Lawyers cost a lot, and they aren't likely to be able to do more for you than you can do for yourself, except perhaps serve as an educator as to why you had the impression that lawyers were expensive in the first place. Most of the time, you can resolve these things without a lawyer. Your best strategy is to collect all of your collection notices and consult a counseling service, and then make the initial calls yourself. The worst they can do is say they can't help you. The lawyer will be there in case you need him or her… I promise.

A Way Out

Self help debt negotiation may be a good option for you for getting out from under. Most people do not have the experience or skill it takes to negotiate debt elimination or reduction and the term credit repair may sound more daunting than it actually is.

Debt negotiation may also be referred to as "arbitration," and it's different from debt consolidation. The difference between this and consolidation is that consolidation is basically taking out a new loan with lower payments for a longer payback period.

Be aware that is the last resort before filing bankruptcy. It is usually used when an account is several months behind in payments.

The Next Step

First, test the waters by calling around to different debt consolidation offices. If you are contacting your creditors by yourself, these companies can give you good advice as to how to proceed when talking to them over the phone. Many are non-profit, and can counsel you as to where a free legal advice can be found. From the Los Angeles California area to Miami, Florida, counseling is available all over. Just type it into your web browser’s search box along with the area you live in- there's an abundance of material on the subject.

Usually creditors are pretty good about working with you, especially if your credit has been okay in general, and you have a history of not falling too far behind on your payments.

While you are working through this there are web sites where you can get support by joining an online forum, or discussion group. Joining a web site forum will provide you with the motivation you need to wade through the paperwork and get your financial life back on track.