Ugh lack of karma or something isn't getting me answers, so I'm hoping people will be able to view this:
I appreciate all the help and advice you guys can provide. Before anyone asks, I have tried a free legal clinics around me and I unfortunately make just a little too much to qualify (which is bizarre because I qualify for SNAP/EBT) for their help, or they're just so behind with existing clients, and I really can't afford to retain a lawyer at this time.
- State: GA
- Original debt (from 2019 + interest/fees): $8,450
- Settlement I offered: $4000 split into 12 payments of $350 (final payment $370)
- Lawyer's counter (and they claim this is the lowest their client will accept): $5300 w/ $350 monthly.
- It's important to note that the original creditor has taken me to court (received summons on December 27 for my county's magistrate court), so suffice to say they're serious about collecting.
So my questions are:
- Just because a lawyer says it's their lowest offer, does that preclude me from countering with a lower one? Say $4500? Or will that simply stall discussions?
- If I can't counter and have to accept, I'd like to do it on my terms. What should I have them include in the settlement offer?
- Any particular language I should include when it comes to the civil suit (ie. being dropped/removed from my record? Not at all sure how that works)
- Can I ask that the original debt be marked as paid in full for the 3 credit bureaus once all payments have been made? Or is that asking too much? I want to be realistic. I'd only ask for this if I was accepting their "lowest offer"
- Anything else you can think of?
Thanks in advance!
Submitted January 11, 2022 at 09:20AM by ThrowAway902109999 https://ift.tt/3niVJJo
