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Debt settlement program in Ohio

Sometimes debt consolidation may not be the right solution for you. If that is the case, there is no reason to lose heart altogether. Ohio debt settlement offers specific solutions for your debt problems and is one of the best options to consider when settling your compounding debts.

How does it work?

Debt settlement is a process of negotiating debts with your creditors in order to reduce the amount of your debt. You and your creditors agree to a reduced payment in satisfaction of your total debt. There are different debt settlement companies spread across Ohio that use different strategies to negotiate with your creditors on your behalf, but it is advisable to use a company that has Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accreditation in order to avoid scams.

A debt settlement program is a better option than filing for bankruptcy from the creditors' point of view. With a debt settlement program, your creditors recover more of the money you owe them than if you were to file for bankruptcy. Debt settlement is a guaranteed repayment option. Therefore the creditor finds better to negotiate with a debtor in order to regain even a small portion of the total amount lent. Debt settlement companies negotiate with you and your creditors to find an agreement that works for everyone.

Debt settlement companies generally allow for a certain amount of time for your debts to get settled. The time period normally allotted is 36 months. During this time, the creditor should agree on the negotiable sum.

Debtors need to fulfill certain specifications before trying to settle their debts. In order to determine if debt settlement is right for you, consult a debt settlement lawyer who can provide you with the best possible advice.

After you sign up with a debt settlement company, the company contacts your creditors and informs them that they are your representative from then on. This saves you from any abusive threats, calls or harassment from the creditor, and reassures your creditors that they will be paid in the near future.

What are the Debt Settlement Options in Ohio?

Depending on the amount of the debt and all the various circumstances there are different debt settlement options that can suit your specific financial needs.

  1. 1 Individuals in Ohio who have small debts that have become delinquent should try to repay them in full as soon as possible. There are settlement plans that have payment options to suit the consumer.
  2. 2If the delinquent debt is large, then debt settlement option should be considered. There are several reputable debt consolidation companies that work for small fees, or you can even consult a debt settlement lawyer to guide you on how to go about the debt relief process.
  3. 3 Debt settlement options vary according to the needs of the consumer and the amount of the delinquent debt.
  4. 4 Debt settlement programs are divided into debt negotiation and debt reduction, both aimed at reducing compounding debts. These kinds of debt settlement programs can help you save and make it easier to pay all of your debt.
  5. 5 Debt settlement options usually work for those consumers who can save a specific amount in an FDIC insured dedicated account. The debt negotiators can negotiate with creditors only when consumers can save a certain amount in the dedicated account opened by the settlement company.
  6. 6 The final way out is to file for bankruptcy. A bankruptcy lawyer can guide you through the legal formalities, but filing for bankruptcy will hurt your credit score even more and it is advisable to avoid it unless there are no other options left.

New debt settlement bill for the Ohio residents

The Ohio General Assembly is all set to bring a new debt settlement bill that would help consumers struggling to pay off their debts. Proponents of the bill claim that the new bill would give more options to Ohio residents for paying off their debts.

Republican state Sen. John Eklund from North-east Ohio introduced the Senate Bill 120 for helping debt settlement companies to operate easily in the state. The bill would help consumers use debt settlement companies for reducing debt, waiving late fees and penalties.

Bankruptcy helps Ohio residents to pay off their debts in 2 ways:

  1. They can file Chapter 7 bankruptcy where their non-exempt assets are liquidated and the sale proceeds are distributed amongst creditors.
  2. They can file Chapter 13 bankruptcy to pay back their creditors with a court-approved repayment plan. Usually, the repayment plan lasts for 5 years, which is quite a long period.

Bankruptcy is a great option for Ohio residents to pay off credit card debts. But debtors have to either lose their non-exempt assets or wait for a long time to discharge their debts. Besides, bankruptcy leaves a black spot on credit report. This puts a question mark on the creditworthiness of individuals and married couples. Later, these people may face problems in obtaining a loan or a credit card.

Credit counseling is also a great option for the consumers struggling to pay off their credit card debts in Ohio. But this option works best for those consumers who are ready to pay off the debt in full.

Debt settlement is a better option than the aforementioned options since debtors get a chance to reduce the principal owed. Consumers just need to take the following steps to hire a debt settlement company in Ohio.

  • Beware of the settlement companies in Ohio who mislead consumers
  • Stay away from the settlement companies who use fraudulent, abusive or deceptive practices
  • Check out the fee structure of the settlement company
  • Find out if the company charges an upfront fee. It’s banned by the Credit Card Debt Settlement Act
  • Find out if the settlement company has a proper website. Look at the review section of the website and see if the existing customers are happy with their services.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.

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