The majority of debt collection and foreclosure lawsuits are won by creditors through default judgments - which simply means the creditor won the case because the defendant did not respond to the lawsuit.
Creditors love default judgments because these judgments often mean the creditor can take your property, garnish your wages, or levy your bank accounts - without ever having to fully prove their case. Default judgments can accrue interest at 9% per year and be enforced for up to 27 years in Illinois.
The first step to avoiding a default judgment is to meet with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your case, explain your rights and defenses, and guide you on how to proceed.
Residential real estate transactions and tax sales can be complex. Mistakes often cost buyers and sellers thousands of dollars, create unexpected legal liabilities, and ultimately put the transfer of ownership of the property at risk.
Attorneys that specialize in residential real estate transactions and tax sales can make sure that your deal goes smoothly and that all the paperwork is in order. An attorney can help a buyer or seller limit their risks, avoid unexpected costs, and manage the legal aspects of the process.
By using an experienced attorney to guide your real estate transaction, you gain peace of mind for everyone involved. Even the most seasoned home sellers, home buyers, and tax sale investors should consult an experienced attorney.
Creditors are often willing to negotiate debt settlements with borrowers because suing the borrower may be impractical, the borrower may file for bankruptcy, the amount of the debt owed is small, or there is low likelihood of repayment. There are even instances where a creditor is obligated to negotiate by law.
Borrowers often prefer debt settlement to other forms of debt planning because of the potential for savings, shorter timeline for repayment, and to avoid bankruptcy. Be careful of any debt settlement strategy that involves not making scheduled payments or agreeing to a high-interest consolidation loan.
The safest strategy for debt settlement is to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you determine if debt settlement is right for you, develop a personalized strategy, and guide you along the journey.