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Complete the contact form to get started on your legal recovery today with a skilled debt relief attorney near you.

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Steps To Achieving Philadelphia Debt Relief

The time to do something is now

If you have made the decision to take hold of your future and achieve financial freedom, congratulations. Choosing to take action is the first — and sometimes, most difficult — step. Chances are that you find the information about debt relief to be confusing. Do you need to get Philadelphia credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy? What is the difference between Philadelphia debt consolidation and debt reorganization? How can you prevent foreclosure? And who do you turn to for Philadelphia debt management advice?

Here are some steps you can take on the road to debt relief:

1. Take an inventory of your debt
Pull together all your bills and expenses — credit cards, utility bills, car loans, student loans, medical bills, mortgage or rent, and insurance. Separate the “musts” from the “likes.” For example, rent is a must. And be honest, you may like cable TV, but it is not a must-have. Also, separate secured loans (car loans, for example) and unsecured loans (e.g., credit cards).

2. Gather up your pay stubs and tax returns
You will need to find at least your last six months worth of pay stubs (yours and your spouse’s) and your tax returns from the last two years. If you haven’t filed the most recent return, do so.

3. Do the math
You probably already know that you owe more than you make, but it is important to know what the gap is.

4. Understand your rights
There are two important laws that protect you as a debtor and a consumer. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) you have the right to:

  • Find out if the information in your file has been used against you
  • Know who has requested your report within the last year
  • Request your credit score
  • Have inaccurate, incomplete or unverifiable information corrected or removed

If you are being harassed by collection agencies, you also have protection under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Under this federal law, creditors and collection agencies may not:

  • Pretend to be government representatives
  • State that you will be arrested if you do not pay
  • Misrepresent how much you owe
  • Call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
  • Contact you if you have filed for bankruptcy

5. Get experienced legal help
An attorney who has experience with helping people get out of debt, whether through bankruptcy or other debt relief options, can help you evaluate your situation, and guide you to resources for consumer credit counseling. Philadelphia lawyers can answer your questions and help you make the choices that are right for you, whether you live in Eastern Pennsylvania or South Jersey.

To find a lawyer in your area, please fill out our online form or call 267-428-1386.

What is Philadelphia Debt Relief?

Learn about your rights in Philadelphia debt consolidation, debt management and bankruptcy options

You may find the information about Philadelphia debt relief to be confusing. Do you need to get Philadelphia credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy? Who do you turn to for Philadelphia debt management advice?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to:

  • Find out if the information in your file has been used against you
  • Know who has requested your report within the last year
  • Know what is in your file
  • Ask for your credit score
  • Dispute incorrect information
  • Have inaccurate, incomplete or unverifiable information corrected or removed

If you are being harassed by collection agencies, you also have protection under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Under this federal law, creditors and collection agencies may not:

  • Pretend to be government agents or representatives
  • Falsely state that they work for a credit bureau
  • State that you will be arrested
  • Misrepresent how much you owe
  • Call you outside the hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Contact you if you have filed for bankruptcy and have an automatic stay

Learn more about your rights by contacting a Philadelphia bankruptcy lawyer

An attorney who has experience with bankruptcy and other debt relief options can evaluate your situation. To find a lawyer in your area, please fill out our online form or call 267-428-1386.