Currently researching debt settlement options and trying to find an honest/reputable company/service. $57,000 of credit-card debt/cards maxed/few overlimit-late fees/barely making minimum payments. Working O.T.to stay afloat.Power bills always late,etc..Co-signed on a car for partner that can't pay bill..found-out I'm actually primary signer.Can't pay that at all. Bring home $4,500 with O.T. Tightest budget figured out with my local credit counseling after "settling" the interest rates,etc is $4,500 for 51 months-if I do not miss one payment! about the same I'm paying already. this does not include the $604 car payment that is now 1 month late. I get that if I follow the plan, i'll be out of credit debt in 51 months vs. 20+ years..but I can't see how to make that work. Credit rating has already tanked to the low 600's..

You may need to compare the charges between few more debt settlement companies before joining the existing one. It seems that the settlement program is going to take almost 100% of your pay. How would you pay your other bills then?

I'd have considered bankruptcy in your situation. You may wish to consult a bankruptcy lawyer before making the final decision.

As per my opinion contact any attorny and take help from attorney to resolve your issue.

Try DIY settlement, why pay all those high fees just to make some phone calls and write a few letters. All the info is here on this site. You need to take care of the important things first, house, car, food and utilities. After they are taken care of start saving what you got left over toward a settlement. You need to stop paying on the cards if you want to settle. They won't even consider it if you are current.