You are starting to feel overwhelmed by your monthly obligations: If you have a couple of smaller delinquent accounts or your total creditor claims amount to less than $2,000, it may not be beneficial to engage An Upside Legal® Participating Law Firm. In such cases, budget planning or a non-profit debt management plan could be a more suitable option for helping to reduce interest rates or monthly payments. As your balances increase, the potential for savings grows. Considering factors like legal fees, it is generally advised to consider hiring a law firm to represent you when you owe over $2,000 in creditor claims.

You know you cannot meet your minimum monthly obligations: If you are steadily making minimum payments and making progress, continue your current path. A long-term, affordable payment plan can help you avoid late fees and gradually pay off your balances. However, if you find yourself struggling to meet minimum payments, receiving collections calls, threats of collection litigation or if you have received an unaffordable offer in a collection letter, it's crucial to explore all available options for resolving the situation. Seeking assistance from an Upside Legal® Participating Law Firm can help you resolve creditor claims in a more manageable manner. If possible, aim to pay off the entire debt. If that's not feasible, speaking with an experienced Intake Representative at an Upside Legal® Participating Law Firm can provide valuable insights into the available options.

You are considering bankruptcy: Discovering that bankruptcy isn't the only solution for overwhelming creditor claims can be a pleasant surprise for many of the consumers we speak to. There are numerous alternatives worth considering. For instance, you have the option to verify that you owe the amount that is being claimed by the collector, open a dialogue with your collectors to reach a mutually acceptable resolution within your financial means, or explore other approaches tailored to your specific needs. If you're contemplating bankruptcy but would prefer to explore alternative paths, now is the perfect moment to consider speaking to an Upside Legal® Participating Law Firm Intake Representative. It's also advisable to consult with a bankruptcy attorney to ensure confidence in your decision-making process and gain a comprehensive understanding of all available options. If you require assistance in finding a bankruptcy attorney, please don't hesitate to reach out to us, as we have connections with several bankruptcy attorneys who offer free consultations. We'll be more than happy to facilitate the connection for you.

You are facing a debt collection lawsuit: Collectors often resort to making exaggerated claims, making it challenging to discern when they are simply attempting to intimidate you or genuinely pursuing legal action. In some cases, collectors may even file lawsuits concerning creditor claims, which can unfortunately prompt consumers to prematurely consider bankruptcy. Lawsuits can be daunting, no doubt about it. However, rest assured that you do have options. If you find yourself unable to keep up with your obligations and are facing a collection lawsuit, an Upside Legal® Participating Law Firm is here to provide help. Our participating law firms possess the legal knowledge to inform you about the risks associated with the lawsuit. Even if you are currently unable to offer a lump sum, they are well-versed in resolving creditor claims even after they have escalated to a lawsuit. While it's natural to focus solely on the lawsuit, it's crucial to remember your other creditor claims as well. An Upside Legal® Participating Law Firm will work with you to devise a comprehensive plan of action. Time is of the essence when dealing with collection lawsuits, so it's vital to quickly connect with an Upside Legal® Participating Law Firm Intake Representative to discuss the specifics of your case.

There’s a judgment against you: A judgment represents the outcome of a lawsuit where you have been unsuccessful. It grants the collector enhanced tools to pursue their collection activity, such as wage garnishment, bank account freezing, or property liens. Additionally, the judgment may encompass the collector's attorney fees, court fees, and accruing interest. If you have already faced a lawsuit resulting in a judgment against you, enlisting the services of an Upside Legal® Participating Law Firm can prove beneficial. They can assist in opening a dialogue with your collectors to reach a mutually acceptable resolution or challenging the judgment in court, potentially leading to its cancellation. By consulting with Upside Legal® Participating Law Firm Intake Representative, you can ascertain the strength of your case in contesting the judgment, potentially eliminating the need to repay the creditor claim altogether.

You’re worried about wage garnishment: When a collector obtains a judgment against you, they may take steps to garnish your wages, which can have a significant impact on your financial stability. In addition to wage garnishment, collectors can also attempt to levy funds from your bank account, place liens on your real estate, or seize your personal assets, creating further distress. It is crucial not to underestimate the seriousness of a judgment against you. Instead, take proactive measures by reaching out to an Upside Legal® Participating Law Firm Intake Representative who can provide invaluable guidance and help you devise a comprehensive plan of action to address the matter effectively. Our participating law firm will work closely with you to navigate the complexities of your situation, ensuring your rights and interests are protected throughout the process. They will strive to minimize the impact of wage garnishment and explore all available options to regain control of your financial well-being.