Hello Everyone, Thanks for reading. I'm writing today to ask if anyone can refer a good, affordable attorney. About 2 years ago, I acquired a debt consolidation loan in order to get a handle on my finances. During this time period several events happened that well, caused me to default and I've been unable to make my required monthly payments. About 8 - 10 months ago I enrolled in credit counseling and had this loan lumped into other debt that my husband and I have been working very hard to eliminate. 2008 was not a good year for us and I had to cancel this program, again, not being able to make payments to this loan. Well today, 1/3/09 I received papers that the bank I obtained the loan from has filed suit against me. Needless to say this is not what I thought 2009 would be like. My husband and I don't make alot of money and are still working hard to pay off debt. I'm scared, most notably that they might take my house away. If anyone has a good lawyer they can refer or if anyone has gone through this, please advise your thoughts and referrals. Thanks so much!
Thank you to all of you who have responded. We have contacted a few attorneys whom you have referred and have appointments scheduled for this week. It sounds like our best option for now, may just be to file for bankruptcy. We will know more by the end of the week. Has anyone else had a personal experience with bankruptcy? If so how has it affected you and your family? Thanks again for all of your help. I am so greatful to all of you mama's who lent an ear and were/are willing to share your advice and experiences! Thank you again!
I have some friends that are attorneys here locally. Trent and Tiffany Wright. They both have their own firms here in town. Tiffany Wright @ Davidge and Wright ###-###-#### or Trent Wright @ Wright Law ###-###-####. They may be able to help you or direct in the right direction. Good luck...
I don't have an attorney recommendation. Sorry. I would recommend you visite Dave Ramsey's website at www.daveramsey.com and tune him in weekdays 1-4pm on 570am KLIF. He has financial counselors as well as local providers. Good luck.
Dave Ramsey, Dave Ramsey, Dave Ramsey, Dave Ramsey! Please go to daveramsey.com and I would also strongly recommend purchasing one of his books. I started with Financial Peace, but I am not sure it is still in print. You could try half price books, although I would be willing to bet not many people let go of their Dave Ramsey books. :-) His Total Money Makeover book would REALLY help you and your husband. The tools and advice this man has to offer will change your life and the way you manage your finances. Good luck and blessings to you and your family.
Hi A., the only thing they can do is get a judgement against you. In Texas, consumers are very protected from creditors. They cannot garnish your wages, they cannot take your house, two vehicles, etc. As Sandy stated below, unless you took out a home equity loan-your house is safe. If you don't have much extra things i.e. a boat, etc you will be fine. Again, consumers are very protected in Texas agianst creditors. I would recommend you go online and look up judgements, bankruptcy to see whats all protected. Good luck.
A. - You need to get Dave Ramsey's program. I don't have a good attorney to refer you to - but regardless of whatever defense you acquire, you need the tools to learn how to manage your money, get out of debt and build savings at the same time. If you go through this process without gaining those tools for yourself, you will find yourself right here in the same spot over and over again. You owe it to yourself and your family to be smart - and to control your money instead of allowing it to control you. My husband and I took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University program and it has changed our lives. We are paying down debt rapidly - we are building savings at the same time, every dollar that comes in is ear marked and named - we successfully pulled Christmas off on a budget and this program has removed the stress of worrying about money.
I hate to say that going the consolidation route and then taking loans to pay off your debt were not smart decisions, all you did was transfer your debt and the banks are continuing to make money off of your money, causing you to owe more than if you would have just paid your debts directly.
Start with your four walls. Stop paying your credit card bills. Captial One (or whoever) is not going to lose their house...you can pay them later. The most important thing is mainting your FOUR WALLS - that means your home, utilities, food and vehicle. Those are MUSTS for living. Nothing is more important. The rest can be handled once you take a look at what you have coming in, going out and then you dig out, one baby step at a time.
I don't think debt consolidators can take your house - you'll need to read the terms of your loan to see exactly what you allowed them to leverage. Either way, it's time to take a good hard look at how you found yourself in this position - AND CHANGE IT. Change it now - you owe your children security.
I am sure this feels totally overwhelming to you right now - but if you will take the time to learn how to regain control (instead of allowing the bankers control you) you will feel more in control everyday with a good solid plan. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. That simple.
daveramsey.com
Get on it. It's never too late.
Good luck,
J
I would recommend calling into the Dave Ramsey show and asking him what your options are. He is very knowledgeable. He comes on daily on verizon services, I'm not sure about other services, but I am sure you could google him and find out when he is on and what # to call.
Good luck!
Glad to see others already told you - Dave Ramsey Dave Ramsey Dave Ramsey. It won't change your life overnight but it will change your life. Check out the website, go to the library and check out the book, listen to his radio show, just check it out. And good luck, I know it seems like things are impossible right now but they will turn around.
I recommend you talk to a consumer attorney that can also advise you about the potential for bankruptcy. I have sent a number of people to Nancy Ridgway for such matters and they were very happy. You can find her in the yellow pages; she offices at 9441 LBJ Frwy.
If you make your house payments, they cannot take your house. Texas protects homeowners from losing their homes due to credit problems. Unless of course the debt consolidation loan was a home equity loan. Nancy can help you and can explain what the process is for dealing with the pending lawsuit; you may be able to work something out with the creditor. Good luck, and know that there are many many people suffering similar difficulties right now.
Call Legal Debt Relief 877-332-8357 or ###-###-####. I know they can help you.
Call the Dave Ramsey show tomorrow. It's on 570am from 1-4pm M-F in the DFW area. You can find his number on his website which is daveramsey.com. You might find some basic principles on his site, and while I would recommend his books and financial peace class, these will not help you immediately and immediate help is what you need. Call his show and he can give you immediate and practical advice on how to proceed, how to prioritize your financial mess that you're dealing with, and let you know what kind of legal advice, if any, you need to pursue with. Hope that helps!
Texas is a homestead state. They cannot take your house away from you unless you default on your mortgage or fail to pay your taxes. The most they can do if they get a judgment against you is to put a lien on your property which would have to be paid at the time you sell the property.
Pre Paid Legal is a good place to start. If you want to email me off list, I'll give you a website to look at.
____@____.com
My husband is an attorney and he recommends Don Rector. You might try to reach him at ____@____.com paralegal is Theresa Clark, ____@____.com might also look up the law firm, Glast Phillips and Murray in the phonebook. They are a good, reputable firm, located in the Galleria Towers.
Good luck :)
Unless you default on your mortgage or your property taxes they cannot take your house. Good luck to you.
I'm not sure where you're located, but Jay Bailey at Bailey & Galyen in Bedford is the best. He is a good man and they have payment plans for fees. His phone is ###-###-####. Do be sure and ask for Jay because they have several attorneys there. You might also ask for Jim Ince if Jay is not available. Jim is a great person as well.
Good luck -
D. Kimbriel
Family Law Attorney and grandma
Please check your personal messages. I sent you some info.
