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Debt Consolidation vs. Bankruptcy

Los Angeles Debt Consolidation Lawyer

Debt Consolidation vs. Bankruptcy

Dealing with overwhelming debt can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, impacting various aspects of your life. When facing financial challenges, exploring the right debt relief option becomes crucial. Two common approaches individuals consider are debt consolidation and bankruptcy. Understanding the differences between these options is essential in making an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals.

If you are struggling with debt and looking for a way out, it is wise to explore your options. You have probably seen or heard advertisements for debt consolidation services that promise to work with your creditors to consolidate your debt and significantly lower your monthly payments. We urge you to use caution before contacting one of these services. Like most promises that sound too good to be true, they often are.

At RHM LAW LLP, we will help you explore all of the debt relief options available to you. We are a bankruptcy firm in Los Angeles, but we do not push our clients into bankruptcy if we do not think it is the best option for them. We are committed to helping our clients resolve their debt problems, achieving true debt relief, and avoiding potential debt consolidation scams.

Call us at (213) 344-0043 today for a 30-minute complimentary consultation with a Los Angeles bankruptcy lawyer. It could be your first step on the road to debt relief.

Is Debt Consolidation Right for You?

If you hire a debt consolidation service, the best-case scenario is that they will act in good faith and attempt to work with your creditors to consolidate your debt and negotiate lower payments. The question is: How are they going to get your creditors to go along with the plan?

In many cases, debt consolidation services have no leverage and no means of providing lenders with incentive to agree to a debt consolidation. If, after months of waiting, the company is not able to help you, you will be left with all of the debt plus months of interest and/or late fees. Plus, you probably paid good money to the debt consolidation service. More often than not, the fees are more excessive for less relief than a discharge in a bankruptcy.

The above scenario is based on the assumption the consolidation service is acting in good faith. Since these companies are largely unregulated, consumers are putting themselves at risk by handing money over to them. A bankruptcy law firm is backed by the power of the federal bankruptcy code. When you file for bankruptcy, you do not have to get your creditors to agree to the plan. It is enforced by the bankruptcy court.

Bankruptcy is not right for everyone, but those who it can help are usually at a disservice by hiring a debt consolidation attorney.

Debt Consolidation: Combining Debts for Manageability

Debt consolidation involves combining multiple debts into a single, more manageable payment. This is often achieved through various methods:

  • Debt Consolidation Loans: Obtaining a new loan to pay off existing debts, consolidating multiple payments into one with a potentially lower interest rate.
  • Balance Transfer Credit Cards: Transferring balances from high-interest credit cards to a card with a lower interest rate, simplifying payments.
  • Debt Management Plans (DMPs): Working with a credit counseling agency to negotiate lower interest rates and create a structured repayment plan.

Pros of Debt Consolidation:

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RHM LAW LLP

Meet Our Los Angeles Bankruptcy Specialists

Client Reviews

What Clients Say About Working With Us
    "These are top-notch pros that'll have your back. I cannot recommend them highly enough."
    Where to begin? I had a vile evil credit union repo my car over a misunderstanding, they wouldn't work with me even when I offered full payment plus repo fees (this was my first repo!) so I didn't know what to do. I met with a few lawyers but when I met with Simon he broke things down and gave me my options. I needed a car - so I filed BK and included the car to get it back. The evil credit union fought and Simon GOT ME MY CAR BACK!!! His team is amazing!!!! Maria Donna etc!!! These are top-notch pros that'll have your back. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Sincerely they saved my life. LA with no car!? ARGH!!!!!! *THANX ALL!!!!
    - Tim C.
    "He not only saved my house but also got rid of all my debt. They are not your typical attorneys and their creativity really allowed me to do things that other attorneys never mentioned in previous consults."
    Fantastic office! I want to thank Matt for taking his time with me and sincere in his assistance. He spent over an hour with me for free during our initial consult. I left knowing exactly what's needed. He not only saved my house but also got rid of all my debt. They are not your typical attorneys and their creativity really allowed me to do things that other attorneys never mentioned in previous consults. Affordable and Outstanding firm and thank you for all you have done! My family thanks you!
    - David K.
    "Matt and his staff conducted themselves with professionalism throughout the whole ordeal."
    I worked with Matt and his team for about a year to get through the paperwork shuffle and my personal experience was nothing short of fantastic. Legal situations have a tendency to get hairy, but Matt and his staff conducted themselves with professionalism throughout the whole ordeal. To keep it short, let's just say he under-promised and over-delivered.  Rarely would I ever say this about an attorney, but overall he was just a great guy. I would not hesitate to have him on my side of the courtroom again. World market is right across the street from his office and I even decided to get his staff a thank you / holiday gift card.  World market has excellent craft beer BTW, try the Einstock White Ale. They also validate parking. That just shows this isn't a fake review.
    - Dean C.
    "Without the support of pro bono attorneys we couldn't do all the work we need to do, and your firm in particular is outstanding."

    Thank you for your great work on behalf of Ms. Johnson. Without the support of pro bono attorneys we couldn't do all the work we need to do, and your firm in particular is outstanding.

    - Skip K.
    "Was very impressed with the comprehensive professionalism of the firm..."

    Was very impressed with the comprehensive professionalism of the firm, especially Matthew Resnik... I had suffered through the incompetence of two previous bk lawyers not to mention fees far greater than anticipated, without resolution. Having never gone through bk before, I did not realize how difficult it could be...then, my case was turned over to Mr. Resnik...almost immediately there was a marked positive difference. Where there was little to no communication, all of a sudden I am getting updates...regularly. Further, my case was finally discharged...yet, Mr. Resnik continues to communicate, offer assistance...and, has NEVER asked for additional fees, which I am sure he could have justified...much unlike the two previous attorneys with which I was dealing. I have no reservations, whatsoever, referring and recommending Matthew Resnik for any and all business or personal bk issues...or, other wise. I have no doubt that he will be transparent on helping you regardless of the problem. Good guy.. good firm... a wonderful experience!

    - G.L
    "They were thorough, extremely knowledgeable, wonderful to deal with, thoughtful, and really helped guide me through what was one of the toughest times in my life."
    Matt and his team are the best!!  They were thorough, extremely knowledgeable, wonderful to deal with, thoughtful, and really helped guide me through what was one of the toughest times in my life. I never felt judged or looked down on. They were efficient and really were lifesavers during this tough time. I can not recommend them highly enough!!!!
    - Rusty H.
    "We are very happy that you were able to accomplish the modification of our loan in such a short period of time. Thank you again for your professional service."

    Dear Mr. Resnik: We wanted to thank you for your professional handling of our loan modification with GMAC mortgage. We are very happy that you were able to accomplish the modification of our loan in such a short period of time. Thank you again for your professional service.

    - W and B Mejia
    "As the dank blanket of economic uncertainty continues to depress the hopes of many of us, I keep your business cards and number available for others."
    This is to thank you for the exceptional work of you and your fine staff. In managing my bankruptcy and loan modification, a nearly five-year effort, your performance was stellar. I never felt alone or adrift, key concerns in those circumstances. The outcome was outstanding. As the dank blanket of economic uncertainty continues to depress the hopes of many of us, I keep your business cards and number available for others. Without hyperbole, I can attest that you are present a beacon. Thank you so much.
    - K.C.
    "I filed bankruptcy with this firm 3 years ago and found that they are professional, friendly, and compassionate."
    I filed bankruptcy with this firm 3 years ago and found that they are professional, friendly, and compassionate. I also met with their loan modification department. Unfortunately, they were unable to help because of the type of loan that I have. I really appreciated that they did not lie, waste my time, or take my money in an attempt to modify a loan that was not doable. I've since used their firm for a couple of minor issues and found all of the attorneys to be knowledgeable and considerate. Attorneys Simon and Resnik are amazing!
    - Shannon J.

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