your creditors to reduce the amount you owe. A successful debt settlement program can save you a lot of money and help you become debt free within short time. But the process can have an adverse effect on your credit report and may be time consuming depending on the amount of your debt.
Though the amount varies from company to company, the minimum amount required for debt settlement should be more than $10,000, and each balance must be above $1000 in order to be included in the program.
Debt negotiation has a certain negative effect on your credit score, but not as devastating as bankruptcy. With debt negotiation, you can start improving your credit once you start making timely payments through the program. The effects of debt settlement will be on your credit report for seven years and include your past due payments, charge offs, accounts sent to collections, and if needed, judgments.
The Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), states that a collections agency engaged in collecting a debt should stop all communication with the consumer once the consumer sends a Cease and Desist letter and/or a Power of Attorney notifying the collection agency that a third party is responsible for handling all negotiations. Texas law also limits harassment from the collection agencies and from the original creditor as well. Normal phone calls are not restricted under Texas law, as they are a necessity to carry out daily proceedings and updates.
If you have any questions or want to find additional resources, a settlement lawyer in Texas can help you.