Late night television is packed full of advertisements for debt settlement companies. Many people seeking debt relief options may be persuaded into using such services, some of which are not legitimate. In such cases many financially strapped people end up in worse financial condition.
The question is: is debt forgiveness legitimate? The short answer is: it depends.
Debt Forgiveness
The biggest problem to answering whether debt forgiveness or debt settlement is a legitimate process comes from the lack of definition. The industry lacks regulations that require a clear definition, which leaves room for companies to offer different types of services under its name. With so many different companies offering to settle your debts for “pennies on the dollar” or “erase debt overnight”, it is hard to know whether these options will provide the financial relief you are looking for in a way that is best for your situation.
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However, there are a few things to know when considering debt elimination options. First of all, bankruptcy is not the only way to financial freedom. Although it can be a valuable tool, bankruptcy is reserved for those that cannot afford to repay their debts or maintain their monthly payments. Secondly, debt settlement is possible, but finding the right company can be challenging.
Third Party Negotiations
A good rule of thumb when seeking debt relief options is to contact your creditor directly. Often, you can negotiation a debt settlement plan with your creditor directly. In many cases, negotiations involve changing the terms and conditions of the existing account, which means a new contract must be formed. Problems in debt settlement are often the result of using a third party mediator and not being able to ensure the new contract of modified conditions was approved by the creditor.

