Debt Relief Guides

The complete DIY process — what to say, when to call, how to negotiate, and how to get the written agreement that protects you. Covers scripts, timing, and common traps.

Got a court summons? Don't ignore it. This guide covers filing your Answer, checking the statute of limitations, and using an arbitration clause to change the economics of the case.

50-state chart showing how long collectors have to sue you for credit card, medical, and written contract debt. Includes choice-of-law rules and what resets the clock.

A charge-off doesn't erase your debt — it's an accounting move that leaves your legal obligation intact. Learn what actually changes, how it hits your credit, and what you can realistically do about it.

Received a 1099-C after settling? The insolvency exclusion on Form 982 can eliminate most or all of the tax — legally. Here's how to calculate it, claim it, and keep the right paperwork.

Settlement companies charge 15–25% of enrolled debt. See the real fee math, the 6-step vetting checklist to check any company before you sign, and the situations where hiring someone actually makes sense.