Where can I turn for true, legitimate debt solutions?

Hello, I am new to this forum, and in desperate need of some advice. Currently, my husband and I have over $50,000 in unsecured debt. Much of this is our own doing from when we were first married, and enjoying two incomes. Fast forward to two children and less income and thus, the landslide started. We do not make excuses for handling our finances wrong. (How we wish we could go back and do it the right way.) However, while were working to pay off things, a burden was added when my husband lost his job, and went from a six-figure income to $40,000/year. I started working, but with child care, etc. it barely helped in meeting our financial obligations. We have pared back expenses truly as much as we possibly can. My husband works overtime whenever possible, as do I. We are struggling with the moral issue of turning to a debt settlement solution, but honestly, do not know where to turn at this point. Any input is appreciated.

It looks as though you are a registered user and you should have been offered the choice of having a free debt consultation. In my opinion I would talk someone from here either wait for them to call you which should be within a couple of days, click on the right side of your screen to speak to someone now or call the 1-800-601-1579.

Either way you chose someone with more knowledge will be able to assist you and welcome to the board . We are all here to help each other out. Post other questions anytime someone is always here.

ladybug

Thanks for the response. I will check out the free consultation.

debt settlement is also an option you may want to consider.

The free consultation should give you and your husband
some direction and help. One important thing is to not let the stress tear you guys apart. Work on things together and things will get better.

I am so glad to have found this forum. This is a scary journey, and one I wish had never started. Yes, talk about stress--many days I feel consumed with all of this! Thanks to all for the advice and encouragement. Keep it coming!

Lorarvp if after your consultation you feel that won't work for for you, make sure you post again because debt settlement is another option as Lostindebt mentioned but there is alot if information pertaining to this and different pro's and con's. So let us know how it goes.

Are you current on your payments? Also, the state you live in can make some debt options more viable for you. The most important thing is your house and car. I've seen many people skip a house payment to make a credit card payment. Never pay on unsecured debt before your secured debt. You'll never lose your house if you don't pay your credit card bills.

Recently I signed up with CDS and now my file is at the Consumer Law Center. After reading these forums, I want out! They are terrible at customer service. They have only deducted one payment and I want to know how to get a refund? and kill this debt for good.

THANKS!

Most companies require a written cancellation letter. You can also contact your bank and revoke the ACH authorization. Is this is the same CLC as the following BBB link?
http://www.bbbsoutheastflorida.org/B...anyID=92005568

I believe yes, but it is campos law as well. Im pretty sure they are the same, but CAMPOS has a B rating. Can I get sued by the law firm?

Lets say I cancel? is there any real legitimate companies that can help me settle? or do I pay collections?

There are 100 legitimate companies for every 1 bad egg. It's kind of like car repair places. Research, research, research. You're developing a relationship with a company that will last for years. We get a lot of clients coming in from other less-reputable or ineffective debt settlement companies.
"They are terrible at customer service." <- That is a really bad sign.
Your best bet would probably be to come to this forum and ask "Hey, whats up with ABC company? Any good?"

*edit* And I would be shocked to hear of a company suing their own client, especially a new client.

If I were to cancel? can these law firms do anything to me? Is it possible to get a refund? And If I just wanted to pay collections how do i do that?

The law firms meaning CLC or do you mean the Collector Law Firms? CLC should accept your cancelation no problem. The refund may be trickier. Many companies keep a portion of your payments for filing, processing, and whatever work they've done already. Since they've only gotten one payment, you may not get it all back. Keep calling them and it will get resolved. =) You can always file a BBB complaint if you are not satisfied in the end.

If you want to go back to paying collectors (ick!), it shouldn't be too hard to figure out who has your accounts, and unless you have sent Cease and Desists with CLC's phone number on them, I'm sure they will be calling like crazy soon.

I mean the law firms who were going to help settle the debt. I actually sent a cease and desists letter. It did stop. The debt collectors will be calling me again? I dont want to pay them back, I want to settle and just get a reputable place. Once they called my families home, it was getting too nerve wrecking.