In Georgia, the cost of hiring a debt relief attorney typically ranges from $500 to $3,000, depending on the complexity of your case. For basic consultations or simpler negotiations, fees may fall on the lower end, while more involved cases requiring legal representation or multiple creditor negotiations can drive the cost up. Attorneys may also charge a flat fee or an hourly rate, which typically ranges between $100 and $400 per hour. Some attorneys offer free initial consultations and flexible payment plans, allowing clients to access legal help without upfront costs.

Do you find yourself struggling with debt? Your bills keep piling up, and you are getting farther behind with payments. You’ve tried everything you know to work with your creditors, but you are still making no headway.

When that’s the case, it could be time to consult with an experienced debt relief attorney for help. If you’re already struggling to pay bills, hiring a debt relief lawyer and incurring attorney fees can seem like an extravagant expense. You’ll need to know, how much does a debt relief attorney in Georgia charge?

 

 

What Does a Debt Relief Attorney Do?

Debt relief attorneys usually work with creditors to lower interest rates and payments to help settle such debts as unpaid medical bills and credit card debt. Your lawyer will manage the entire negotiation process with collection agencies and assist with documentation for debt settlement.

Usually, you start with a consultation which allows you to discuss your situation with your attorney and determine the outcome you want. Then, they should be able to help estimate how long it could take to settle your debts. Of course, the time it takes to settle things will depend on your creditors’ willingness to work with you and negotiate the terms of your business with them.

Note that some debt settlement companies seemingly offer the same debt relief services, including potential settlement with your creditors and debt collectors. However, keep in mind that a debt settlement company may not have the same legal background as a knowledgeable debt relief lawyer.

 

How Much Does a Debt Relief Attorney Charge in Georgia?

Many debt relief attorneys offer a consultation at low or no charge to help you determine which debt relief options are the best for your situation. At these consultations, attorneys typically seek information regarding your creditors and debts. They then explain your options based on the information you’ve provided. They will also usually explain their fee structure and how they determine those fees.

Fees for working with a debt relief attorney vary depending on how complex your debt profile is. Some cases allow attorneys to charge a flat fee depending on the work they do for you. However, it’s more likely that you will be charged by the hour. A typical hourly rate is around $275 per hour.

In most cases, an attorney will base their charges on the following:

• The scope of their work
• How much and what kind of debt do you have
• How hard will it be to get your creditors to settle your debt

Usually, fees are based on how much work the attorney has to do in terms of debt relief tasks. If you want to negotiate with creditors, you could be able to hire an attorney to handle that entire process. Alternatively, you could hire them to perform a specific task that relates to the negotiation. For example, the attorney could draft a settlement proposal.

 

 

Fee Structures for Debt Negotiation

Attorneys determine their fee structure based on a couple of factors, including the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct that govern lawyers. Here are a few of the ways they might assess their fees:

Flat Fees

An attorney could charge you a flat fee for the entire negotiation depending on how many creditors you deal with. Typically, an average flat fee can range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the negotiation process.

Fees Per Hour

Attorneys can charge you an hourly fee to negotiate for you. In this case, you might be allowed to pay as you go, or you may need to pay a retainer to start the negotiation process. A typical debt relief attorney’s fee ranges from $125 to $350 per hour, with around $275 being the average rate.

Fees Based on How Much Debt You Have

Sometimes, an attorney will base their fees on how much debt they have. In this case, the cost is usually a percentage of the debt you are asking them to negotiate.

Fees Based on How Much You Will Save

Your attorney could charge you a percentage of the amount of money you will save with your settlement. If your attorney bases their fees this way, your cost will increase with the amount of money you save. That means your attorney will have more incentive to negotiate the best settlement possible.

 

 

Unbundled Services

An unbundled service is a specific task you request an attorney to complete for a fee. For example, drafting a settlement proposal is an unbundled service that some debt relief attorneys perform. The attorney doesn’t negotiate the entire debt settlement process with an unbundled service. A settlement proposal letter can get the ball rolling for negotiation, but you will be responsible for handling the negotiation and debt settlement process.

The fees for these services will vary. They are dependent on the complexity of the task and whether the attorney enjoys providing unbundled services.

 

Things That Can Increase the Fees You Pay in Georgia

A few scenarios can cause a higher attorney’s fee. Those include:

• Your creditor has filed a lawsuit against you for the satisfaction of the debt.
• Your creditor has already obtained a judgment against you.
• You ask your attorney to modify the terms of secured debt, such as a mortgage or a car loan.

 

Do You Need a Debt Settlement Attorney in Georgia?

There are a number of scenarios in which you should seek legal help with debt relief right away:

Lawsuits

If you worry that a creditor might sue you to collect a debt, it’s time to consult a debt relief attorney. An attorney can help you negotiate with creditors to avoid a lawsuit. You particularly need an attorney if the lawsuit is regarding back taxes, child support payments, or medical bills.

Collections

Additionally, they may be able to help if your debt has been turned over for collections or if someone is coming after you for a debt that is already part of a bankruptcy.

Negotiations

Your debt relief attorney can negotiate payday loans, title loans, and other debts. They can also help you negotiate with creditors to avoid wage garnishment. If other debt relief actions don’t work, an attorney can help you determine if you should file for relief through bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy

If you’ve already determined you need to file for relief through bankruptcy, you absolutely need to hire an attorney. Bankruptcy is not something you should attempt to handle on your own. When an attorney files a bankruptcy petition, it will help to prevent such actions as wage garnishment and foreclosure. Remember, bankruptcy isn’t without consequences; it can significantly impact your credit for seven to ten years.

There are two options for bankruptcy in Georgia: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 is commonly thought of as a liquidation bankruptcy, and Chapter 13 is a consolidation bankruptcy.

 

 

Discuss Your Case With Our Experienced Debt Relief Attorney Today

Are you struggling with overwhelming debt and feeling like there’s no way out? Don’t allow a factor like debt settlement lawyer cost to stand in the way of financial recover. Debt settlement, debt management, and bankruptcy are all options that could be a good fit for debt relief in Georgia. A debt relief attorney can provide invaluable guidance and help you understand the complex legal landscape.

Don’t let debt control your life. At Morgan & Morgan, our experienced bankruptcy attorneys are here to help you find the relief you deserve. We offer free consultations to discuss your unique situation, so contact us to set up your appointment and explore your options.

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