Debt settlement company files for bankruptcy!?

In the Irony Department, today a debt settlement company called Debt Relief USA filed for bankruptcy, according to an article in the Dallas Morning Herald.  And the further irony is that many of the debtors who turned to Debt Relief USA for help are now creditors, while Debt Relief USA is the debtor!

This of course begs the question:  If they had so much debt, why didn’t they take the same medicine they prescribe for their customers and go to a debt relief agency themselves?

The answer is that debt settlement companies are generally not a good option for most people.  And in the case of Debt Relief USA, they may be downright scamming their customers.  A search on Google quickly reveals that Debt Relief USA was already in trouble for shady practices, facing a lawsuit from the Illinois Attorney General and also entering into a settlement with the Georgia Governor’s Office for Consumer Affairs to pay back over $500,000 to clients as well as pick up a $40,000 tab for administrative costs incurred.

So now Debt Relief USA is enjoying all of the protections of the bankruptcy laws while its clients are learning first hand about the benefits of bankruptcy–but from the other side of the fence.

The lesson for New Yorkers facing financial problems is to find a good New York bankruptcy lawyer whom you trust.

• A good New York bankruptcy lawyer will always put your interests ahead of the lawyer’s own business interests.
• A good New York bankruptcy lawyer will help figure out if there are non-bankruptcy options available to you.
• A good New York bankruptcy lawyer will help you save money.
• And a good New York bankruptcy lawyer will understand the unique circumstances of your situation and be able to help you figure out when bankruptcy is your best option as well as how to make the bankruptcy laws work in your favor.

If you are facing debt problems in New York and are looking for answers to your questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.