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17 Sep, 2024 by Emily riordan
Got referred to Angelica by a family member! She has great energy and is willing to help your financial future!
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15 Sep, 2024 by Erin
Angelica took the time to speak with my husband and I. She listened carefully to our situation, she was super warm/friendly and really seemed to care about us as people vs just as business. We are looking forward to working with her and eager to get going on our financial goals!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Darien manley
Just had our first meeting with Angelica and what a breath of fresh air! Bonnie and I had a great introduction to how Angelica works within the Edward Jones model! Very impressed with her knowledge and professionalism and how we jumped right in to making changes for the better! Can't to see where this new relationship takes us!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Emily riordan
Got referred to Angelica by a family member! She has great energy and is willing to help your financial future!
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15 Sep, 2024 by Erin
Angelica took the time to speak with my husband and I. She listened carefully to our situation, she was super warm/friendly and really seemed to care about us as people vs just as business. We are looking forward to working with her and eager to get going on our financial goals!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Darien manley
Just had our first meeting with Angelica and what a breath of fresh air! Bonnie and I had a great introduction to how Angelica works within the Edward Jones model! Very impressed with her knowledge and professionalism and how we jumped right in to making changes for the better! Can't to see where this new relationship takes us!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Emily riordan
Got referred to Angelica by a family member! She has great energy and is willing to help your financial future!
Read more Google Maps
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15 Sep, 2024 by Erin
Angelica took the time to speak with my husband and I. She listened carefully to our situation, she was super warm/friendly and really seemed to care about us as people vs just as business. We are looking forward to working with her and eager to get going on our financial goals!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Darien manley
Just had our first meeting with Angelica and what a breath of fresh air! Bonnie and I had a great introduction to how Angelica works within the Edward Jones model! Very impressed with her knowledge and professionalism and how we jumped right in to making changes for the better! Can't to see where this new relationship takes us!
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10 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Brant was extremely knowledgeable and helpful! I reached out to Brant's office after being sued for an extremely old credit card debt. The debt was not a large amount and although I requested and was willing to pay for a consultation and assistance, Brant acknowledged this was a matter that could easily be handled without a lawyer by myself. He then took the time to provide advice, answer all of my questions, and provide suggestions to help solve my problem. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and likeable. Without a doubt, I would reach out to Brant again and will do so for any future matters and I would highly recommend his services to anyone!
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21 Mar, 2020 by Marco
I spoke in person with Brant Hodyno, he was personal, attentive non-judgemental and above all very honest and yet kind, which was exactly what I need it He told me that there was really not much he could do in my case due to my specific circumstances, but he gave me free advice about how to handle it, I fallow it and the result was positive. Thank you very much you help me to save my house, God bless you Mr. Hodyno
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16 Oct, 2019 by Dd
Kristopher Childers and Brant Hodyno were very helpful on dot on what i was looking for. I came with an issue related to a civil case, went to multiple people and they all talked which wasn't related directly in my situation and made me more nervous. Brant was in middle of a client meeting, then also picked my phone and told me text him with contact details. I like the professional way of ack. someone. His counterpart/expert contacted me back in less than an hour. Kristopher Childers - heard me, understood my situation. He didn't go on and on rather asked to produce certain case copies to find out where we stand. He understood and explained what needs to be done with guidance to avoid falling in to such situations. I am a professional in IT field, I like the way they worked with me respecting time of all the parties. Already referred them on my company referral board. Guys, keep doing the great work!!!
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07 May, 2019 by Tanya
To say McCarthy and his team gave me hope would be an understatement. Hope was something I never thought was possible. My parents divorced right at the time I was to attend an out of state university. On paper, my mom looked “fine” (able to support me according to FAFSA) so I didn’t get much help financially even though she was putting out a lot because of the divorce, having to relocate, etc. so I didn’t qualify for much of any federal loans/ grants. And being in my late teens, early 20s, I didn’t know better than to sign my life away to get the private loan support. Flash forward after graduation, I found a job at a non-profit organization. The work was challenging but rewarding to be able to provide hope to those in need, but financially, like many other jobs out of college and non-profits, it didn’t allow me enough to keep up with the high interest rates and steady incline of my loans. Despite many efforts for financial assistance from the private loan lender, the payments began to exceed my monthly income. I exhausted my forbearance and thought to myself, “This is how my life’s going to be” That’s when I found McCarthy. From the initial contact until the very last contact, they have been eager, humble, receptive, generous, and knowledgeable. To be able to speak to a person, not an automated message or system, but every day people was a treat in itself. They took time to explain me to how I can work towards gaining financial freedom and within a few years and a payment plan (without interest accumulating) I would be able to pay off the loan in its entirety. And not the amount it exceeded to (138k) because of interest, but the amount I took out from the beginning (108K) by negotiating the amount with the private lender themselves. I was able to focus on getting my life back, working the usual course to get promotions without the burden of paying an amount I couldn’t afford. And by having extra in my pocket, it made my job enjoyable again. I was able to give the best version of myself in all aspects of my life because, for once, I didn’t have to worry about “How am I going to make the next payment” The staff were beyond welcoming and remained that light, that beacon in my life since 2015. From Kelly who greeted me with a “It’ll be ok,” from Ali who said “Let’s look at getting a payment plan set up for you” to Joan who said, “I got you and will continue to fight for you” it was something that was not only refreshing, but humbling as well for me. The zeal exhibited by all that work at McCarthy Law is unmatched. I was one of the fortunate ones to say that I am now 100% free of my private loans. 108k settled!! Joan worked real time magic in negotiating my loan amount to where I was able to receive a payment back from McCarthy of all I paid to them over the years, following settlement. They thought that was a blessing, but to me, they were my blessing. To top it all off, Kevin McCarthy reached out to me via mail congratulating me on reaching financial freedom. I just cried when I read it and it remains on my fridge as a reminder to this day. It took me a bit to write my testimony, partly because I’m still in disbelief that I’m free, but more importantly, because I wanted to take the time to write something from my heart, something they touched long ago. I have recommended a few people to McCarthy and would recommend them to anyone who feels stuck, lost, and is experiencing hopelessness as a result of student loans. And just like they did with me, I’ll pay it forward as well.
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03 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Awesome, magnificent, brilliant, amazing, remarkable, wonderful, beautiful (even though I have never seen Joan), east coast, just to name a few superlatives to describe Joan. Joan has helped redirect my life in a very positive direction. To be honest, these student loans really put me in a challenging position, and Joan truly helped me overcome this obstacle. Joan definitely exceeded my expectations, and I am very happy to have found McCarthy Law. To be 100% real, there was one moment when I was a little nervous, however, I believed in the negotiation skills of Joan, and she made sure everything worked out better then I could have expected! THANK YOU JOAN, AND MCCARTHY LAW!
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15 Jan, 2019 by Laura
I cannot say enough fabulous things about the staff at Mc Carthy Law in Scottsdale AZ. I was referred to them by a friend when I had ZERO hope of ever getting above water. It took a few years, I was NEVER pushed further than I could handle, and now its all settled and off my back. I believe they got it to around 56% of the original debt. They have an amazing practice, and reasonably priced if not underpriced for the service you get. Thank you so much!
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10 May, 2018 by Jeffrey
Patrick Keery has represented me in two separate cases. His expertise, creativity, and service were exceptional. One of my cases involved negotiating a settlement with a federal regulatory agency. I could not have been happier with his work.
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09 May, 2018 by Aric
I have used Patrick for several different legal needs in my business. He is always quick to get things handled and is very thorough in his research and discovery process. He is also very honest and will tell you if what you need isn’t within his expertise. In short, you will only be paying for the time spent on the solution. Patrick is my go to attorney and I would recommend him whole heartedly and I do so often.
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08 May, 2018 by Laurine
Patrick handled a legal matter for me and was incredibly knowledgeable, precise, and professional throughout the entire process. He is open and fair when discussing legal matters and allowed confidence in handling whatever was necessary to get the right results for me.
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22 Mar, 2024 by Tammy dunkeson
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22 Mar, 2024 by Ryan dohogne
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27 Apr, 2023 by King dutch
THANK YOU VIOER LAW GROUP IF YOU NEED A ATTORNEY AFTER YOUR ACCIDENT VIPER LAW GROUP WILL TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY THANK YOU MR ADI
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23 Jul, 2022 by Rickey
In January 2022, I was in my car while a repossession was taking place. From inside the car, I told the driver to put my car back down and leave me alone. The tow truck driver refused and called the police who also agitated the situation. Long story short, I felt completely violated so I called Thompson Consumer Law Group the very next day. They were quick to gather my information, details about the incident, & an overview of the next steps. After months of patience & prayer, Russell Thompson from TCLG, was able to reach the settlement we discussed in January. I take pride working with them over any other law agency because they truly help people in tough situations by working pro bono. I’ve already recommended friends/family to use their service when they know their consumer rights have been violated. I wish I found this agency sooner, thank you to everyone at TCLG!
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10 Jun, 2022 by Danielle
This is my first experience dealing with any legal dealings. It is nerve racking and there is a lot of information thrown at you that does not always make the most sense. Russ has taken the time to calm my nerves to tell me in layman's terms what things mean or what is being asked of me. The communication has been very great, I receive a response from him each time I reach out. When he has received an update that requires my approval or a discussion he calls to talk it all through over the phone and will always recap in an email when was talked about so we are always on the same page. I truly feel he has my best interest in mind and wants me to succeed in my case. He has listened to me babble about my case, my nerves, my emotions and frustrations that has come along with this journey. I am grateful my case made its way to Russ and that he is representing me.
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31 May, 2022 by Stephen
Russell Thompson IV is an expert, diligent, and brave consumer attorney! He knows what he is doing, acts in a timely manner, and is not afraid of the insurance defense companies. Mr. Thompson represents me in a consumer matter. He has been on top of the case from the first day. I submitted the case through his web portal. He quickly reviewed and a few days later I got a letter accepting my case. Mr. Thompson filed a federal class-action lawsuit when the other side refused to settle. I attended the first court hearing and could tell Mr. Thompson did a great job from the respect the judge and defense lawyers gave him. It looks like Mr. Thompson has forced the other side to settle my case and when the papers should be final soon. You should hire Mr. Thompson because the insurance companies know him and they know he will sue the law-breaking companies making your life miserable.
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What a Debt Settlement Lawyer Can Do for You

A debt settlement lawyer specializes in helping individuals and businesses negotiate with creditors to reduce or eliminate unsecured debts, such as credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans. These lawyers provide legal advice on debt relief options, represent you in negotiations, and protect your rights under consumer protection laws. By leveraging their expertise, a debt settlement lawyer can often secure more favorable terms than you might achieve on your own, potentially reducing the total amount owed and helping you avoid bankruptcy.

When Should I Hire a Debt Settlement Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a debt settlement lawyer in the following situations:

  • Overwhelming Debt: If you're struggling to make minimum payments on your debts or are facing significant financial hardship, a lawyer can help explore options to reduce your debt burden.
  • Creditor Harassment: If creditors or collection agencies are harassing you with frequent calls, letters, or threats, a lawyer can intervene to protect your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
  • Lawsuits from Creditors: If a creditor has filed a lawsuit against you for unpaid debts, a lawyer can represent you in court and negotiate settlements to prevent wage garnishment or asset seizure.
  • Complex Debt Situations: If your debts involve legal complexities, such as co-signers, joint accounts, or disputed charges, a lawyer can navigate these issues effectively.
  • Considering Bankruptcy: If you're contemplating bankruptcy but want to explore alternatives, a debt settlement lawyer can advise on whether debt settlement is a better option for your situation.
  • Protecting Assets: If you have significant assets you wish to protect from creditors, a lawyer can help structure settlements to safeguard your property.

Hiring a lawyer early can maximize your chances of a favorable outcome and prevent legal missteps that could worsen your financial situation.

What Does a Debt Settlement Lawyer Do?

A debt settlement lawyer provides a range of services to help you manage and reduce your debts:

  • Legal Consultation: Evaluates your financial situation, explains your rights, and advises on the best debt relief options, such as debt settlement, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy.
  • Negotiating with Creditors: Communicates with creditors and collection agencies on your behalf to negotiate reduced settlements, lower interest rates, or extended repayment terms.
  • Drafting Settlement Agreements: Prepares legally binding agreements that outline the terms of the settlement, ensuring that the creditor cannot pursue additional claims once the debt is settled.
  • Protecting Against Creditor Harassment: Uses legal tools to stop abusive collection practices and enforces your rights under consumer protection laws.
  • Representing You in Court: If creditors file lawsuits, the lawyer can defend you, potentially getting cases dismissed or negotiating settlements to avoid judgments.
  • Financial Planning Advice: Provides guidance on budgeting, managing expenses, and rebuilding credit after debt settlement.
  • Bankruptcy Alternatives: Helps you explore alternatives to bankruptcy, which can have long-term effects on your credit and financial opportunities.

How Are Debt Settlement Lawyers Paid?

Debt settlement lawyers typically charge for their services in one of the following ways:

  • Flat Fee: A set fee for specific services, such as negotiating with a single creditor or handling a straightforward settlement.
  • Hourly Rate: Charging an hourly fee for the time spent working on your case. Rates can range from $200 to $500 or more per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and location.
  • Percentage of Savings: Some lawyers charge a fee based on a percentage of the amount they save you in the settlement. For example, if they negotiate a $10,000 debt down to $6,000, they might charge 25% of the $4,000 saved.
  • Retainer Fee: An upfront payment from which the lawyer deducts fees as they work on your case. You may need to replenish the retainer if it is exhausted.
  • Payment Plans: Some lawyers offer payment arrangements to make their services more affordable, allowing you to pay the fee over time.

It's important to discuss payment structures and fees during your initial consultation to understand the total cost and ensure it fits within your budget.

How Much Does a Debt Settlement Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a debt settlement lawyer varies based on several factors:

  • Flat Fees: May range from $500 to $3,000 per creditor, depending on the complexity of the negotiations.
  • Hourly Rates: Typically between $200 and $500 per hour. Total costs depend on the amount of time required to settle your debts.
  • Percentage of Savings: Commonly 15% to 25% of the amount saved through negotiation. For example, if your lawyer saves you $10,000, their fee might be $1,500 to $2,500.
  • Retainer Fees: Initial retainers can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the anticipated workload.

Additional costs may include:

  • Court Fees: If legal action is necessary, such as filing motions or defending against lawsuits.
  • Administrative Fees: Charges for copying documents, postage, or other administrative tasks.

Always request a detailed fee agreement and discuss all potential costs upfront to avoid unexpected expenses.

Top Questions to Ask a Debt Settlement Lawyer

  1. What is your experience with debt settlement cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has a successful track record in negotiating debt settlements for clients with situations like yours.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated total costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including any upfront costs, percentages, or additional fees.
  3. What are the potential outcomes of my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of how much your debts could be reduced and the likelihood of successful negotiations.
  4. How long will the debt settlement process take?
    Get an estimated timeline for negotiations and resolution.
  5. Will you handle communications with all my creditors?
    Clarify whether the lawyer will negotiate with all your creditors or only specific ones.
  6. What happens if a creditor refuses to settle?
    Discuss alternative strategies if a creditor is uncooperative.
  7. How will debt settlement affect my credit score?
    Understand the potential impact on your credit and how to rebuild it afterward.
  8. Can you help protect me from creditor lawsuits or wage garnishment?
    Inquire about legal protections and how the lawyer can assist if creditors take legal action.

How to Check the Credibility of a Debt Settlement Lawyer

  • Verify Their License: Ensure the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state's bar association.
  • Experience and Specialization: Look for a lawyer who specializes in debt settlement or consumer debt law.
  • Client Reviews and Testimonials: Research online reviews or ask for references to learn about other clients' experiences.
  • Professional Memberships: Membership in organizations like the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) or local bar associations can indicate a commitment to the field.
  • Disciplinary Record: Check for any past disciplinary actions or complaints filed against the lawyer.
  • Consultation Feedback: Use the initial consultation to assess their communication style, professionalism, and confidence in handling your case.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a debt settlement lawyer, bring the following:

  • Detailed List of Debts: Include all creditors, account numbers, balances, interest rates, and any correspondence you've received.
  • Income and Expense Statements: Provide documentation of your income sources and monthly expenses to give the lawyer a clear picture of your financial situation.
  • Credit Reports: Obtain a recent copy of your credit report from all three major bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax).
  • Correspondence from Creditors: Bring any letters, notices, or legal documents you've received from creditors or collection agencies.
  • Legal Documents: If you've been served with lawsuits, summons, or wage garnishment orders, bring those documents.
  • Questions and Concerns: Prepare a list of questions about your options, the debt settlement process, and potential outcomes.
  • Budget Information: Be ready to discuss what you can realistically afford to pay toward settlements.

By being thoroughly prepared, you enable the lawyer to assess your situation effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your needs.

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