How to Fix My Credit With a Paralegal

You can obtain legal help to improve your credit.

Credit reporting has yet to become flawless, as a consumer might discover while reading her credit report. You may have successful experiences with creditors who will remove or revise incorrect information that is reported to this credit file, but in some cases you might seek legal help. A paralegal who specializes in debt management or credit repair could provide additional expertise to help fix your credit.

Instructions

1. Order your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com to determine which items you can fix (see Resources). Review collections, judgments, liens and other accounts that have a negative report. File a dispute online through the Annual Credit Report website regarding information that was reported incorrectly.

2. Locate the contact information for your creditors. Generally, you will find a phone number or an address for each creditor toward the end of your credit report. Call or write creditors who report collections or public records on your credit report, to negotiate a settlement. Offer to pay 30 percent of the full balance, then wait for the creditor to accept or counter your offer.

3. Find a law firm or paralegal service in your area that performs debt management services. Check your local directories and call a law firm you may have used before to get a referral (see Resources).

4. Hire a paralegal to help with the correction or removal of items that were reported erroneously on your credit report. Provide the paralegal with a copy of your credit report as well as details about payments or negotiations that you have made with creditors.

5. Assist the paralegal as needed. Send any items your paralegal requests to help fix your credit, such as payment receipts, credit letters or billing statements.

Tips & Warnings

• Beware of companies that may offer scams or fraudulent offers to repair bad credit. Ask for references and check Better Business Bureau records before providing personal information or making any payments for fixing your credit (see Resources).

References

• Federal Trade Commission: Credit Repair: How to Help Yourself
• Nolo: Avoiding Credit Card Debt

Resources

• Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.: Consumer Response Center
• Lexington Law: Credit Repair Service
• Better Business Bureau: Check Out a Business or a Charity
• Annual Credit Report: Request Your Free Report